Mercedes-Benz 2012 M-Class: Pre-orders yours today!

Vehicle Preview: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Bold new design and a focus on fuel economy make the M-Class a potent contender. The all-new, third-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets a new benchmark in the premium SUV segment with a handsome new design, low fuel consumption and innovative features. The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class arrives in two models: The ML350 4MATIC and the ML350 BlueTEC. The new M-Class sits three-quarters of an inch lower for 2012. It’s almost a full inch longer and half an inch wider with the same wheelbase as the previous model. As a result, the 2012 M-Class offers more passenger and cargo room, better aerodynamics and better efficiency. The ML350 4MATIC features a new, gasoline-powered, 302 hp 3.5-liter V6 that has 273 lb/ft of torque and uses a new technology known as BlueDIRECT. This direct gasoline injection system features spray-guided combustion and new piezo injectors with an injection pressure of 2,900 psi. In addition, the engine features multi-spark ignition, which provides spark at a rate of up to four times per millisecond, which leads to more complete combustion, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. As a consequence, the 2012 ML350 4MATIC offers EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, versus 15 city and 20 highway in the 2011 model. The ML350 BlueTEC begins with a completely reworked 3.0-liter clean diesel V6, which not only offers 50-state emissions compliance, but greater performance (240 hp, 455 lb/ft of torque) and increased fuel economy. The increase in efficiency was achieved largely through the use of TWAS (thinwire-arc spraying) technology, which was first used in 2005 in high-performance AMG engines. Innovative cylinder wall coating technology significantly reduces friction between the piston rings and the cylinder walls. It also eliminates the need for cast-iron cylinder liners, which were required in previous editions. This process alone eliminated 9.5 pounds from the engine, allowing for a three percent increase in fuel efficiency. But that isn’t the end of the line. A program known as BlueEFFICIENCY shaved weight, wind resistance and friction from every piece and system in the M-Class. Low friction axles reduce the power needed to turn. A new electromechanical steering system no longer requires a belt to provide power steering. An optimized belt system with a decoupler allows pulleys to be deactivated when they’re not needed, similar to the way an air conditioning compressor deactivates. The entire program analyzes every system and subsystem for ways to maximize efficiency. The M-Class isn’t just about fuel economy, however. It’s an SUV with a supreme level of comfort, and tenacious handling both on and off the road. The M-Class’ steel suspension now features AGILITY CONTROL active damping. During normal driving conditions, the system responds with a compliant ride that enhances occupant comfort. During hard driving or abrupt evasive maneuvers, the shock absorbers become firmer, providing greater control and stability. The speed-sensitive electromechanical steering system provides maximum assistance during parking lot maneuvers, which will be a lot easier than in other SUVs thanks to a segment-leading turning circle diameter of just 38.7 feet. A newly refined version of 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, plus electronic traction control and an off-road button that activates a special off-road transmission mode combine to provide drivers a confident, capable experience, regardless of the road conditions. The optional Dynamic Handling Package features active roll stabilization, utilizing active anti-rollbars at the front and rear, which are automatically controlled based on lateral acceleration, speed and the setting on the Active Damping System (ADS) Comfort/Speed switch. Simultaneously, the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM compensates for the roll angle of the body through turns, increasing agility and driving pleasure at the same time. No Mercedes-Benz would be worthy of the star on its grille without an elegant, luxurious interior. The M-Class features an expressive interior design that embodies the commanding position that an SUV offers and delivers a roomy, well-lit interior cabin. With four choices of polished wood trim, as well as an aluminum trim option, the M-Class can be customized to reflect drawing-room refinement or sporty sophistication. The seats in the 2012 M-Class provide a supreme level of comfort, especially on long journeys, along with excellent lateral support. Electric adjustments include seat height, backrest angle, seat cushion angle and reach. Seat adjustment travel of more than 13.75 inches in length and more than 3.5 inches in height ensure that all sizes of M-Class drivers can always find a comfortable, confidence-inspiring seating position. In the rear, the seats feature a backrest angle adjustment, along with an optional through-loading feature above the armrest for ski transport. Folding both backrests, as well as the seat cushions forward creates a level cargo area with a maximum capacity of 71 cubic feet. The new M-Class comes standard with the new Mercedes-Benz ATTENTION ASSIST technology, which can actually detect drowsiness and alert drivers to take a break, and the Mercedes-Benz exclusive PRE-SAFE system, which can sense unavoidable accidents and initiate protective measures before impact. Also standard are a seven-inch color display, Bluetooth audio streaming and telephony, phonebook download, six-disc CD/DVD/MP3/AM/FM audio with weather band, HD Radio, album cover art, auxiliary input and a USB port. As part of the optional Premium 1 Package, customers receive hard-drive based navigation, SIRIUS traffic & weather, 3D city models, intermediate navigation destinations and area avoidance.    In total, the 2012 M-Class is a logical extension of the two generations of Mercedes-Benz SUVs that precede it. It provides the comfort and luxury recognized as Mercedes-Benz features while providing drivers with confidence and capabilities not found in other vehicles in the class. Drive one today to find out why the M-Class is such a perennial success