As in usual Mercedes fashion, a bunch of option packages can be fitted to the ML as well. The Canadian division of the German brand expects a 90% take rate on the Premium Package, which consists of a power panoramic sunroof, the COMAND multimedia system with navigation, a rear view camera, a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with iPod integration and USB port, heated rear seats, a fast-acting power tailgate and an intelligent key system.
A Sport Package (AIRMATIC and ADS suspension, 20-inch AMG wheels), a Leather Package (upholstery and ARTICO stitched dashboard trim), a Driver Assistance Package (active blind-spot monitor, active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control) and other goodies such as a wood-trimmed wheel, ventilated front seats, running boards and rear-seat DVD are available as well.
By the way, here’s what we won’t get, at least for now: in Europe, there will be an ML 250 BlueTEC powered by a 204-horsepower, 2.2-litre turbodiesel four, and a start/stop system is included on all models. The latter would’ve been nice.
Both the 2012 ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 4MATIC will be on sale in Canada this coming September. As for the other versions, an ML 550 4MATIC will appear in the first quarter of 2012, and the ML 63 AMG will also turn up sometime next year. Pricing has not yet been finalized for Canada, but expect MSRPs within a few hundred dollars of the 2011 editions. Mercedes-Benz Canada expects 80% of its M-Class sales to favour the BlueTEC edition.
So, how good is this new M-Class? It’s very good, but so was the old one. While the differences in ride quality and overall appearance may be minor, the 2012 version piles on even more refinement and more safety features, offers a quieter driving experience, is more powerful and consumes less fuel. All that should keep the ML in the game for the next few years.
A Sport Package (AIRMATIC and ADS suspension, 20-inch AMG wheels), a Leather Package (upholstery and ARTICO stitched dashboard trim), a Driver Assistance Package (active blind-spot monitor, active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control) and other goodies such as a wood-trimmed wheel, ventilated front seats, running boards and rear-seat DVD are available as well.
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| The new M-Class will be on sale in September. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
By the way, here’s what we won’t get, at least for now: in Europe, there will be an ML 250 BlueTEC powered by a 204-horsepower, 2.2-litre turbodiesel four, and a start/stop system is included on all models. The latter would’ve been nice.
Both the 2012 ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 4MATIC will be on sale in Canada this coming September. As for the other versions, an ML 550 4MATIC will appear in the first quarter of 2012, and the ML 63 AMG will also turn up sometime next year. Pricing has not yet been finalized for Canada, but expect MSRPs within a few hundred dollars of the 2011 editions. Mercedes-Benz Canada expects 80% of its M-Class sales to favour the BlueTEC edition.
So, how good is this new M-Class? It’s very good, but so was the old one. While the differences in ride quality and overall appearance may be minor, the 2012 version piles on even more refinement and more safety features, offers a quieter driving experience, is more powerful and consumes less fuel. All that should keep the ML in the game for the next few years.
2012 Mercedes M-Class ML 350 BlueTEC
2012 Mercedes M-Class ML 350 BlueTEC
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