Mercedes-Benz USA has revealed images and initial details of the third generation M-Class SUV. As with the previous models, the MBUSI plant at Tuscaloosa in Alabama will build the vehicle for global markets. The vehicle itself is longer and wider but lower than the current model.
In certain markets, Mercedes-Benz will offer a 201bhp 2.1-litre diesel in the ML 250 BlueTEC. This will be the first time that any M-Class variant has been available with a four-cylinder engine. Mercedes-Benz USA is yet to say whether or not it will offer the I4 diesel. The ML 250 comes with standard stop-start and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
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As for other model variants, these will include the ML 350 BlueTEC (254bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel), ML 350 BlueEfficiency (306bhp 3.5-litre V6) and ML 63 AMG (536bhp 5.5-litre turbo V8), with the ML 300 Hybrid (201bhp 2.1-litre I4 turbodiesel + 20bhp motor) to follow in 2012.
It is worth noting that thus far, there is no news on a replacement for the ML 450 Hybrid, a version of the M-Class, a lease-only model for the US market. It is not available in Germany. By announcing the ML 300 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz might well be signaling its intention of abandoning the ML 450’s heavy V6 petrol-electric powertrain in favour of standardising a four-cylinder diesel-electric hybrid system globally. This remains unconfirmed, however.
Sales of the 2012 model year M-Class are expected to begin in the US from the fourth quarter with exports to Canada and Mexico to begin soon after. Shipments to Europe and Asia-Pacific are due to follow from March 2012.
