2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: full details, photos and specs

Mercedes-Benz has finally released the press kit for the new M-Class that contains full details of the SUV as well as an extended photo gallery. Fans were left wanting for more when earlier, the carmaker had to officially unveil its latest model but only a few details and images were shown. The new M-Klasse, which starts selling next spring, will be offered with three powertrains to choose from. These are the ML 250 CDI (2.1l, 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque), ML 350 CDI (3l, 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque) and the ML 350 BlueEfficiency (3.5l, 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque).

These are all mated to 7G-Tronic Plus transmissions. What Mercedes-Benz has revealed recently is that the ML 250 CDI has a fuel efficiency rating of 47.0 mpg, it has CO2 emissions of 158g/km, it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 130 mph. The ML 350 CDI offers 41.5 mpg, a sprint time of 7.4 seconds to reach 62 mph from a standstill, and has a top speed of 139 mph. The ML 350 BlueEfficiency returns 33.2 mpg and has a maximum speed of 146 mph. Mercedes-Benz boasts that the new M-

M-Class (with a drag coefficient of 0.32 in ML 250 BlueTEC form) is the most aerodynamically efficient SUV in its class. The M-Class is also expected to get the top rating from any car safety performance assessment program anywhere as it has a bunch of passive and active systems installed. Its ON&OFFROAD package features six transmission modes, which are controlled through a rotary actuator on the center console. These include one automatic mode, two specifically off-road modes and three on-road modes, namely: Winter, Sport and Trailer. The wheels range from 17-inch ones to 20-inch, but 21-inch AMG wheels are offered as an option too.

Four colors are available for its interior: black, almond beige, alpaca grey and tobacco brown/marron. Buyers have a wide array of materials to choose from: fabric/ARTICO man-made leather, ARTICO man-made leather and leather in six color combinations. The Interior Sports package offers a mixture of DINAMICA microfibre and black ARTICO man-made leather. Buyers may also opt for the Nappa leather and black leather. Of course, Mercedes has not neglected the entertainment and comfort aspects and asserts that consumers will not be left unsatisfied. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Photos : 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML