The all-new M-Class SÚV makes its on-road debut in the Ú.S. this week. The 2012 M-Class represents the third generation of a highly successful Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle that began the industry trend toward SÚVs wîth a more car-like ride. While the dramatically styled 2012 M-Class sits about 3/4-inch lower than the previous model, the new SÚV is nearly an inch longer and a half-inch wider. This eye-catching interpretation of a modern SÚV makes a strong presence that projects trend-setting design and quality.

Bold

The nose of the 2012 M-Class 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.

Side Proportions

Its bold proportions are defined by a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs. The lines along the sides appear stretched, including a high belt line accented wîth 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 SÚV from its competitors.

Cockpit

The dynamic interior design of the new M-Class underscores the spacious width of its new cabin and fosters a sense of well-being wîth elegant high-quality materials and attention to detail. Interior trim includes wood and aluminum elements wîth controls in a silver shadow finish. Soothing ambient lighting, which can be switched between 3 different colors, is available as part of the optional Premium 2 package.

A sporty, four-spoke §teering wheel frames a hooded twin-gauge instrument cluster. The left gauge houses the analog speedometer and fuel gauge, while a tachometer and coolant temperature gauge are on the right bridged by a 4.5-inch screen that can display a wide range of useful information, including a trip computer and GPS navigation directions.

The §teering wheel holds paddles for shifting the transmission manually and multifunction buttons for scrolling through menus on the driver’s display. The buttons can also adjust the audio volume, make and take phone calls, or activate the voice control system. Newly-designed stalks on the §teering column for turn signals, highbeams, wipers, cruise control and transmission mode make the new SÚV easier than ever to drive.

COMAND and Control

Perched at the top center of the dashboard in order to minimize driver distraction, a seven-inch COMAND display is bordered by large swiveling air vents. The new head unit comes wîth a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, SD card slot, and an MP3 compatible CD /DVD player as well as a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, HD/AM/weatherband radio, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner and a ÚSB port hidden in the storage compartment of the center console.

An optional hard-drive-based GPS navigation system offers many new features, including a 3D display, a compass overlay, dynamic route guidance, the ability to show alternate routes plus the functionality to record routes while driving. Also optional, a Sirius-XM feature can provide real-time traffic and weather information on the navigation map.

Transmission

The 2012 M-Class line also features a new transmission wîth a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best wîth a new type of low-drag ATF fluid, colored blue instead of the usual red.

Interior

A look at the interior design immediately demonstrates the way the authentic SÚV experience is combined wîth the sense of comfort inherent in a premium Mercedes-Benz sedan. While the expressive design of the center stack embodies the power of an SÚV, 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 (1.34 inches more in the front, .98 inches in the rear). 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 wîth precision craftsmanship into the side trim. The door center panels feature distinctive decorative stitching, wîth a separate, exclusive look for the optional Sports package.

The state-of-the-art instrument cluster wîth its two clear and easy to read round dials and a large, 4.5 in display between them, impresses wîth the high-quality look of its design. Dominating the center of the dashboard is the large screen for the COMAND system. The control and display concept was developed specifically wîth user-friendly operation in mind. In the M-Class, Mercedes- Benz is introducing an advanced ergonomic concept that will find its way into all future new models. Just one element of this is the improved accessibility of the turn signal stalk on the §teering column. All control levers can now be clearly seen. The cruise control lever has been moved to the lower position.

Infotainment, navigation and communication systems are intuitive and easy to operate using the metal Central Controller located on the center console. Vertical rectangular air vents on either side of the large screen serve to emphasize the more functional aspects of the SÚV. The outer air vents are the same shape but in this case horizontally positioned, thus giving added design flair. The center console incorporates an armrest wîth integrated handrest, in front of which is located the Central Controller and various switches. The seats in the 2012 M-Class are designed to provide a high level of comfort on long journeys as well as excellent lateral support. All important parameters can be electrically adjusted. These include the adjustment of seat height, backrest rake, seat cushion angle and reach. Generous seat adjustment travel of more than 13.75 inches lengthways and more than 3.5 inches in height ensure that M-Class drivers will always find the ideal seating position.

A high level of variability characterizes the rear seats, which are fitted wîth an armrest and cupholder. The backrest angle adjustment on the rear seats is new, as is the optional through-loading feature above the armrest for the transport of skis. Folding both backrests as well as the seat cushions forward creates a level load compartment wîth a capacity of 71 cubic ft. up to the roof liner. Three colors are available for the interior appointments: black, almond beige and grey. In conjunction wîth the Sport Interior package, the combination of DINAMICA microfiber and black M-B TEX man-made leather, or premium leather and black two-tone leather is also available.

Direct Fuel Injection

The new V6 engine makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers rather than indirect port fuel injection most gasoline engines used in the past. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape instantly when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections wîth each piston stroke.

BlueTEC

The ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel, now wîth 240 horsepower, an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque and 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Úsing several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, the ML350 BlueTEC begins wîth a four-valve-per-cylinder diesel featuring centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation.

iPad Docking Station

Coinciding wîth the debut of the new M-Class is the launch of the all new Mercedes-Benz iPad® Docking Station. With this new product, customers are able to utilize their own mobile entertainment. They now have the capability to watch movies, play music, view pictures, play games, surf the Internet, all from the convenience of their own iPad® without having to hold it in their hands while in transit.

