The new 2012 Mercedes ML-Class SUV has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz’ press department. The third-generation Mercedes ML-Class will make its U.S. retail debut in September 2011 with two available models at launch, the ML350 4MATIC and the ML350 BlueTEC. More engines will be added later.
The gasoline-powered Mercedes ML350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 302HP, and returns an estimated fuel economy of 17mpg city and 22mpg highway. The outgoing ML350 with a 268HP V6 returned 15mpg and 20mpg respectively.
The ML350 BlueTEC features a 3.0-liter V6 diesel rated at 240HP and 455 lb-ft, returning 20mpg city and 25mpg highway (previous model: 18mpg/25mpg). A seven-speed automatic transmission will be in base for both models.
In Europe, Mercedes will eventually offer the 2012 ML-Class with a broader range of diesel and gasoline powerplants. New to the lineup is the ML250 powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 204HP, and a combined fuel economy of 6.0lt/100km.
There’s also the ML 350 BlueTEC with a 250HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel (6.8 lt/100km) and the ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with a 3.5-liter V6 petrol delivering 306HP (8.5 lt/100km). All models are equipped with a seven-speed auto and four-wheel drive as standard.
More powerful V8 variants including the top-end AMG with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 will be added later.
