2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Preview

All new for 2012, the Mercedes Benz M-Class remains the segment leader in the luxury mid-sized SUVs.

For 2012, the SUV has a new V-6 engine that is powerful yet more economical than the previous generation model. It is a sweet engine, generating more than 300 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed automatic, rated at an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The BlueTEC diesel engine, however, is a powerhouse, with plenty of acceleration / torque (the torque) from the previous shot from a dead stop, drag more than7000 pounds, but achieving a fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The 2012 Mercedes Benz M-Class is, of course, loaded with technology. The new model year the automaker has added new safety technology including Attention Assist, which warns drivers when they are sleepy, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and a blind spot detection sensor system. Options remain staggering, but the price is rising fast as more features.

Body style: SUV

Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 3.0-liter diesel V-6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Models: ML350 4Matic, ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic

The Mercedes Benz M-Class is all-new this year, both the exterior and the interior redesigned for model year 2012. The automaker has subtle changes to the bodywork, especially the front and sides, making the big crossover a more muscular look and a lower position, while upgrading the interior materials with more premium looking materials and contemporary design.

Mercedes Benz redesigned the 2012 M-Class for the new model year, making it a more muscular appearance while maintaining its distinctive boxy crossover SUV look. The M-Class appear wider and lower to the ground, the side bars show the SUV more character. The back design looks generic, though the roof spoiler adds to more crouched watching M-Class. The grille has been slightly revamped to be more in line with the lineup of the automaker's overall appearance. We still think the crossover would have more distinctive wheels, though.

Mercedes M-Class update the interior and it shows. More premium looking materials were used on the dashboard, center console, and seating. The controls are easy to read for aging eyes, though we still depend on the number of climate control buttons. And steering wheel controls are minimal for a car this size and price. On the other hand, the heated and cooled cupholder system makes sure the SUV distinguish facilities. Interior dimensions are still large for all but the most passengers.

Mercedes update of the electronic control on the 2012 M-Class to feel more natural than the previous generation, making the SUV feels more solid and confident on the road. Suspension remains a fine balance of comfort and sporty, with the suspension just enough so that the road imperfections without hovering over them. Both the V-6 engines provide much power, but BlueTEC V-6 is strong acceleration and offers better fuel economy, as one would expect of a diesel.

Like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is packed with safety equipment and technology. Standard equipment includes front and rear side airbags, driver knee airbag and curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control (ESC) are accompanied by hills stop / start assist, blind spot detection (which warns the driver when someone in a blind spot of the vehicle), Lane Keeping Assist (nudges the SUV back in a lane) and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety equipment includes Mercedes' Attention Assist the driver with audio and visual warning signals if it detects that he or she is getting sleepy.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway

ML350 BLUETEC Sport

ML350 Sport