The brand-new M-Class SUV makes its on-road debut in the U.S. this week. The 2012 M-Class represents the third generation of a highly successful Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle that began the industry trend toward SUVs with a more car-like ride.
According to the press release (New Generation Mercedes M-Class Hits the Trail; July 11, 2011 – GREENOUGH, MT) Mercedes-Benz USA is holding prices steady on the first two models of the new generation M-class crossover. So the U.S.-built luxury SUV is ready to give more, without charging for it.
Mercedes-Benz initially offers this new model in two versions: the gas-sipping ML 350, which has a starting MSRP of $49,865 and the diesel-drinking BlueTec ML 350, which will cost you $51,365 (*including destination). Both versions of the 2012 M-Class get a new front-end that features the familiar three-pointed star, an encroaching chrome “skid plate” and a set of LED daytime running lights.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class features an updated power source. The ML 350 is motivate by a new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine, which produces 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Also new is the seven-speed automatic transmission to which the motor pairs. If you prefer diesel to traditional gasoline, the ML 350 BlueTec boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that’s rated at 240 horses and an impressive 455 lb-ft of torque. Both M-Class variants come standard with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
This new model also benefits from upgrades to its interior. The full list of standard features is quite impressive in length while the available options are equally impressive – especially the iPad docking stations built into the front headrests.
“The positioning for this vehicle is ‘more of everything.’ The new exterior is more distinctive and aggressive, and the new interior is also really impressive,” said Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA, of Montvale, N.J.
Source: Mercedes-Benz and Autoblog
