Mercedes India has finally taken the wraps off the much awaited 2012 M Class. The new M Class is bigger, faster and cleaner than the outgoing model. It is a comprehensive upgrade in terms of design, dimensions and mechanicals.
Mercedes India has launched the new M Class in two versions; the first model is limited to 100 units only with an AMG kit, priced at 66 lakhs, and the second model with a usual kit priced at 56.9 lakhs. The standard version will be available after July, Mercedes Benz India officials said at the launch in Delhi. The prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi.
As predicted, India gets the ML 350CDI variant which is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine that generates 258.33PS @ 3600rpm and an impressive torque of 620Nm between 1,600-2,400rpm. It is mated to the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The big diesel engine is capable of hurling the new M Class from 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 224km/h.
On the inside, the new M Class gets the latest tech such as 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.
On the safety side, one gets nine airbags, Attention Assist drowsiness detection, PreSafe pre-collision protection, tire-pressure monitor, adaptive brake lights and electronic brake assist. Some of the other features on the new M-Class include Active Park Assist, Airmatic air suspension, 20 inch AMG alloys and body kit, easy pack tailgate and mini spare wheel.
Mercedes has managed to extract more kpl from the new M-Class by fitting it with electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and automatic stop/start systems.
Mercedes themselves call the new M Class as the ‘S Class of SUVs’ because of the cutting edge technology, better fuel economy and handsome design.
But the real question is will India let go of its Audi Q7 fetish in favor of the new and improved M-Class?