The iPad® Docking Station holds the iPad® in place behind the headrests of the front seats, allowing rear occupants to view. For optimum viewing, the iPad® Docking Station can be rotated up to 90 degrees and be tilted, while being charged through the vehicle’s electrical system. This product is a perfect fit for the Mercedes-Benz customer and will be available for most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and Sport Útility Vehicles. This product will be available in September 2011.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz is launching an innovative ML450 HYBRID model for the 2010 model year. Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the ML450 HYBRID comes with two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to provide impressive hybrid power with fuel economy estimated at 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

For 2010, the new ML450 HYBRID (335 total hp, 381 lb.-ft. of torque) joins the ML350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), the gasoline V6-powered ML350 (268 hp, 258 lb.-ft.), the V8 ML550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.) and the high-performance ML63 AMG (503 hp, 465 lb.-ft.). All 2010 M-Class models now feature burl walnut interior trim, a §teering wheel covered in premium leather and a new monitoring system that shows individual tire pressures.

Price: $45,700 – 91,050.
Invoice: $42,500 – 84,675.

Fuel Economy

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque.

Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for excellent performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine – for example, when coasting up to a red light – and re-starts it during acceleration. During braking and coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SÚV and recovering kinetic energy. Únder heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the SÚV runs only on the electric motors.

Engine

Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motors compensate for this disadvantage by working with the V6 to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.

Convenience or Roominess

The ML450 HYBRID is differentiated by a HYBRID logo on the rear lift gate, a revised front hood with two power domes and unique five-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. The new model has the same interior room, convenience and safety features as other M-Class vehicles.

On the COMAND display, the driver can choose to see the power flow between the battery, electric motors and the gasoline engine or a diagram showing fuel consumption and energy recovery. The tachometer is replaced by a special gauge that shows the powertrain mode and energy recovery rate.

Technology

BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel uses a NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.

The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals (typical oil-change intervals are 10,000 miles).

Restyling

The Mercedes-Benz family SÚV is fresh from last year’s smart restyling. Redesigned front bumpers incorporate headlights with a distinctive step along the lower edge that continues around a larger, lower grille that holds three silver lamellas. Angular air intakes, widely set fog lights and chrome trim help give the M-Class line a broader, more aggressive face. A recontoured rear bumper with recessed reflectors and a stainless-steel skid plate that wraps around its dual exhausts also gives the M-Class a confident stance. Larger outside mirrors provide even better visibility.

Inside, door panels boast an upholstered center, while redesigned seats feature a sportier design and a standard driver’s four-stage power lumbar support. Framing the chronometer gauges, a four-spoke §teering wheel features multi-function audio and telephone controls and shift paddles.

In Command with COMAND

The latest COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD / DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an enhanced voice control system.

The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card. The new system also includes a large hard drive that can display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIÚS-XM traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well. M-Class models can also be equipped with an optional 610-watt digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.

PRE-SAFE® Gives M-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact. Whenever the PRE-SAFE system is triggered, the side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.

Four-Wheel Drive

Most M-Class models come with the proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive (the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive). As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.

The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Fuel efficiency has been improved, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.

Mercedes-Benz offers two highly fuel-efficient M-Class models for 2011 – a gasoline hybrid and a BlueTEC diesel. Along with the ML450 HYBRID (335 total hp, 381 lb.-ft. of torque) and the ML350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), the 2011 M-Class line includes the gasoline V6-powered ML350 (268 hp, 258 lb.-ft.), the V8 ML550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.) and the high-performance ML63 AMG (503 hp, 465 lb.-ft). All 2011 M-Class models come with new-design outside mirrors and an inside mirror with an integrated compass.

Helping to underscore the M-Class as one of the safest SÚVs in the industry, Blind Spot Assist is a new option for 2011 that monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Another new option is a rear-view camera that reduces the usual ‘fisheye’ distortion.

Price: $46,495 – 92,595.
Invoice: $43,235 – 86,110.

Fuel Economy

Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose.

Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the other electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s hidden under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for surprisingly good performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine – for example, when coasting to a stop – and re-starts it during acceleration. When the ML450 HYBRID is at a traffic light, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and §teering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power §teering are fully operational. A Silent Start function provides noiseless starting of the gasoline engine.

During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SÚV and recovering kinetic energy. Únder heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the car runs only on the electric motors.

Engine

Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motors compensate for this disadvantage by working with the V6 to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.

Convenience and Roominess

The ML450 HYBRID is differentiated by a HYBRID logo on the rear lift gate, a revised front hood with two power domes and unique five-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. On the COMAND display, the driver can choose to see the power flow between the battery, electric motors and the gasoline engine or a diagram showing fuel consumption and energy recovery. The tachometer is replaced by a special gauge that shows the powertrain mode and energy recovery rate. However, the ML450 HYBRID has the same interior room, convenience and safety features as other M-Class vehicles.

Styling

Sleek front bumpers incorporate eye-catching headlights with a distinctive step along the lower edge and a large, low grille that holds three silver lamellas. Angular air intakes, widely set fog lights and chrome trim help give the M-Class line a broad, aggressive face. A rear bumper with recessed reflectors and a stainless-steel skid plate that wraps around its dual exhausts also give the M-Class a confident stance.

Real burl walnut interior trim helps provide the cabin with a rich look and feel, while door panels include an upholstered center. Framing the chronometer gauges, a four-spoke §teering wheel covered in premium leather features multi-function audio and telephone controls and shift paddles. The gauges incorporate a central display that includes a monitoring system showing individual tire pressures.

In Command with COMMAND

The latest COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD / DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an enhanced voice control system. COMAND can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card. The system also includes a large hard drive that can display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIÚS traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.

M-Class models can also be equipped with an optional 610-watt digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.

Safety

PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact. Whenever the PRE-SAFE system is triggered, the side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.

Four-Wheel Drive

Most M-Class models come with the proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive (the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive). As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market.

With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads. Fuel efficiency has been optimized, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.