Mercedes M-Class

Expert Review by Maxabout

Exterior

Colors

Main

Interior

Mercedes India has finally launched the much-awaited 2012 model of M-Class in India today (15th May, 2012). It is available in two variants and prices start from Rs. 59.6 lakhs. Both variants are powered by V6 diesel engine which is mated to 7-speed automatic gearbox.

Exterior

The Mercedes M-Class comes in with a third generation design that brings an optimized look. From the front bumper, roof spoiler, A-pillars, and other detailed improvements, it can be inferred that this model has been revamped to get a modern look while keeping the Mercedes touch. These improvements go to the different sections of the vehicle, from the radiator section to the joints amid the hood and the headlamps. It also includes changes in the air outlets located at the anterior side of the wheel well liners, front wheel spoilers, exterior mirror housings, the roof spoiler, and the engine compartment panel plus the aerodynamic adjusted light-alloy wheels. The Mercedes M-Class comes with a new radiator grille at the front that has been carefully positioned at the center together with the famous Mercedes star.

The new style of the headlamps packed with LED and daytime running lights has set a new mood as it comes with chrome inserts combined into the bumper. Overall, this gives the vehicle a bolder and metallic effect. At the back, the Mercedes M-Class comes with dual-part tail lights that also come with LED fiber-optic technology. It has a recessed roof with a big roof spoiler and a back bumper that highlights a new wing design. The metallic finish such as the belt line trim strip, the roof rails and the luggage partition handle, highlights the top quality adds class to the exterior. It comes with twin-spoke alloy wheels that go perfectly well with the 20-inch wheels with a classy, first-rate appeal.

Interior

The interior of the vehicle has been maximized so there is more elbow room than the earlier versions. It has 1.34 inches more space at the front and 0.98 inches at the back. The gadget board has a wood trim that stretched along the doors in a unified wrap-around effect. Car owners can choose between four different top quality wood finishes or aluminium design. The seat adjustment switches and the door handles have been made with careful craftsmanship into the adjacent trim. The middle door panels emphasize unique decorative needlework, with an exclusive look for those who want to get the optional sports package.

Engine and Gearbox

Mercedes M-Class comes with only one engine option: 2997cc diesel engine BlueEfficiency. It generates maximum power of 254 bhp at 3600 rpm with maximum torque of 619 nm at 1600 rpm. The engine is mated to 7G-tronic automatic transmission. It also features all-wheel drive with electronic traction system.

Mileage

The Mercedes M-Class’s fuel efficiency and good rating when it comes to carbon emission makes it impressive. The M-Class burns approximately 25 percent less fuel than the earlier models which was never before seen in any Mercedes-Benz’s cutting fuel consumption. The high-tech engine line-up has a CD value of 0.32 all-encompassing Blue Efficiency standards in addition to the new development gears such as the energy-transparent vehicle all play their part in delivering the good energy efficiency figures. The ML 250 BlueTEC 4Matic is predominantly exceptional in this detail. It is 28 percent more efficient than the earlier model and consumes only 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has a carbon emission of 158 grams per kilometre. It can run as much as 1500 kilometres with just a single tank of fuel which is absolutely amazing.

Safety Features

Along with the exciting features of the Mercedes M-Class are safety features such as ABS or anti-lock brakes that can detect when a tire is motionless after extreme pressure has been applied on the brakes. The purpose of these special brakes is to modulate the pressure to let the tire to turn and allow the driver to turn the vehicle while braking. The stability control safety feature tells if the vehicle’s handling limits have been overdone thus it will reduce engine power to help select brakes in order to prevent the driver from losing his or her control over the car. Front-impact airbags and side impact airbags have been put in place to protect the passenger and the driver’s heads safe during a frontal car crash. The overhead airbags have been added for more safety in case of a rollover or a side collision. For the lower extremities, knee airbags have been installed to prevent serious injuries that the driver and passengers may have in the event of an accident. Seat-belt pretensioners that automatically tighten have been put in place keep the occupants in the best seating position during an accident. To prevent the possibility of a whiplash injury, anti-whiplash head restraints have been added that will react to back collision forces keep the occupants' head safe. To prevent unwanted vehicle intrusion, Mercedes M-Class has been equipped with a system that anticipates disturbance and an ignition disable device which stops the car from running if the right manufacturer key is not used when starting the car.

Variants

Mercedes M-Class is available three variants: ML 350 CDI BlueEfficiency (CKD version), ML 350 CDI AMG (CBU version) and ML 250 BlueTEC. The 2012 model of Mercedes M-Class was launched in India at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi in January, 2012. The first person to own this awesome SUV was none other than Farhan Akhtar. It is also available with option of AMG alloys an body kit at an extra cost of 6.4 lakh rupees.

Shades

Both the interior and exterior colors of the Mercedes M-Class can be modified. The available exterior colors are Steel Gray Metallic, Pearl Beige Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black Metallic, Iridium Silver Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, Dakota Brown Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic, Black, Arctic White while the available interior colors are Designo Porcelain, Designo Black, Designo Auburn Brown, Gray and Almond Beige so car owners can modify their vehicle according to the shade that they want.