Mercedes-Benz M-Class dimensions

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-class sees a lot of of key enhancments, notably in performance, fuel economy and cab ambience that should keep it fully competitive in the luxury SUV game. Mercedes-Benz M-class Diesel offers the following pros: Motor choices include gas and diesel; convenient seating; luxury dashboard materials and construction. Mercedes-Benz M-class Diesel drawbacks are: Expensive compared to some rivals; no third-row bench feature.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-class is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV available in ML350 and ML350 Bluetec versions. Later in the model year those will be joined by the ML550 and ML63 AMG versions.

The ML350 and ML350 Bluetec are equipped similarly with traditional 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, a performance liftgate, foglamps, dual-zone automatic conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping helm, eight-way power/heated front seatings, reclining back seatings, Mb-tex luxury vinyl upholstery, the COMAND controls interface, Bluetooth, the Teleaid emergency telematics service and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player and Usb/auxiliary slots.

Features include the Luxury 1 suite, which contains a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming rearview/sideview mirrors, a performance tilt-and-telescoping helm, driver memory functions, a navigator, voice controls, radio, an Ipod interface and 10GB of digital audio cargo. The Luxury 2 suite contains all Luxury 1 equipment plus keyless ignition/entry, heated/cooled cupholders, a Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo system and ambient cab lighting.

There are other packages as well. The Dynamic Handling suite contains 20-inch alloy wheels and an air suspension with adaptive dampers and stabilizer bars. The Lighting suite contains adaptive bi-xenon headlights (with washers) as well as corner-illuminating lights. The Lane Tracking suite contains blind-spot warning and lane departure warning. The Driver Assistance suite adds active cruise control (with active Presafe braking) to the contents of the Lane Tracking suite. An off-road suite with selectable terrain modes will debut a bit later in the model year.

Individual feature highlights include a panoramic sunroof, active park assist, a night vision camera, triple-zone conditioning, full leather seats, ventilated front seatings, heated back seatings, a back bench entertainment system, two-tone leather upholstery and various cab accents (metallic and wood). .