2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-class Unveiled and Burning 25% Less Fuel

ben Jun 9, 2011 Mercedes Benz 7 Comments

The third generation of Mercedes-Benz ML-class unveiled. The revamped 2012 ML-Class SUV will burn 25% less fuel than its predecessor to attract customers seeking a better alternative to BMW X5.

In terms of torque, our new ML-Class is a sumo wrestler, Daimler AG (DAI) Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said at the SUV’s presentation this week in Stuttgart, Germany. In terms of diet, it’s more like a Victoria’s Secret model.

The carmaker overhauled its top-selling SUV with thriftier engines, a fuel-saving start-stop feature and more aerodynamic frame to increase demand with oil near $100 a barrel. Mercedes, once the world’s largest luxury-car maker and now third behind BMW and Audi, is catering to environmentally conscious buyers to boost sales and profit growth that lags German rivals.

The diesel ML250 Bluetec 4Matic base model, to be sold only in Europe, will be powered for the first time a 2.1L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making 204-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This model gets 39 miles per gallon. That beats the popular BMW X5’s 32 miles per gallon as well as cars like Toyota Corolla. The fuel advantage positions the ML-Class to outsell the X5 for the first time since 2007.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Class

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