Hot on the heels (or should that be wheels) of the BMW 1 Series leak and subsequent official reveal comes this, first images and information on Mercedes’ eagerly-anticipated new M-Class SUV. Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, the ML is likely to reach South Africa in the second quarter of 2012.
At first glance the looks are so familiar that you may confuse it for a facelift, but make no mistake, new ML is new from the ground up. Look closer, and you’ll find the design appearing far more chiselled – the grille is bolder, the sides more sculpted and there are slimmer tail lamps too. Wheel sizes range from 17- to 21-inch, the latter reserved for AMG models.
The initial engine line-up will consist of two diesels and one petrol powerplant. The ML250 Bluetec kicks off the range with a 2,1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops 150 kW and 500 N.m of torque. Next in line is a ML350 Bluetec with a 3,0-litre V6 that punches out 190 kW and 619 N.m of torque – giving it a 0-100 km/h sprint time of only 7,5 seconds and a 224 km/h top speed.
If you’re a petrol fan, then there’s the ML350 BlueEfficiency with a 3,5-litre V6 that develops 225 kW and 370 N.m of torque. This model has a top speed of 235 km/h.
All engines are mated with the marque’s 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. All models also feature a selective damping suspenion system and buyers can optionally specify Airmatic self-levelling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilisation.
A vast range of optionas are offered, including Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus among others.
The local line-up remains unconfirmed but is likely to include all the above models. We will keep you updated.
