GLE [Official] 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W166)


The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with the "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.
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BenzBlogger » Blog Archiv » Explore The Mercedes-Benz USA Website!
:t-cheers:
 
Hi,
i´m surprised that most of you seem to like the new ML Design, not me!
This car is so boring, spick and span, wishi washi, just remove the badge it can be everything but not a merc any more.
No, i´m a big merc fan but i really hope, my father (who drives for years M) will not switch to the new model and hurt my eyes. I have to convince him to buy a Range...

Its like the BMW 5GT: Inside all is peachy, but that does not help: You still know you sit in a butt ugly car...
 


Mercedes-Benz Commences Sales of New M-Class


Mercedes-Benz M-Class now available for order; market launch to take place in fall 2011


Dr. Joachim Schmidt: “The M-Class has been a big success from the very start. Not only is it the best-selling SUV in its segment, it also has the most loyal customers.”


“The new M-Class will continue this success story and once again set benchmarks in this segment in areas such as efficiency and safety.”

Stuttgart – The new M-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the third generation of the vehicle that created the SUV segment to be offered for sale. The new model can now be ordered, and the first units will be delivered to customers in Europe in November. Prices start at €46,200 (€54,978 including 19 percent sales tax). “The M-Class has been a big success from the very start,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “More than 1.2 million units have been sold since the vehicle was launched 14 years ago. That makes it not only the best-selling SUV in its segment, it also has the most loyal customers. The new M-Class will continue this success story and substantially boost our sales in the coming years.”

New M-Class boasts improved efficiency and first-rate safety

“SUVs from the M-Class segment are becoming increasingly popular worldwide,” adds Schmidt. “By 2015, the world market for these vehicles is expected to grow by about 30 percent. The new M-Class has what it takes to once again set benchmarks in the SUV sector and account for a substantial amount of this growth. On average, the new M-Class consumes 25 percent less fuel than its predecessor . I t will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment, regardless of whether it is equipped with a hybrid drive or not. At the same time, it boasts first-rate active and passive safety systems as well as a unique combination of agility, comfort, and driving pleasure.”

Thanks to the AdBlue exhaust gas treatment system, the two diesel versions ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already stay well within the EU6 emissions limit taking effect in 2014. The package of safety features in the new M-Class encompasses up to nine airbags, the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the anticipatory safety system PRE-SAFE®, the tire pressure loss warning system, the adaptive brake light, and Brake Assist (BAS). In addition, the active hood further improves protection for other road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. As an option, the range of assistance systems can be further expanded with the Active Lane Keeping Assist or the Active Blind Spot Assist.

Special Edition 1 model to be introduced for the market launch

As part of the market launch of the new M-Class, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a limited special model called “Edition 1”. Among other things, this vehicle will feature an AMG sports package for the exterior as well as an especially exclusive and impressive interior. Customers can also begin ordering the M-Class Edition 1 on July 11, with prices beginning at €55,700 (€66,283 including 19 percent sales tax) for the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Edition 1.

Current M-Class continues to be popular even shortly before the launch of its successor

The M-Class’ popularity is also demonstrated by the sales figures in 2011 . They show that a total of 39,260 units have been delivered to customers since the beginning of the year - an increase of 13.2 percent on the same period last year. In the model’s largest market, the U.S., sales rose by 14.5 percent in the first half of 2011, to 14,189 vehicles.

More than half a million customers have decided for a current M-Class since the model was launched on the market in 2005, making it Mercedes-Benz’ best-selling SUV. The vehicle’s main market is the U.S., which accounts for about 40 percent of sales, followed by China, Germany, and Canada.

The M-Class is also unbeatable when it comes to value retention. The 2011 Value Champion study conducted by the magazine Auto Bild and EurotaxSchwacke showed that the M-Class is one of the three vehicles with the lowest value loss in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz Commences Sales of New M-Class | Daimler Global Media Site > Mercedes-Benz Cars > Mercedes-Benz P. Cars > New M-Class
:t-cheers:
 
Looks like much better quality than before. Exterior still not perfect though. The BMW X5 and VW Touareg still look much better. The interior though finally looks like a real Benz. More E and CLS this time around.


M
 
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Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class priced at $49,865*,
same as 2011 model


The more things change, the more they stay the same. Those are apparently words to live by for Mercedes-Benz – the automaker has released a slew of information on its updated 2012 M-Class, yet the starting price remains the same as the sticker on the 2011 version. The U.S.-built luxury SUV is ready to give more, without charging for it.

