Mercedes-Benz ML250 Special Edition

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new Special Edition variant of its entry-level M-Class large SUV, the ML250, that adds several safety, convenience and aesthetic features.

The new ML250 BlueTEC Special Edition gains several optional 'packages' and extra features that combined represent "exceptional value" says Mercedes-Benz, including heated seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, and safety features such as intelligent bi-xenon headlamps and a lane departure warning system.

The Special Edition is now available for order priced at $90,400 and the General Manager
of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific, Richard Emery, said the
new model provides buyers a new option in the M-Class range.

"The
ML 250 BlueTEC ‘Special Edition’ embodies our desire to provide our
customers with uncompromised comfort and outstanding value."

The
Mercedes-Benz M-Class was the second highest-selling large luxury SUV in
Australia in 2013, with 2848 sales (15.8 per cent market share)
behind market leader the BMW X5 with 3302 sales, or 18.4 per cent of
the pie. Lexus RX was third with 2188 sales last year, for a 12.2 per cent share
of the market.

This new Special Edition Benz SUV coming so early in the year is designed to counter BMW's just-launched, all-new X5. It provides Benz Australia with a couple of months' supply in an appealing specification following an extended period of high demand. 

The addition of a 360 degree top-view camera should help drivers when parking the 4.8 metre long, 2.1-tonne Mercedes-Benz, and the inclusion of blind spot assist is designed to help warn drivers of unseen vehicles.

Priced at $90,400 before on-road costs are added, the Mercedes-Benz ML250 Special Edition commands a $6900 price premium over the regular model ($83,500), but slots in underneath the ML350 ($99,045). According to Benz the Special Edition delivers a net gain of $5375 to customers.

Powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the ML250 Special Edition consumes fuel at a rate of just 6.4L/100km in combined-cycle testing. Output is rated at 150kW/500Nm, which translates to acceleration of  9.0 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash.

"With this exciting new special edition, the M-Class continues to offer high levels of luxury and enhanced dynamic on-road handling," said Emery.

Standard features on all M-Class models include a collision prevention system, adaptive braking, and a fatigue monitoring system among others.

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