OFFICIAL! ALL-NEW 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz has removed all covers from the 2012 ML-Class SUV. The all-new vehicle will be publicly unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, shortly before heaving over to Mzansi for JIMS 2011. We have some details and pictures to get you all excited and bringing out the old cheque book.

Competing with the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Grand Cherokee among others, the new ML-Class looks like a smaller GL-Class facelift with hints of the smaller GLK (not sold in SA). It is a larger car than before and will feature most of the technologies found in the S-Class sedan. Such include Lane Keeping Assist, an Airmatic suspension system, Distronic Plus and others.

Engines will largely reflect those in the E and S-Class. That means an ML 250 Bluetec displacing 2.1-litres. Its power is 150kW and torque is a massive 500Nm. The ML 350 Bluetec is persuaded by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel worth 190kW and 619Nm of torque. In terms of petrol there’s the 3.5-litre V6 kicking out 225kW and 370Nm. At some point, probably within the next 12 months, we can expect a 4-pipe ML 63 AMG using the new 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 for its 400kW or so of power.