Mercedes Benz will further solidify its position in the luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of India by debuting the revamped version of its ML 350 CDI Bluetec. The new generation M Class is classier, bigger, more eco-friendly and a better off-roader than the outgoing model. In order to further raise the anticipation for the car, the company put it on display in showrooms even before it was officially launched in India.
Beneath the hood is a totally revamped 2987cc, 24-valve, 6-cylinder, 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel Bluetec engine belting out maximum power of 258 bhp at 3600 rpm and an outstanding 620 Nm of torque at 1750-2400 rpm. It is complemented with a seven speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission system facilitates smooth gear shifts in the car. The manufacturer claims top speed of 224 kmph and acceleration (0-100 kmph) in just 7.4 seconds under ideal drive conditions. It is expected that the car will be able to deliver better mileage and CO2 emission figures than its predecessor as well. Complete details about the price and technical specifications of the latest model will be released at the time of its launch.
Not many SUVs can boast of an effective mix of luxury features and off-roading potential than the M Class from the German car maker. With a set of new and improved features, the new edition of the model commands as much respect for its off-roading capabilities as it does for its city driving potential. Though the outgoing M Class is a good off-roader, the new version of the car ups the ante by delivering even better performance. The all new ML 350 CDI comes with the conventional yet effective 4MATIC all wheel drive system and steel suspension on the chassis which now comes with selective damping to form a brilliant package for both on and off-roading. Mercedes Benz M Class' latest iteration also features the unique COMAND system, which presents a total of 6 driving modes, including Winter, Sport and Towing, to drivers.
The length and width of the car have increased by 24 mm and 16 mm, respectively, whereas the height has reduced by 19 mm. Overall, the facelifted Mercedes Benz M Class measures 4804 x 1926 x 1796 mm (LxWxH). Reportedly, the ride height is electronically controlled, while the suspension can be regulated electronically through a button for better off-roading experience.
In its latest model, the car maker has resolved the issue regarding insufficient space that plagued the previous edition of the M Class. The 2012 M Class will be featuring an improved wheelbase borrowed from the outgoing GL Class of Mercedes and the change in the size of the car is quite visible. In the front row, headroom, leg room and shoulder room have increased to 998 mm, 1023 mm and 1485 mm, respectively. Likewise, the headroom, leg room and shoulder room in the rear row now measure 997 mm, 997 mm and 1483 mm. The car also features a large panoramic sunroof to make the cabin feel fresh and alive with direct incident light, whereas the use of quality materials has made the interiors plusher.
As a revamped model, the new M Class features new exteriors that make the car look sporty yet elegant. The car maker has followed a design theme based on curves while coming up with the new edition of the model. The front, side and rear profiles exhibit curved design elements, such as the wraparound windshield in the front, swept back headlamps and tail lights that emerge from the sides and merge into the fifth door seamlessly. With such changes, the company has successfully improved the M Class SUV to a large extent and given a viable option against the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 in the luxury SUV segment of the Indian auto market.
