2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Revealed

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has taken a conservative tack with the design of its third-generation M-Class crossover vehicle, which shares its underpinnings with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is due to reach U.S. showrooms this fall as a 2012 model.

The redesigned M-Class gets all-new sheet metal and a revamped cabin. It will be offered initially in three variants: ML 250 Bluetec 4Matic, ML 350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML 350 4Matic BlueEfficiency.

As the 4Matic label indicates, all three versions come with permanent all-wheel drive. They also feature the company's 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission.

The ML 250 Bluetec 4Matic is powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that makes 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. On the European driving cycle, it returns 36 to 39 mpg, which means the standard 18.5-gallon fuel tank should provide a driving range of up to 720 miles.

The ML 350 Bluetec 4Matic gets a new version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, with output hiked from 231 to 258 hp and torque from 398 to 457 lb-ft. The 3.0 CDI engine returns an average of 32 to 35 mpg on the European driving cycle, yet can gallop from rest to 60 in less than 7.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 139 mph.

The only gasoline edition at launch is the ML 350 4Matic BlueEfficiency, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline direct-injection engine rated at 306 hp and 273 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0-60 takes less than 7.6 seconds, and top speed is 146 mph.

Mercedes-Benz said fuel economy is improved on all new M-Class models, thanks to such enhancements as electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and automatic stop/start systems.

The standard suspension on the 2012 M-Class features selective damping. The crossover can also be ordered with a self-leveling Airmatic air suspension with adaptive damping, as well as Active Curve System dynamic roll stabilization.

Safety features include electronic traction control, up to nine airbags, Attention Assist drowsiness detection, PreSafe pre-collision protection, tire-pressure monitor, adaptive brake lights and electronic brake assist.

Among the available high-tech options are Intelligent Light System, Night View Assist Plus with automatic person recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Active Park Assist, reverse camera and autonomous braking.

Buyers can order tires and wheels in sizes from 17 to 20 inches, as well as special 21-inch AMG rims.

A new On&Offroad package provides six transmission modes, to match the vehicle to driving conditions. One automatic mode, two off-road modes and three on-road modes — winter, sport and trailer — are available.

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the M-Class cabin, providing more front and rear elbow room and offering a raft of high-tech gadgets. Among the available finishes are aluminum and four different kinds of wood, while material choices include microfiber, artificial leather, napa leather and real leather.

The M-Class offers a choice of entertainment systems, including Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio, as well as the Mercedes-Benz Comand communication/infotainment system, now with Internet access.

Inside Line says: Loads of cutting-edge components and systems, much better fuel economy and a reasonably handsome design.