2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

There has been a continuous improvement in all the models of the Mercedes Benz line and with the advent of Technology the M series of Mercedes make a mark in the market. With the 2012 M-class, Mercedes is not aiming to make a great shift in terms of the exterior design, all it is doing is to make the model look more glamorous. At a glance you will notice that this SUV has a different tale to spin.

The crispy look with an overall masculine look and appeal in a style makes it appealing. The M-class was often critiqued for its design. Mercedes Benz has added innovative ideas and after investing billions of dollars on the project, the M-Class has come up with the desired result.

Performance

The M-class comes with two V-6 engines with a 3.5 liter turbo-diesel facility. This is something unique, which was not achieved in past 10 years. The gas engine comprises of 302 HP with a fuel economy described for the city and highway separately. The city speed was 17 mpg while the highway speed goes to 22. Both the numbers have gone up by 2 mpg which is an added feature.

There is a direct-injection process and has new injection formulas. Mercedes Benz left no room for any misfit when it offered the M-class SUV to the audiences. The chassis of this new updated version of M class has been made with more high-tensile steel and is longer and wider than its predecessor. This model came with Aluminum components and, which gave it a benefit is shedding almost 60 pounds of the extra weight. The brand-new gasoline and the diesel engine give it a better fuel economy, and the control air suspension system provides a proper damping effect.

Interior

The interior has a more luxurious look, a powerful lift-gate and more number of airbags inside. The safety section too was kept on proper a vigil and was provide a more compact view.

Highlights

The standard model of 3.5L V6 obtains a direct injection to increase the power to 302HP and the fuel economy too increases by 17/22 mpg in city and highways respectively. The blue TEC diesel model id more enhanced in terms of efficiency and provides a 20/25 mpg of fuel efficiency.

The Competition

There are many SUVs that vie for the peoples attention. Among those in close competition with the M Class are: the Land Rover LR4 (MSRP $48,900; 12 city / 17 hwy), Audi Q7 (MSRP $46,250; 16 city / 22 hwy), and the Lexus GX460 (MSRP $53,245; 15 city / 20 hwy). The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (MSRP $54,470; 12 city / 18 hwy) is another that is highly priced among others.

Pros & Cons

The new ML series is considered as an optimum choice between luxury and safety. It is difficult to pick up any area where this model is superior but the improvements are significant. It would be seen soon with all parking lots being packed with this model from nose-to-tail.

Most of the reviewers have noted that the M-class series has almost all the features from the S-Class counterpart in terms of the safety features including lane assisting feature, Blind spot assistance and knee airbags. One important aspect was that all the features were included with several innovations but the price was kept quite steady and there was no fluctuations happening in it, much to the delight of car lovers.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class puts up to five passengers in the lap of off-road luxury.”Car Connection

“These vehicles lean more in fast turns than the sportier Acura MDX or Porsche Cayenne. Straightline stability is great, but these wagons are too tall, weighty, and top heavy to be truly agile. The steering is impressively linear and accurate, though its effort in turns can feel too heavy. Strong stopping control is augmented by outstanding brake-pedal modulation.”Consumer Guide

“The M-Class is a comfortable, quiet SUV with responsive handling and a firm yet supple ride. The powerful 3.5-liter V6 returned just 16 mpg overall. The seven-speed automatic isn’t the smoothest. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class sees plenty of key improvements, notably in performance, fuel efficiency and cabin ambience that should keep it fully competitive in the luxury SUV game.”Edmunds

“If you find yourself needing three rows of seating on a regular basis, the 2011 M-Class is not for you. With just two rows and seating for five occupants, the M-Class lacks the people-moving capability of its larger sibling, the GL-Class, but makes up for it with better fuel efficiency and maneuverability.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $48,990.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.6 gallons (93 liters) MPG: 17 city / 22 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 189.1 in. (480 cm) Wheel Base: 114.8 in. (291.5 cm)
Height: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm) Width: 84.3 in. (214 cm)
Curb Weight: 4753 lbs (2156 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 36.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6 Compression Ratio: 12: 1
Horsepower: 302 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500-5250 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:ML350 BlueTEC 3.0 TurboDiesel MSRP: $50,490; MPG: 20 city / 25 hwy

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