Now that the close-to-production concept for the future Mercedes-Benz MLC has been revealed, it becomes a bit simpler to guess how much of the front end of the upcoming M-Class W166 facelift will look different than the current one.
We already know how the interior of the model will look like, with the center console being spotted by one of the spy photographers whom we work with just a few days ago, so the only secrets left to be known are revolving around the exterior of the model.
If the Concept Coupe SUV model and most recent Mercedes-Benz models are anything to go by, it seems that the mid-cycle facelift for the M-Class W166 will sport a pair of full-LED headlights that do a bit of hugging of the engine grille.
The lower front apron will also be restyled, along with the side character lines, while the taillights appear to remain identical if we are to judge only by this short spy video and other recent spy photos.
Engine-wise, the M278 DELA 30 engine with 333 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb ft) of torque is set to replace the 3.5-liter V6 in the current ML 350 – which will become ML 400 – while the hyper-efficient 9G-Tronic is expected to also complement/replace the current 7G-Tronic Speedshift Plus transmission.
A plug-in hybrid version in the style of the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid is also expected to arrive a few months after the model is launched.
Speaking of which, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 is set to be unveiled at the 2015 North American Auto Show, with sales to start just a couple of months later.
Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News