Mercedes M-Class Review
Car tested: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 350 CDI BlueEfficiency
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 75,96,260/-
Mercedes-Benz has brought in the new M-Class (W166) to India, which is now in its third-generation. The old M-Class never really posed a threat to its competitors but the new M is here to change that. The German automaker is betting big on the new M-Class, which the company plans to assemble locally via the CKD route. This has helped Mercedes-Benz price the new M-Class very aggressively at a price of Rs. 56.9 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). However the initial 100 units will be CBUs and will feature AMG styling. We drive one of the AMG kitted Mercedes M-Class to find out how it stacks up.
Exteriors – The new M-Class carries forward the new design language of Mercedes-Benz. The styling is more of a evolution than a revolution as the overall body and platform is undoubtedly like the previous generation model. The exteriors of the Mercedes M-Class look sharp and attractive with good amount of chrome being used. The model we tested is called the Edition1 and features the AMG body kit along with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels. The new M-Class has grown and is 23 mm longer and 15 mm wider than its predecessor. With the height coming down by 19 mm, it is more aerodynamic too with a CD value of just 0.32, which is the best in-class. It is based on a updated chassis, which now uses high-tensile steel along with aluminum to reduce weight.
The headlights looks sharp and the Mercedes M-Class now incorporates day-time LED lights. The AMG type vents on the hood and the cut wheel arches give it lot of street cred. The front gets a SLS style grille with the three pointed star sitting pretty in the center. The skid plates and the roof rails have been neatly incorporated. At the rear, the tail lights are very similar to the ones on the E-Class.
There is a lot of chrome at the rear too, with the bumper having a fat chrome strip running on it. Parking sensors and the rear spoiler have been neatly integrated. The most obvious change at the rear is the lack of tail gate mounted spare wheel, which is a big relief (old M-Class used to suffer from a vibrating tail gate due to the spare wheel mounting). The Mercedes M-Class now uses a space saver, which is mounted underneath. Notice the rear diffuser, it aids in maximizing the aerodynamic efficiency.
Head over to the next page below, to read about the interiors of the new M-Class.
Interiors – Plush is the word which best describes the interiors which radiate luxury all around them. The built quality, fit, finish and the quality of interiors is typical of Mercedes, top notch. The 2-tone Designo leather upholstery looks rich and is extremely comfortable too. The leather and wood finish dashboard feels and looks fantastic. The fronts seats are equipped with ventilated function which can be activated by a button located on the center console. The air con is effective and the controls are of signature Mercedes style. There is a three zone climate control system with three climate modes, namely Focus, Medium and Diffuse. The rear passengers have vents both, in the centre console and on the B pillars.
The M-Class now gets a 17.8 cm color display which also doubles up as the rear parking camera screen as seen in the GL-Class. The audio system has a 10 GB Music register which can store all your favorite songs. SD card slot has also been provided with USB/AUX being standard. The voice operated control or Linguatronic in Mercedes speak can also be used to search for your favorite songs. Sound quality is fantastic.
The rear bench is more roomy than the outgoing model and there is sufficient headroom and knee room. Three medium sized passengers can comfortably fit behind.
There is no last row of seats and the M-Class is strictly a 5-seater, though for a vehicle of this category, buyers don’t really want a 7-seater, do they? If you still want a 7-seater with a star, the GL is the car for you. Boot space is a healthy 690-liters and the middle row seats can be folded to make for more room if required.
The spare wheel is a space saver and this is a welcome change rather than it being mounted on the tailgate as seen with the previous generation vehicles.
Amongst the list of goodies is an ECO mode. In this mode, the engine will switch off automatically when you stop at a signal and will switch on immediately as you step on the gas. This system has been beautifully optimized, there is hardly any lag between the start and stop. In fact, it happens so smoothly that you would not even notice it. The ECO mode contributes in reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
There are numerous other features as well such as Active Parking Assist, Presafe, Attention Assist. There are a total of 9-airbags in the car including the driver knee airbag.
Head over to the next page below, to read how the new M-Class drives.
