Mercedes unveils new M-class

These are the first official images of Mercedes’ all-new M-Class SUV.

Globally, the all-new M-class is said to include a four-cylinder diesel engine as well in order to give the upmarket SUV a class-leading fuel economy. However, the base ML250’s presence in the line-up when the new M-class is launched in India next year is yet to be confirmed.

The ML250 is powered by a twin-turbo 2.1-litre diesel engine with 201bhp and 51.01kgm of torque and will feature a seven-speed automatic gearbox with stop-start and brake energy recuperation.

The M-Class range will include models like ML350 Bluetec, which uses a 254bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and the ML63 AMG, which will be powered by a 536bhp twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. There will also be a diesel-electric version in some markets called the ML300 Hybrid that will be unveiled later and will run the ML250’s 2.1-litre engine in combination with a 20bhp electric motor.

Visually, the new M-class, codenamed W166, retains the same basic proportions and design elements as its predecessor but in a more contemporary and updated form. The new M-Class is 4804mm long, 1926mm wide and 1796mm tall. In comparison, the BMW X5 is 24mm longer, 16mm wider and 19mm lower than its forerunner. Despite riding on all-new underpinnings, the M-class’s wheelbase remains the same, at 2915mm.

Inside, it offers seating for five people in two rows. As with the exterior, the interior is all new but generally adheres to the look of the outgoing model.