On the US market since the 2012 model year, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class is about to get its mid-cycle refresh, which will bring significant revisions inside and out.

Expected to break cover in the fourth quarter of the year, the facelifted 2015 M-Class will gain new front and rear fascias that include not only reshaped bumpers and grille, but a pair of redesigned headlamps and a revamped hood as well.

Although our most recent spy shots->ke166 show an SUV->ke145 that features the already available taillights, these are likely to be replaced with updated units once the prototype becomes a production model.

Moving into the cabin, the most important update Mercedes-Benz has in store for the M-Class is a much larger infotainment system placed on top of the center console and a new, three-spoke steering wheel. Both features are already available on the all-new C-Class sedan, and will remain with the SUV until a fourth-generation model is conceived on a clean sheet of paper.

As far as powertrains are concerned, existing engines are likely to receive some updates, but word has it a new hybrid->ke147 model is also in the works.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

Spy shots

The facelifted M-Class will, once again, compete against similar vehicles built by Mercedes’ German rival — we’re obviously referring to the BMW X5. html] and the Audi Q7. The X5 former is already available as a brand-new iteration, with updates inside and out and a choice of three engines, including a turbodiesel.

The latter, however, has yet to show itself, with Audi still testing a redesigned Q7 that’s supposed to be lighter and a bit smaller when compared to the current, eight-year-old model.

Third-Generation Mercedes M-Class

The third-generation M-Class was launched Stateside in September 2011 in two flavors. Both the ML350 4MATIC and BlueTEC were motivated by a new 3.0-liter V6 engine with power figures ranging between 240 and 302 horsepower.

Priced from $49,865 back then, the 2012 M-Class was offered with an array of packages meant to enhance the cabin and the driving experience.

The current generation M-Class proved to be quite popular with U.S. customers, as Mercedes-Benz->ke187 delivered more than 40,000 units last year. In fact, the SUV's sales have increased constantly since 2009.