The German Jeep

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Say hello to the all-new M-Class, featuring better looks, better fuel economy, and more technological features. This SUV might be German, but not everything is bespoke. Take the body off of this car and you get the chassis from the current Jeep Grand Cherokee. It seems Daimler and Chrysler are still friends after all. Anyway, more on the car: two new diesel engines are in line for the M-Class. First, there's the base ML250 with a 2.1-liter turbo-4 diesel engine producing 204 horsepower with 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Then, there's the ML350 Bluetec with Merc's new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 258 horsepower with 457 lb.-ft. of torque. Lastly, there's the ML350 BlueEfficiency with Merc's new 3.5-liter 302 horsepower V6 engine with 273 lb.-ft. of torque. No word on if the ML550 will reach production, but Hybrid and AMG variants are currently in the works. All engines will be mated with Mercedes-Benz patent-pended 4Matic All-Wheel Drive system. Since the new ML is, sort of, a distant cousin to the Grand Cherokee, the car will feature self-leveling Airmatic suspension with a Terrain Response System. Wheels range from 17 to 21-inches and an updated COMAND system will be featured in the interior, now offering Internet Access. All-in-all, I think the M-Class has come a long way since its debut back in the 90's. It was good then. I drove the ML500 from 2003 and was very impressed with it. In 2007, it got a little bulgy, but it was still good. Now, it looks even better. The new ML is set for release this fall.