Pricing confirmed for M-Class

Mercedes Benz has launched its all-new M-Class. Debuted to the Aussie motoring media in Tasmania recently, the M-Class will boast a three-model range comprising two petrol and one-diesel engine option.

Bigger and better built than the long-standing model it replaces, the new permanent all-wheel drive M-Class is still sourced from the USA. Unlike its predecessor, the new car features unibody construction. Long gone are the refinement and build quality issues that beset the original ladder-framed chassis M-Class says Mercedes.

Top of the current M-Class range is the 5.0lt petrol-engined 225kW V8 ML500. Priced from $116,900, the 500 features a high-level of specification, full leather and Airmatic air suspension.The $79,900 ML350 uses the impressive 3.5lt 200kW V6 that debuted in the SLK350 in 2004. Riding on steel springs it is nonetheless also well-equipped with safety firsts including Mercedes new PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO systems.

The sole diesel engine offered is the impressive 165kW 510NM 3.0lt V6. Debuting under the bonnet of the $82,900 ML320 CDI has a similar equipment and suspension spec to the 350. All models use Mercedes 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive in addition to off-road optimised ABS and ASR systems.

In a departure from previous offerings, Mercedes will also offer an optional OFF ROAD PRO-ENGEERING package across the range. The package includes: dual-range transfer case with low-range ratio, centre and rear difflocks, high-ride AIRMATIC, manual-mode autobox and other powertrain changes. The OFF ROAD PRO-ENGINEERING package will cost $4900 on ML500s and just over $10,000 on the 350/320CDI.

Look out for CarPoint's full coverage of the local launch of the ML range, published next week.