The more things change, the more they stay the same. Those are apparently words to live by for Mercedes-Benz – the automaker has released a slew of information on its updated 2012 Merceds-Benz M-Class, yet the starting price remains the same as the sticker on the 2011 version. The U.S.-built luxury SUV is ready to give more, without charging for it.
Initially offered in two flavors, the gas-sipping ML 350 has a starting MSRP of $49,865 and the diesel-drinking BlueTec ML 350 will cost you $51,365 (*including destination). Both versions of the 2012 M-Class get a new front-end that features the familiar three-pointed star, an encroaching chrome "skid plate" and a set of LED daytime running lights.
Under the hood, each M-Class features an updated power source. The ML 350 is motivate by a new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine, which produces 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Also new is the seven-speed automatic transmission to which the motor pairs. If you prefer diesel to traditional gasoline, the ML 350 BlueTec boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that's rated at 240 horses and an impressive 455 lb-ft of torque. Both M-Class variants come standard with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class also benefits from upgrades to its interior. Reading like a Hemingway novel, the list of standard features is quite impressive in length while the available options are equally impressive – especially the iPad docking stations built into the front headrests.
What else is on that list of features? Click past the jump for the full press release, and be sure to take a look at the next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class in the included gallery.
