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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class


 
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Mercedes has officially unveiled the third generation M-Class, a model that not only features an impressive exterior and interior design update, but also low fuel consumption and emission figures - about 25% lower than in the previous model.

On the US market, the new M-Class will be go on sale in September 2011 and will include two models: ML350 4MATIC and ML350 BlueTEC. Both models are powered by a completely reworked 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering two different power figures. The ML350 4 Matic will pump out 302 HP, while the ML350 BlueTec will deliver 240 HP.

Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, commented: "The M-Class embodies all the automotive experience that we have accumulated over 125 years and thus represents – in short – a quantum leap in terms of efficiency, safety, agility, driving enjoyment and design!"

UPDATE 07/13/2011: Mercedes USA has announced the prices and option list for the 2012 ML-Class that will go on sale next month. US customers will have to choose between two models: the ML350 4Matic priced at $49,865 and the ML350 BlueTec 4Matic diesel priced at $51,365. Mercedes is also offering a several packages, including a Premium 1 Package ($3,600), a Premium 2 Package (5,450), a Dynamic Handling Package ($5,150), a Lighting Package ($1,290), a Lane Tracking Package ($850), and a Driver Assistance Package ($2,950). Hit the jump for the full price list.

Hit the jump to read more the 2012 Mercedes M-Class.


Exterior

The third generation brings an optimized design of the front bumper, A-pillars, and the roof spoiler, plus numerous other detailed improvements. Those improvements include sealing around the radiator section, sealed joints between the hood and the headlamps, front wheel spoilers, air outlets in the front wheel well liners, redesigned exterior mirror housings, optimized roof spoiler, underfloor and engine compartment paneling, and aerodynamically optimized light-alloy wheels.

For the front, the M-Class will receive a new radiator grille with a centrally positioned Mercedes star, new styling of the headlamps with LED daytime running lamps set in chrome inserts integrated into the bumpers, and a deeper, broad, chrome-effect skid plate.

On the rear, the Mercedes gets two-part taillights with LED fiber-optic technology and a lowered roof with large roof spoiler and a rear bumper, which features an integrated chrome load sill guard in a new "wing design." The chrome finish of other product features, such as the roof rails, the beltline trim stri,p and the load compartment handle, emphasize the high quality appeal of the exterior. And the final piece is a new set of 19" Twin-Spoke alloy wheels through to 20-inch wheels with an elegant, high-quality appeal.

Starting next year, the US market will also receive an ON&OFFROAD package that uses a range of six transmission modes to optimize driving dynamics and handling safety and to ensure that the necessary drive control is available to cope with the very different driving conditions on and off-road. One automatic mode, two dedicated off-road modes, and three on-road modes are available.

Interior

The interior room has been increased so that it now offers more elbow room than its predecessor (1.34 inches more in the front, .98 inches in the rear). The instrument panel receives wood trim that is continued along the doors in a seamless wrap-around effect. Customers will have to choose between four high-quality wood finishes, or aluminum variations.

The door handles and seat adjustment switches have been inset with precision craftsmanship into the side trim. The door center panels feature distinctive decorative stitching, with a separate, exclusive look for the optional Sports package.

There are three colors available for the interior appointments: black, almond beige, and gray. In conjunction with the Sport Interior package, the combination of DINAMICA microfiber and black M-B TEX man-made leather, or premium leather and black two-tone leather is also available.

Engine

For the US market, the Mercedes M-Class will include the ML350 4MATIC and ML350 BlueTEC. Both models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, but deliver two different power outputs. The BlueTEC models uses the innovative TWAS (twinwire- arc spraying) technology that reduces internal friction in the engine significantly. In this version, the engine delivers a total of 240 HP and 455 lbft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 20 city 25 highway.

The 4MATIC model comes with the new BlueDIRECT engine generation. The key is direct gasoline injection system with spray-guided combustion and new piezo injectors that have an injection pressure of 2,900 psi, together with fast, multi-spark ignition and a new combustion process. This model delivers a total of 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and has an estimated fuel economy of 17/22.

The two models will be offered with a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a more fuel-efficient torque converter, friction optimized bearings, and a transmission oil thermal management system. Low-friction axle drives and electromechanical steering also contribute in reducing fuel consumption.

Prices

On the US market, the new generation Mercedes M-Class will go on sale in September 2011. US customers will have to choose between two models: ML350 4Matic priced at $49,865 and ML350 BlueTec 4Matic diesel priced at $51,365.

