If you don't like to be disturbed by the world around you when you drive, this redesigned luxury SUV is for you.
We tested the ML350 Bluetec, which is powered by a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine and gets an EPA-estimated 20/27 mpg city/highway. Its starting price is $50,490, but with options our as-tested price climbed to $64,465. To see a side-by-side comparison with the similar Audi Q7 and BMW X5, click here.
Styling
The 2012 M-Class retains many of the previous generation's styling cues, like a wide front grille and forward-swept C-pillars, but the new design looks more substantial and imposing. Contributing to the more muscled look is an upright front end and a boxier overall shape. Whether or not you like the new styling will depend on your preference for evolutionary rather than revolutionary design.
The Inside
The redesigned interior mixes familiar styling cues with new design themes. Thanks to greater use of wood trim — especially on the dashboard — the cabin looks richer. There were, however, some annoying rattles in our test car, and I noticed some chassis flex.
Having driving a lot of cars lately, the commanding views afforded by the M-Class were a reminder of one of the reasons people like SUVs. The front bucket seats are supportive without being overly firm, and there's room for taller drivers to get comfortable (I'm 6-foot-1). Simulated leather upholstery is standard, while real leather is optional. With a starting price of nearly $50,000 for the M-Class, you'd think you could get real leather without having to pay extra.Backseat comfort is decent; there was enough legroom with the driver's seat adjusted for me. There's not as much thigh support as I'd like, however, and the backseat doesn't slide forward or backward for additional cargo space or backseat legroom. The split backrest reclines by lifting a lever at the base of the seat.
The backseat folds flat with the cargo floor, but you first have to flip the seat cushion forward and make sure the head restraints are lowered. This is a dated, cumbersome design that was once common in SUVs but has largely been abandoned, which makes its presence in a redesigned luxury model all the more unusual.
Mercedes updated a key interface — the Comand system — and the changes make the M-Class' entertainment features easier to use. Prior versions of the SUV had a keypad on the dashboard that filled the role of the knob controller that's been used in other Mercedes models for years. From a usability perspective, it was a poor substitute. The redesigned M-Class' new center console incorporates a control knob just in front of the armrest. With this setup, Comand is one of the easier integrated systems to use thanks to intuitive on-screen menus navigated by simple knob movements.
With its sprawling amount of factory wood trim located in the cabin, the M Class welcomes additional elegance better than most contemporary models. We have what you need right here inside our exclusive selection of Mercedes M Class Wood Grain. Thanks to world-renowned manufacturers such as B&I, you can rest assured that every single inch is of pure, expert quality. All of our Mercedes M Class Wood Dash Kits are coated with Polyurethane to guard against any and all interior maladies. That means no fading, scratching, or scuffing. A Lifetime Warranty is included to make sure of it. Installation is user-friendly and easy for most. Each piece is backed with auto-grade 3M adhesive for a brisk “stick on” application that fits with factory-style precision. No edging, no tearing, no problems. Take your pick of genuine Real Woods, sporty Real Carbon Fiber, Synthetic Woods, Aluminum, Chrome, and your Factory-Match Wood. Search for an increased touch of luxury or instead go for a spicier “high-tech” look. It doesn’t matter. We have you covered with a complete spectrum of ultra-quality materials and finishes. Get involved! The M Class is already stylish. Here’s how to raise the bar even higher. Mercedes M Class Basic Kit, 33 Pcs. Dash kit is available in wood grain, aluminum, or carbon fiber.Mercedes M Class 2006-2011, Basic Kit, 33 Pcs. Dash kit is available in wood grain, aluminum, or carbon fiber., 33 Pcs. Dash kit is available in wood grain, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
