It used to be the case that large SUVs could stay in production for a decade without a major update. But that's no longer possible in the premium segment, since major companies are constantly trying to outdo each other every year. For instance, BMW just released the properly awesome 2015 F15 X5, and while Mercedes's M-Class is still a looker, an update is needed.
We caught the Mercedes ML at for the first time, just as it was beginning its winter testing session near the arctic circle. The car is camouflaged from head to toe, signaling a refresh as major as the one for the E-Class, which mind you cost a billion Euros.
The 2016 model year Mercedes M-Class won't cost nearly as much, but there are still major cosmetic changes happening. As you can see, a single-bar grille with a different overall look is being installed. Changes are also being made to the headlights and daytime running light bar.
Even the side of the prototype is camouflaged. It we're to take a closer look at the prototype, we see the character lines going the length of the car are now completely different and the bezel of the outer wheel arch has been softened. The taillights are completely unchanged and have been left visible, but this could just be an early prototype.
As far as powertrain changes are concerned, we should see the ML 400 launched with a bi-turbo 3-liter V6, a new hybrid model and updates to existing powertains.
Because these are still early days for this prototype and the current generation M-Class went on sale as a 2012 model year, we think this facelift will be sold in the US as a 2016 model year, but it could be ready a little earlier in Europe.
The 2016 model year Mercedes M-Class won't cost nearly as much, but there are still major cosmetic changes happening. As you can see, a single-bar grille with a different overall look is being installed. Changes are also being made to the headlights and daytime running light bar.
Even the side of the prototype is camouflaged. It we're to take a closer look at the prototype, we see the character lines going the length of the car are now completely different and the bezel of the outer wheel arch has been softened. The taillights are completely unchanged and have been left visible, but this could just be an early prototype.
As far as powertrain changes are concerned, we should see the ML 400 launched with a bi-turbo 3-liter V6, a new hybrid model and updates to existing powertains.
Because these are still early days for this prototype and the current generation M-Class went on sale as a 2012 model year, we think this facelift will be sold in the US as a 2016 model year, but it could be ready a little earlier in Europe.