While we already featured images of the new-for-2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the press release describing the improvements for the Tuscaloosa, Alabama-built SUV has just been released. The restyling looks to be fairly thorough, with the ML borrowing cues from several different Mercedes models. We can see SLS AMG in the grille, with CLS in the headlights, and E-class in the taillights.
Like the exterior, the cabin of the M-Class is getting a welcomed update. We especially like the new four-spoke steering wheel, with its wood, leather, and aluminum presenting a classy piece of styling. The center stack looks to have been revised as well, with a cleaner interface overall. Other changes include the leather seats, which look to boast contrasting piping and stitching.
The big news comes on the engine front, with only two engines being mentioned here. The ML350 Bluetec soldiers on, although with a more powerful turbodiesel V-6 that now generates 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to the old engine that only netted 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque). Besides the oil-burner, a gas-powered V-6, with direct injection powers the ML350 4Matic. With 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on tap, it represents a nice jump from the old car’s 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, there is no mention of the V-8-powered ML550, the hybrid ML450, or the fire-breathing ML63 AMG.
There’s a good bit of information in this press release, but two of the most important pieces have been left out, namely, pricing and availability. Once we get that information, we’ll be sure to pass it on. In the mean time, check out the attached gallery to get a look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Mercedes-Benz.
New-Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hits the Trail
The all-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.
While the dramatically styled 2012 M-Class sits about 3/4-inch lower than the previous model, the new SUV is nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. This eye-catching interpretation of a modern SUV makes a strong presence that projects trend-setting design and quality.
Mercedes-Benz begins the 2012 model year with two M-Class models - the thrifty ML350 BlueTEC diesel now has considerably more power (240 horsepower, 455 lb.-ft. of torque), while the popular ML350 4MATIC is equipped with a brand new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.).
A Bold Face
The nose of the 2012 M-Class is dominated by a bold front grille that holds the familiar three-pointed star logo in the center, while a chrome skid plate curves from the front bumper up toward the grille. Bracketing the front grille, newly designed headlights are flush-mounted in the fenders. New LED daytime running lights are recessed in the front bumper.
Sweeping Side Proportions
Its bold proportions are defined by a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs. The lines along the sides appear stretched, including a high belt line accented with stainless-steel trim, and its roof line slopes down toward the rear, emphasizing the sportiness of the new M-Class. Striking chrome luggage rails run the length of the roof. Reminiscent of previous M-Class models, an angled C-pillar distinguishes the SUV from its competitors.
A Contemporary Cockpit
The dynamic interior design of the new M-Class underscores the spacious width of its new cabin and fosters a sense of well-being with elegant high-quality materials and attention to detail. Interior trim includes wood and aluminum elements with controls in a silver shadow finish. Soothing ambient lighting, which can be switched between 3 different colors, is available as part of the optional Premium 2 package.
A sporty, four-spoke steering wheel frames a hooded twin-gauge instrument cluster. The left gauge houses the analog speedometer and fuel gauge, while a tachometer and coolant temperature gauge are on the right bridged by a 4.5-inch screen that can display a wide range of useful information, including a trip computer and GPS navigation directions.
The steering wheel holds paddles for shifting the transmission manually and multifunction buttons for scrolling through menus on the driver’s display. The buttons can also adjust the audio volume, make and take phone calls, or activate the voice control system. Newly-designed stalks on the steering column for turn signals, highbeams, wipers, cruise control and transmission mode make the new SUV easier than ever to drive.
COMAND and Control
Perched at the top center of the dashboard in order to minimize driver distraction, a seven-inch COMAND display is bordered by large swiveling air vents. The new head unit comes with a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, SD card slot, and an MP3 compatible CD /DVD player as well as a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, HD/AM/weatherband radio, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner and a USB port hidden in the storage compartment of the center console.
An optional hard-drive-based GPS navigation system offers many new features, including a 3D display, a compass overlay, dynamic route guidance, the ability to show alternate routes plus the functionality to record routes while driving. Also optional, a Sirius-XM feature can provide real-time traffic and weather information on the navigation map.
New Transmission
The 2012 M-Class line also features a new transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-drag ATF fluid, colored blue instead of the usual red.
302-Horsepower V6 Engine for the ML350 4MATIC
With 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, the 3.5-liter V6 engine has 13 percent more power than last year. Assembled in an entirely new block with 60-degree cylinder angles, the latest V6 doesn’t need a balance shaft for smooth operation. Like its predecessor, the new engine has aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.
Direct Fuel Injection
The new V6 engine makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels - electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers rather than indirect port fuel injection most gasoline engines used in the past. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape instantly when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
US Auto Enterprises is an organization of informants that will handle all your needs, through dealerships to the transportation. We can have your brand new car deliver directly to your door! We have a wide variety of automobiles to choose from, we can save you thousands on the car of your dream. Let US Auto Enterprises uncover all of the hidden dealer cash, with absolutely no hassle. Call 1-888-705-6787 or 1-561-577-8386
US Auto Enterprises
1-888-705-6787
www.usautoenterprises.com
sales@usautoenterprises.com
Like the exterior, the cabin of the M-Class is getting a welcomed update. We especially like the new four-spoke steering wheel, with its wood, leather, and aluminum presenting a classy piece of styling. The center stack looks to have been revised as well, with a cleaner interface overall. Other changes include the leather seats, which look to boast contrasting piping and stitching.
