Together with the R-Klasse and GL-Klasse, the third generation Mercedes M-Klasse SUV is produced in the States at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Klasse.
Mercedes-Benz begins the 2012 model year with two M-Klasse models - the more powerful ML350 BlueTEC diesel (240 horsepower, 455 lb.-ft. of torque), and the ML350 4MATIC equipped with a brand new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.).
The all-new M-Klasse SUV received updates both inside and out. It sits about 3/4-inch lower than the previous model, it’s nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. Styling cues from other Mercedes-Benz models can also be distinguished: the CLS in the headlights, the E-Klasse in the taillights and the SLS AMG in the SUV’s grille.
Inside the car we find a sporty, four-spoke steering wheel frames a hooded twin-gauge instrument cluster as well as wood and aluminum elements with controls in a silver shadow finish and soothing ambient lighting.
According to the manufacturer, the new M-Klasse is the most aerodynamically efficient SUV in its class. In terms of safety, with the huge amount of passive and active systems fitted on it, the M-Klasse is bound to receive the maximum rating from any car safety performance assessment programme out there.
Prices for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic start at $49,865 while the 2012 ML350 BlueTec 4Matic diesel starts at $51,365 (the prices include an $875 destination charge).
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