Mercedes M-class

The car won’t make it to the dealers before the second half of 2011 – and here we have shots of the new SUV in full glory! Judging from these exclusive spy-pictures, the new ML won’t get longer front and rear overhangs and even the wheelbase doesn’t appear to be stretched compared to the current model. In fact, the new M-class might be a few inches shorter than today’s ML. Whatever the dimensions will be, for efficiency reasons weight is definitely going to be reduced.

Though not many changes over the current model can be seen at first glance, closer inspection reveals that all parts are slightly different. Most visible this is at the rear door, the side mirrors, the position of the door handles, the roof rack and the higher rear window. Under the bonnet, we expect a similar range of engines powering today’s car, including petrol engines between 3.5 and 6.2 litres (272 and 510 hp) and consumption-optimized diesel units with 3.0 and 4.0 litres and an output between 190 and 306 hp. We do, however, expect Mercedes to offer the new ML with a standard or plug-in hybrid right from the start.