2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class in Schaumburg, IL - $17,995

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets a new benchmark in the SUV segment with a bold new design and low fuel consumption while innovative in the way it combines agility with superior comfort. Highlights of the 2012 M-Class include standard 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and new developments to the chassis and driving dynamics which improve performance in both on-road and off-road situations. It features the new active and passive safety features that are now familiar for Mercedes-Benz.

While the dramatically styled 2012 M-Class sits about 3/4-inch lower than the previous model, the new SUV is nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. This eye-catching interpretation of a modern SUV makes a strong presence that projects trend-setting design and quality.

The updated exterior design of the M-Class SUV starts with the nose which is dominated by a bold front grille that holds the familiar three-pointed star logo in the center, while a chrome skid plate curves from the front bumper up toward the grille. Bracketing the front grille, newly designed headlights are flush-mounted in the fenders. New LED daytime running lights are recessed in the front bumper.

Its bold side body proportions are defined by a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs. The lines along the sides appear stretched, including a high belt line accented with stainless-steel trim, and its roof line slopes down toward the rear, emphasizing the sportiness of the new M-Class. Striking chrome luggage rails run the length of the roof. Reminiscent of previous M-Class models, an angled C-pillar distinguishes the SUV from its competitors.

Available in ML350 and ML350 BlueTEC models, base power is generated by a 3.5L V6 gasoline prime mover. The ML350 BlueTEC is propelled by a completely reworked 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine which meets emissions standards in all 50 states and delivers far better performance with considerably reduced fuel consumption. Both engines communicate torque through all four-wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

For those who want to venture off paved roads, the M-Class SUV features a comprehensive traction system as standard equipment, including the permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the electronic traction control system ETS, as well as an off-road button that activates a special off-road transmission mode. To improve traction, the slip thresholds and shift points of the automatic transmission have been raised.

Excellent comfort and driving dynamics on- and off-road are part of the standard equipment on the new M-Class. For the first time, the steel suspension of the M-Class chassis now includes AGILITY CONTROL adaptive damping. During normal driving on only moderately uneven roads or during slow off-road driving, the system responds with a soft ride that enhances the occupants' comfort as well as the car's off-road capability. In order to maintain this sense of comfort during hard driving or abrupt evasive maneuvers, the shock absorbers become firmer ensuring a high level of driving stability.

Inside the passenger cabin the expressive design of the center stack embodies the power of an SUV while the gentle downward curve of the dashboard on the front passenger side gives a sense of spaciousness, thus emphasizing the vehicle's comfort. The roomy and well-lit interior offers noticeably more elbow room than its predecessor. An eye-catching feature of the instrument panel is large decorative wood trim that is continued along the doors in a seamless wrap-around effect. These generously proportioned trim elements, in a three-dimensional design, are available in four high-quality wood finishes, or in aluminum. The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class can thus be appointed to reflect either exclusive refinement or sporty sophistication, according to the customer's taste. The door handles and seat adjustment switches have been inset with precision craftsmanship into the side trim. The door center panels feature distinctive decorative stitching, with a separate, exclusive look for the optional Sports package.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 114.8; overall length: 189.1; width: 84.3; height: 70.7

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 302 hp at 6,500 rpm and 273 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500-5,250 rpm; 3.0L V6 BlueTEC turbo-diesel – 240 hp at 3,600 rpm and 455 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600-2,400 rpm.

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 3.5L V6 (gas) – 17 city/22hwy.; 3.0L V6 (turbodiesel) – 20 city/27 hwy.; 5.5L V8 (gas)

Cargo capacity: 71 cubic feet.

Towing capacity: 7,200 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver's knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, 4-ETS traction control system, electronic stability program, adaptive braking, active curve system, trailer stability assist, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front/rear fog lights, universal garage door opener, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, SmartKey system, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, downhill speed regulation, hill decent control, hill-start assist control, rollover sensors, alarm system, side-impact door beams, Tele Aid communications service, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Optional safety features include: rear side-impact airbags, attention assist driver drowsiness monitor, Parktronic with active parking assist, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, rearview camera, navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, adaptive high beam assist, and Keyless Go.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 miles

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV starts from $48,990 for the ML350 4MATIC and $50,490 for the ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. Destination charges add $875.