The big news comes on the engine front, with only two engines being mentioned here. The ML350 Bluetec soldiers on, although with a more powerful turbodiesel V-6 that now generates 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to the old engine that only netted 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque). Besides the oil-burner, a gas-powered V-6, with direct injection powers the ML350 4Matic. With 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on tap, it represents a nice jump from the old car’s 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, there is no mention of the V-8-powered ML550, the hybrid ML450, or the fire-breathing ML63 AMG.
There’s a good bit of information in this press release, but two of the most important pieces have been left out, namely, pricing and availability. Once we get that information, we’ll be sure to pass it on. In the mean time, check out the attached gallery to get a look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Mercedes-Benz.
New-Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hits the Trail
The all-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.
While the dramatically styled 2012 M-Class sits about 3/4-inch lower than the previous model, the new SUV is nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. This eye-catching interpretation of a modern SUV makes a strong presence that projects trend-setting design and quality.
Mercedes-Benz begins the 2012 model year with two M-Class models - the thrifty ML350 BlueTEC diesel now has considerably more power (240 horsepower, 455 lb.-ft. of torque), while the popular ML350 4MATIC is equipped with a brand new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.).
A Bold Face
The nose of the 2012 M-Class is dominated by a bold front grille that holds the familiar three-pointed star logo in the center, while a chrome skid plate curves from the front bumper up toward the grille. Bracketing the front grille, newly designed headlights are flush-mounted in the fenders. New LED daytime running lights are recessed in the front bumper.
Sweeping Side Proportions
Its bold proportions are defined by a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs. The lines along the sides appear stretched, including a high belt line accented with stainless-steel trim, and its roof line slopes down toward the rear, emphasizing the sportiness of the new M-Class. Striking chrome luggage rails run the length of the roof. Reminiscent of previous M-Class models, an angled C-pillar distinguishes the SUV from its competitors.
A Contemporary Cockpit
The dynamic interior design of the new M-Class underscores the spacious width of its new cabin and fosters a sense of well-being with elegant high-quality materials and attention to detail. Interior trim includes wood and aluminum elements with controls in a silver shadow finish. Soothing ambient lighting, which can be switched between 3 different colors, is available as part of the optional Premium 2 package.
A sporty, four-spoke steering wheel frames a hooded twin-gauge instrument cluster. The left gauge houses the analog speedometer and fuel gauge, while a tachometer and coolant temperature gauge are on the right bridged by a 4.5-inch screen that can display a wide range of useful information, including a trip computer and GPS navigation directions.
The steering wheel holds paddles for shifting the transmission manually and multifunction buttons for scrolling through menus on the driver’s display. The buttons can also adjust the audio volume, make and take phone calls, or activate the voice control system. Newly-designed stalks on the steering column for turn signals, highbeams, wipers, cruise control and transmission mode make the new SUV easier than ever to drive.
COMAND and Control
Perched at the top center of the dashboard in order to minimize driver distraction, a seven-inch COMAND display is bordered by large swiveling air vents. The new head unit comes with a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, SD card slot, and an MP3 compatible CD /DVD player as well as a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, HD/AM/weatherband radio, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner and a USB port hidden in the storage compartment of the center console.
An optional hard-drive-based GPS navigation system offers many new features, including a 3D display, a compass overlay, dynamic route guidance, the ability to show alternate routes plus the functionality to record routes while driving. Also optional, a Sirius-XM feature can provide real-time traffic and weather information on the navigation map.
New Transmission
The 2012 M-Class line also features a new transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-drag ATF fluid, colored blue instead of the usual red.
302-Horsepower V6 Engine for the ML350 4MATIC
With 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, the 3.5-liter V6 engine has 13 percent more power than last year. Assembled in an entirely new block with 60-degree cylinder angles, the latest V6 doesn’t need a balance shaft for smooth operation. Like its predecessor, the new engine has aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.
Direct Fuel Injection
The new V6 engine makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels - electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers rather than indirect port fuel injection most gasoline engines used in the past. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape instantly when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
US Auto Enterprises is an organization of informants that will handle all your needs, through dealerships to the transportation. We can have your brand new car deliver directly to your door! We have a wide variety of automobiles to choose from, we can save you thousands on the car of your dream. Let US Auto Enterprises uncover all of the hidden dealer cash, with absolutely no hassle. Call 1-888-705-6787 or 1-561-577-8386
US Auto Enterprises
1-888-705-6787
www.usautoenterprises.com
sales@usautoenterprises.com
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