New Mercedes-Benz M-Class to be launched on May 15

With an SUV portfolio that’s just gotten bigger and better over decades, Mercedes-Benz saloons today are as much revered for luxury as their SUV counterparts are for their off-road capabilities. However, when you speak of luxury sports utility vehicles (SUV), few can hold a candle to the cross-border charisma of the M Class range of vehicles from the Three Pointed Star.

If you haven’t already gotten a peek at the third generation Mercedes-Benz ML 350 CDI (Read : First Drive) at the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, all hope is not lost. The all new M-Class is headed your way, 15th of May to be precise. Ex-showroom prices and complete specifications for the new and improved model will be disclosed on the day of the launch, but for now what we do know is that the 2012 version is longer, wider and slightly lower (ride height is electronically controlled and the suspension can be raised at a click of a button for off roading applications) than its predecessor.

It’s plusher on the inside and equipment levels have been majorly spruced up for added drive comfort and safety. The ML 350 BlueTEC uses a completely reworked 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that will produce 258.33PS @ 3600rpm and an impressive torque of 620Nm between 1600-2400rpm. Manufacturer performance tests claim a 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 224km/h that even if achieved only under the ideal drive conditions are figures that will have the outgoing ML Class model owners wondering if Mercedes-Benz has considered announcing an attractive exchange offer for the next gen version.

If you thought the outgoing model was a good off-roader, the third generation model is built for conquering higher grounds, with the integration of an extraordinary ON&OFFROAD package, the very familiar, yet effective 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system and steel suspension on a chassis that now includes selective damping.

The list of safety equipment, interior gadgetry, entertainment options and upgrades to the overall fit and finish could spin an enormous yarn when talking about the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but what the German car maker has made very clear at this point is that the first model to launched in India from its new and improved ‘M’ breed off-roaders is in fact the ML 350 CDI BlueTEC and we have just two words to rationalize that decision. Bravo Budget!