Ride, Handling and Braking – Its a given that an SUV of this size is not going to be a handler but evolution has worked in favor of the W166. It now features better ride and handling characteristics. Body roll is evident and is bound to be there if you are lugging more than 2 tonnes but its controlled and the handling is more predictable now. The AIRMATIC suspension can be toggled into Sports and Comfort as per the requirement. The M-Class offers a complaint ride in the comfort mode with the suspension absorbing most of the bumps. In the Sports mode, the suspension stiffens up and the gearing gets more aggressive. The ride gets more stiff but at the same time does not make the passengers uncomfortable. You can chuck the car into tight corners and it does reasonably well as compared to the previous generation model. Our test car was shod with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels which did their bit in improving handling and stiffening up the ride marginally.
Steering is light at low speeds and weighs up nicely as you speed up. Even at high speeds the steering offers sufficient feedback. The brakes seem do a good job to stop this mammoth SUV, however there is fair amount of play in the brake pedal and it takes time getting used to.
When you are off the tarmac there are a variety of assists available for off-road driving. The 4MATIC permanent all wheel drive system distributes 50:50 power to the front and rear wheels, which is ideal for off-road use. There is a button on the center console which activates the ‘Off Road Driving Programme’. This programme customizes engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability programme and electronic traction control system to suit the terrain making it very easy to navigate. DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is standard and ground clearance can be increased, wherever required, by the flick of a button.
Power delivery is linear and the M-Class does feel quick with the torque being available right through the rev meter.
Performance – Under the hood of the ML 350 CDI lies a 2987cc V6 power plant which produces 258 BHP of peak power at 3600 RPM and a massive 620 Nm of torque between 1600 – 2400 RPM. It will stop the clock at 7.4 seconds on a 0 – 100 km/h dash. Fuel efficiency is better by 28 percent as compared to the earlier generation vehicle inspite of having an extra 34 BHP and 100 Nm torque over the previous model, thanks to numerous blueEFFICIENCY measures and aerodynamics. Mated to this engine is a 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic gearbox which has Direct Select Lever for gear selection. This gearbox is smooth and the gear ratios are sorted for every kind of speed and terrain, however if you are in a hurry, you might find it a tad bit lazy at times. Paddles can be used for some extra fun. One can expect an overall mileage of around 9 kmpl. NVH levels are good with hardly any noise creeping inside the cabin. The engine note does get audible post 3000 RPM.
Head over to the next page below, to read the conclusion and specifications of the new M-Class.
Conclusion – The new Mercedes M-Class is a serious attempt by Mercedes Benz to shake up its rivals. It has improved drastically in the ride and handling department and is more fun to drive than its predecessor. Its not only pleasing to the eye but also delivers a power packed performance, that too in an environment enveloped in luxury. It appeals as a complete package and once Mercedes starts assembling it locally in India, there are bound to be more ‘Stars’ on the road, well in this case both on and off the road.
Whats Cool
* Aggressive Styling
* Built Quality
* Improved Ride and Handling
* Comfort and Luxury
Whats Not So Cool
* No 7-Seater option
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Specifications
* Engine: 2987cc, V6, CDI BlueEFFICENCY
* Power: 258 BHP @ 3600 RPM
* Torque: 620 Nm @ 1600 – 2400 RPM
* Transmission: 7G-TRONIC Automatic
* Top Speed: 224 km/h
* 0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds
* Fuel Consumption: 8 km/l (City), 11 km/l (Highway)
* Fuel Type: Diesel
* Suspension: 4MATIC Full Time All Wheel Drive
* Tires: 265/45/20 Tubeless All Terrain Tires with AMG Alloys
* Brakes: All 4 Discs
* Safety: Presafe, Attention Assist, 9 Airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, Electronic Traction Control
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 4804 mm X 1926 mm X 1796 mm
* Wheelbase: 2915 mm
* Turning Radius: 5.9 m
* Boot Volume: 690 liters
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters with 11 liters as reserve
* Kerb Weight: 2175 kgs