2012 Mercedes Benz M Class Specifications, Features and Images

The 2012 M Class was originally scheduled to be unveiled at this years Frankfurt Motor Show. The new M Class now packs fuel saving technologies including brake energy recuperation and start-stop which has become a must have on most modern cars. Secondly, the diesel engines are much cleaner and greener as well as all the more efficient than those of the past. The 2012 ML250 gets a 2.1 litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The engine coupled to Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission in conjunction with start-stop and brake energy recuperation returns a respectable 47 mpg. CO2 emissions have also come down to 158 gm/km. Other engine options include ML350 Bluetec with a 3.0 litre V6 diesel with 254 bhp. A diesel electric version has also been added to the line-up. The ML300 Hybrid uses the same 2.1 litre diesel engine from the ML250 in combination with a 20 bhp electric motor which further improves fuel efficiency. The ML300 Hybrid could be launched in the second half of 2012.

The looks of the 2012 M-Class were criticized by fans for being too bland upfront after the first images of the SUV leaked onto the interweb. The overall proportions of the SUV remain the same but its longer and wider than the BMW X5 which is the main rival of the big Merc. The SUV seats five and the interior now adheres to the latest Mercedes Benz design philosophy. The rear end especially looks fresh with those E-Class inspired tail lamps.

Mercedes Benz M Class 2012 First Images on Internet

The first images of the 2012 Mercedes Benz M Class have leaked onto the internet. Thanks to folks at Germancarforum who are carrying the brochure images of the new Mercedes Benz SUV. The new M Class seems to have grown into a more bigger SUV compared to its older sibling. The 2012 model looks longer and could also sport a longer wheelbase. If I was to have a guess and this is just pure speculation, the new M-Class might have a wheelbase similar to the Gl-Class.

The old M-Class was a bit cramped on the inside and Mercedes Benz could make an attempt to rectify it this time around. The GL Class is a huge, 5 meter long SUV with awesome road presence but boxy styling. The M Class on the other hand is a more follows a more dynamic design philosophy. The M Class is characterized by the wrap-around rear glass with a hidden D-pillar. The new models proportions look impressive although the front styling is a bit bland compared to the old version. The front grille lacks the thicker horizontal elements which gave the old M Class a masculine look.

As we move towards the rear, little has changed on the sides apart from what looks like a longer platform than the earlier. At the rear the wrap-around glass dominates and a major aesthetic change that has been made to the rear is the tail lamp cluster which now resembles the one on the new Mercedes Benz E- Class.

Inside, the centre console would seem more familiar as the latest versions of cars from the shinning star share a similar dashboard design. Wood and leather has been employed to make the interior more upmarket. Even the steering wheel has wood as well as brushed steel inserts which do look classy.

2012 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster Price, Specification and Features

Ahead of it’s official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the drop top version of 2012 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG has now been unveiled with technical specifications. The 2012 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is the drop top version of the flagship gullwing coupe. Mercedes Benz claims that the fabric top of the SLS AMG Roadster takes just 11 seconds to go from wind-in-your-hair motoring to soft top and vice versa with this process being possible up to speeds of 50 kph. Usage of high strength but lightweight aluminum for the body and chassis has led to the roadster being only 40 kilos heavier than the coupe at 1660 kg.

The 2012 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster can cut air at an electronically limited 315 Kmph while the nought to hundred time will take just 3.8 seconds. To do all this and then some more, the SLS AMG Roadster’s bonnet encloses a 6.3 litre V8 petrol engine, the same one as in the Coupe version. With 571 thoroughbred German stallions at your right foot, performance comes effortlessly to this big V8 engine as 650 Nm of twist is available at 4750 rpm. Transmitting all this power and torque to terra firma is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission and the engine, true to it’s racing genes uses dry sump lubrication.

The SLS AMG Roadster also comes with 3 suspension settings and hence the driver can choose from comfort, sport and spot plus modes for optimum ride quality or outright handling. Reminiscent of the iconic Mercedes 300 SL Roadster, the SLS AMG Roadster can be specified with a host of interior finishes ranging from fine leather finishes to an optional carbon fiber finish. Also, the dashboard’s multimedia interface displays almost every parameter of the car down to the engine oil temperature to make for an aircraft like cockpit feel. Scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, India too might be getting a few of these beauties for those who can afford the 2 Crore plus price tag as it’s coupe sibling is already available in India.