Packages

Premium 1 Package $3,600

  • Rearview Camera
  • Power folding, auto dimming mirrors
  • Driver memory with Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
  • COMAND System w/ hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather
  • iPod / MP3 Media Interface
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • 10GB music register
  • Enhanced voice control
  • Double sun visors
  • 115V AC power outlet


Premium 2 Package $5,450

  • Premium 1 package contents plus:
  • Heated & cooled cup holders*
  • harman/kardon LOGIC7® Surround-Sound System w/ Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Rear storage compartment
  • KEYLESS-GO
  • Multi-color Ambient lighting*

Dynamic Handling Package $5,150

  • Adaptive Damping System
  • ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM*
  • AIRMATIC Air Suspension
  • 20″ Twin 5-spoke Alloy Wheel

Lighting Package $1,290

  • Headlamp cleaning system
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist*
  • Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
  • Corner Illuminating lamps

Lane Tracking Package $850

  • Blind Spot Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist*

Driver Assistance Package $2,950

  • DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake*
  • Active Blind Spot Assist*
  • Active Lane Keeping Assist*

Options

  • Full leather seating ($1,620)
  • Burl walnut wood trim (TBD)
  • PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist* ($970)
  •  Wood /Leather multifunction steering wheel ($590)
  • Power panorama sunroof* ($1,090)
  • Heated steering wheel ($225)
  • Trailer hitch ($550)
  • Stainless steel running boards w/ rubber studs ($670)
  • Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,970)
  • Rear Seat Entertainment System Pre-Wiring ($240)
  •  Heated rear seats ($620)
  • KEYLESS-GO ($650)

Competition

2.

The two biggest competitors for the new M-Class will continue to be the BMW X5 and the [Audi Q7->http://www.topspeed.com/carBMW X5 comes with a choice of either a V8 or a straight six-cylinder. The BMW X5 xDrive50i is powered by a V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo that delivers a total of 407 HP, while the X5 xDrive35i is powered by a Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo that delivers a total of 306 HP.

The Audi Q7 is offered with a choice of three new V6 engines (two gasoline and one diesel). The entry level is powered by a supercharged V6 engine that develops a total of 272 HP and 295.02 lb-ft of toque, while the 3.0 TFSI delivers a total of 333 HP and 324.53 lb-ft of torque.


 Improved engines
 Better look
 Impressive interior

 No diesel for the US Market



15 comments: Mercedes-Benz M-Class


Ronald_james (415)
Posted on
12.28.2011 @ 02:26
Its optimized front design is so perfect on this M-class! Even the technology on its interior is very interesting either, but I have to agree with them, that its rival can offer a more powerful engine than on this one.

harry_bright (325)
Posted on
12.15.2011 @ 01:14
This M-Class is really one of my favorite SUV here in Mercedes. Well, for me, it doesn’t truly matter if there are lots of vehicle out there, which is more powerful than on it, but I would still prefer to have it.

RedBarracuda (526)
Posted on
12.14.2011 @ 03:25
Well, just like them, I also admire the classy and entertaining interior of this Mercedes, and they are right that it doesn’t matter if there are more powerful vehicles out there for.

Matte_claire (537)
Posted on
12.12.2011 @ 04:16
I love the dressed-up interior of this vehicle, and I really admire its navigation system even its center console! Moreover, I’m glad that they use an impressive and efficient engine for this SUV.

Lilia_Endrizzi (416)
Posted on
11.23.2011 @ 23:17
The M - class really looks very cool with its aggressive appearance. However, I’m not so impressed with its 20, 17 mpg for city. Anyway, I also noticed that it had a comfortable interior which is one of its best features.

Evan_Bruce (468)
Posted on
11.23.2011 @ 00:44
The packaged of this vehicle is really so awesome for it! I also noticed that its mileage only adds more aggressive and appealing looks of it. However, I still find its competitor more powerful.

Audilicious (570)
Posted on
11.21.2011 @ 23:18
This Mercedes vehicle is still looking so cool in spite of having only a simple detailing. I’m also glad that it can offer an impressive interior feature. However, I’m not satisfied with the engine output of it.

aaron_lexus (694)
Posted on
11.16.2011 @ 22:23
It looks like their AMG vehicle, but anyway, I’m also so impressed on this car, and it really looks very attractive and elegant on its aesthetic design. The improvement of its engine is great as well.

Nilde_Mazzi (423)
Posted on
11.13.2011 @ 22:57
The whole package of this SUV is truly very awesome! The interior of this vehicle is absolutely so impressive, and I must say that this is what everyone wants to have for their car. smiley

Lilia_Endrizzi (416)
Posted on
11.9.2011 @ 03:51
I love the packages that this M-class offered! smiley Well, they are right that this one is absolutely had an impressive and awesome exterior and interior feature, and the engine upgrades on it is so great to hear.

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year:2012
Displacement:3000 Cc
MPG(Cty):20
Transmission:seven-speed automatic
Engine:V6
Horse Power @ RPM:240, 302
MPG(Hwy):25


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