Initially offered in two flavors, the gas-sipping ML 350 has a starting MSRP of $49,865 and the diesel-drinking BlueTec ML 350 will cost you $51,365 (*including destination). Both versions of the 2012 M-Class get a new front-end that features the familiar three-pointed star, an encroaching chrome "skid plate" and a set of LED daytime running lights.

Under the hood, each M-Class features an updated power source. The ML 350 is motivate by a new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine, which produces 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Also new is the seven-speed automatic transmission to which the motor pairs. If you prefer diesel to traditional gasoline, the ML 350 BlueTec boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that's rated at 240 horses and an impressive 455 lb-ft of torque. Both M-Class variants come standard with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class also benefits from upgrades to its interior. Reading like a Hemingway novel, the list of standard features is quite impressive in length while the available options are equally impressive – especially the iPad docking stations built into the front headrests.

What else is on that list of features? Click past the jump for the full press release, and be sure to take a look at the next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class in the included gallery.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class priced at $49,865*, same as 2011 model - Autoblog
:t-cheers:
 
Autoweek confirms ML550 for early 2012; third row seating after 2013; brief review: :)


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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-class, an AutoWeek Flash Drive Car Review

What is it?

Power is up, along with fuel economy, in the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-class sport-utility vehicle. It debuts in September in the United States in two versions: The ML350 Bluetec 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel has an output of 240 hp and 455-lb-ft of torque and estimated fuel consumption of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The gasoline direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 ML350 4Matic, with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, has an estimated fuel economy of 17/22 mpg.

Despite significant upgrades, pricing stays the same for 2012, with the ML350 4Matic checking in at $49,865 including destination, while the diesel adds just $1,500 to that base price.

Mercedes says it invented the crossover-utility segment 14 years ago with the original M-class. With the latest iteration, it plans to reclaim leadership in the segment where competitors include the BMW X5, the Lexus RX, the Acura MDX and the Cadillac SRX. Hardly a small hill to climb, but Mercedes officials say their car's combination of refinement, luxury, safety and high technology will give it an edge.

What is it like to drive?

We got behind the wheel of both models in the wilds of Montana, where the pavement is smooth and winds through mountains and wide-open spaces. Though most Mercedes M-class cars will spend much of their time on suburban driving cycles, running through the twisty roads provided ample opportunity to push the car to the limit.

You get a feel for the relative differences between the standard suspension and the optional dual-mode active-chassis setup. The regular suspension is likely fine for most drivers, but if your driving style leans toward sporty, you'll want to investigate an upgrade to the optional suspension.

The sport setting on the M-class chassis does a fantastic job of keeping the vehicle flat through corners and seems to all but eliminate dive under hard braking. At the same time, the ride remains reasonably supple, not losing its smoothness at the expense of body stability. Both engines are up to the task of propelling the 4,753-pound vehicle from launch (7.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for either engine), but higher-speed response suffers in the diesel. Both are quick to react to a call for power at speed, but the gasoline engine is more capable of delivering. If you need more grunt, you'll have to wait for the 4.6-liter biturbo V8 model due in early 2012.

The electromechanical steering is steady and linear, but we sometimes found the "Lane Keeping Assist" safety option a little too active in nudging us back into our lane when we strayed across the center line. An adaptive setting reduces much of the intervention when driving enthusiastically, while the standard setting actively taps the brakes to bring the 2012 M-class back into the lane when it detects drift.

Do I want it?

As the latest and greatest of the suburban utility vehicles on the market, the 2012 Mercedes M-class is certainly worth a look. Whether you choose gasoline or diesel is really a matter of personal preference--both perform well in this model. If you need more power, you'll have to wait until early next year when V8s and AMG models arrive. And if you want three rows of seating, you'll have to upgrade to the GL-class or wait for the M-class third-row option coming after 2013.

Read more: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-class, an AutoWeek Flash Drive Car Review - AutoWeek
:t-cheers:
 
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Mercedes-Benz Job 1 Celebration


Mercedes-Benz holds their Job 1 Celebration at the Vance, Ala.,assembly plant Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in which the newly redesigned M-Class SUV was unveiled in front of a crowd of over 3000 Mercedes team members, politicians, and other dignitaries. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management, Daimler AG, Head of Mercedes Cars, speaks in front of an image of an electric powered Mercedes-Benz SLS that Jay Leno is posing beside at the factory in Germany. (Birmingham News Photo/Jeff Roberts)

First new M-Class rolls off Mercedes assembly line in Vance (slideshow)
:t-cheers:
 
The Gen 3 is impressive inside and out. The V-6 has real power, more than enough for the daily commute.

I'm getting one for my wife soon, first trip will be a trek to Florida.
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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