The new generation M-Class 350
Mercedes Benz has always been aggressive in their midsize luxury SUV segment. Keeping up with competition, Mercedes-Benz has meticulously revamped the successful M-Class by giving it a new dynamic and bolder look. Stylish and yet powerful with a new beat, the new Mercedes M-Class is the new trendsetter amongst today’s SUVs.
Distinctively from the old M-Class to the new, it is now bolder and holds a new look with a totally redefined front and rear end. A new redesigned bumper, recontoured headlamps and a larger more dominant radiator grille is this SUV’s new stance. The rear also sports a new-look bumper with integrated strips, emphasising the vehicle’s width, as well as the tail lights mirroring a smoked-glass style.
The new M-Class standard specification has also been significantly upgraded. It now includes as standard its unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO head restraints. The M-Class is unrivalled in its safety features and is unsurpassed in the SUV segment till today. It is no wonder that since the launching of the 2nd generation M-Class in 2005 more than 300,000 units have been sold worldwide.
The M-Class comes in two variants either in V6 and V8 petrol or diesel engines. Equipped with a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, it delivers outstanding performance both on and off-road. And the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with optimised shift characteristics translates the power from the engine into refined dynamism. Power delivery is at a staggering 350Nm of torque at 5000rpm in the V6 and 630Nm of torque at 5200rpm for the V8. The car engine rumbles under acceleration and delivers excellent torque with very little footing. Mileage has been further improved by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres, making it more than just a revamp on aesthetics.
The new M-Class is highly functional on or off road. On the front and rear end, it runs a parallelogram suspension (front), four link suspension (rear), anti-lift control, anti-squat (rear), AIRMATIC air suspension system with level control, adaptive damping system (ADS), and a torsion stabilizer bar. Four wheel disc brakes all round, front vented discs, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP and 4ETS. The car is exceptional round bends, and takes the off-road like a pro. Taking the M-Class to the outback roads was captivating as the SUV handled the terrain with ease, outstanding levels of NVH (Noise Vehicle Harshness) capabilities and excellent comfort levels for the occupants. Taking the vehicle to the dirt roads was like a duck in a pond with the uneven roads unfelt and most importantly it was quiet.
The new M-Class has a new added character with its interior styling being new-generation with high-quality materials. Panels in ARTICO man-made leather gives an impression of human engineering. A new refreshed look was the addition of a four-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with chrome trim. Superb ease of function with shift paddles on the back gave this SUV a sporty feel. The front dash has a new make over with new alloy finished air-condition louvers, and new options of 3 different types of wood trims. The car is also equipped with Bluetooth technology, an aux-in connection for mobile audio devices and not forgetting two large 8-inch screens for the rear passengers. To enjoy an undisturbed journey, 2 wireless headsets are supplied with this SUV, as well as two remote controls to control the centrally integrated DVD player. Sound quality is excellent utilizing a surround-sound Harmon Kardon Logic7 system.
There is an option of a ML63 AMG version which boasts of a massive 510hp on tap, with 630Nm of torque at 6800rpm. This version remains as the most powerful SUV on the market since its launch two-and-a-half years ago. The AMG 6.3litreV8 goes from 0-100kmph in 5.0secs and is limited to a top speed of 250kmph (electronically). Power transfer is via the AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. All that power sits on 20inch large forge alloy rims with an option to go up to AMG’s 21inch tire setup.
The new generation M-Class is tagged at RM548,888.00 and only the AMG ML63 comes with an integrated RACETIMER that enables the driver to record lap times on a race circuit. There is no race existent in our country for this vehicle segment, but it will not be surprising if someone purchases the AMG ML63 for that option alone. This SUV should last another two to three generations of model changes and even if it is the non AMG version, it still drives sharp comfortably.
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