In June 2009, our spy photographers brought you the first-ever photos of the all-new 2012 Mercedes ML-Class taking its first test run. Now we’ve got a few more, new photos of the German SUV running through Europe.. These photos of the new ML-Class were snagged right before the Mercedes engineers made a hasty retreat.
Judging from these photos, the new ML’s wheelbase seems almost the same, if not a few inches shorter than today’s ML. Whatever the dimensions will be, for efficiency reasons weight is definitely going to be reduced. This chassis will also be shared with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango.
While heavy camouflage hides a lot of the details, we can still see some of the changes. The doors have new sculpting, with two bold character lines visible. We can also see new door mirrors. A large angular grille with at least three chrome cross bars can be seen under the camo panels as well. We’re pretty sure that LED daytime running lights are also lurking somewhere under the camo.
Under the hood, we expect a similar range of engines powering today’s car, including the 3.5 V6, 5.5L V8 and the 6.2L V8 for the AMG model. A 3.0L turbo diesel should also continue on in the lineup. We’ve also heard that Mercedes may offer the new ML with a standard or plug-in hybrid right from the start.
This next-gen ML-Class should make it to dealers before the second half of 2011, with a starting price around the same $46,000 for the ML-350 now, ranging on to roughly double that for the premium 6.2-liter AMG model.
06/23, 4:33 PM
posted by:
Borat
Actually what I can see looks better then existing model
06/23, 5:04 PM
posted by:
cocojoe53
Wow…It looks just like a MDX-Pilot-Chevy Equinox-CX6-CX7-X70 X90-and many others…Leave the camouflage on……..
06/23, 5:06 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Well pound my schnitzel and leder my hosen… it looks like… a big German SUV! No turret option yet, huh? Bummer.
06/23, 5:23 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
2011 Jeep Cherokee/2011 Dodge Durango/2012 Mercedes ML?
I thought Daimler split up with Chrysler.
I wonder how Fiat thinks this will fit in with their SUV.
If I spent $60k on a Mercedes, I wouldn’t want it to even share a platform let alone other technologies with a $30k Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep.
06/23, 6:11 PM
posted by:
elviososa
so ML is getting longer and uncut??
06/23, 7:13 PM
posted by:
THaas97
Mercedes making an SUV? I say you keep making the normal Mercedes-Benz.In this type of economy, you’ll need cars with good gas mileage. And Mercedes & SUV just straight up don’t fit. you’ll be lucky to sell a decent amount of those.
06/23, 10:03 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
THaas97.. you must be living in ‘97.. because the Mercedes SUV has been produced since 1998. Of course, the G-class SUV has been around for at least two decades longer.
06/23, 10:57 PM
posted by:
Choco Bruce
looks long enough to house 7 seats…hmmm wonder what this means for the R-Class?
06/24, 3:50 AM
posted by:
A4
Jesus i just looked and the ML63 AMG is $35,000 more than the ML550 and $45,000 more than the ML350… is a 6.2 V8 worth that much more? I can’t imagine. Maybe they’ll fix this gap, for the better.
06/24, 12:13 PM
posted by:
b.johnson
THaas, ever read a review of a later model GL450 (SUV)? Might want to do that before making judgements!
06/24, 1:05 PM
posted by:
writeeddie
I am pretty sure that the R-class will be soon gone (who wants a MB minivan anyway.) G-class is simply too big for today’s trend.
Considered its the luxury SUV that started it all in the late 90s (Jurassic Park anyone?) The M-class has always been the evergreen product for the company. I am sure that it will be a great vehicle that sets the standard (not too hard (think Infiniti) and not too soft (Lexus RX.) It should be a great vehicle as long as it doesn’t look like the sorry-looking little brother GLK.
Please make it right (right off the gate) with great interior and build quality and nifty features that lure me back to the three-points-starts. (Now that they finally over the nightmare of the five-pointed-start partner.) Stick with what you are good at: a solid, well-engineered car even at a premium cost!
06/24, 1:40 PM
posted by:
reedfast
Kinda reminds me of the Caddy SRX
06/24, 2:11 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
@reedfast: how? the camo looks nothing like a Caddy.
06/24, 2:40 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Guys, R class is already gone, and it reported red numbers for MB, which said it was a learning experience.
THaas97, where do you live? -I’m asking seriously.
06/24, 9:05 PM
posted by:
reedfast
The overall shape is pretty similar to my eyes
pavlindrom
06/24, 10:28 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Looks like the traditional ML styling cues (sedan-like C-pillar, short overhangs, tall narrow grille) has given way to middle-child syndrome.. this looks like a dull mishmash of GL and GLK cues, with the hideous E-class “pontoons” thrown in for bad measure.
06/25, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
The Equiinox, Torrent, SRX and Buick Theta are going to destroy any sales Mercedes thought they were going to get with this POS. People prefer quality and reliability over the badge on the hood. That’s why everyone would rather own a General Motors vehicle.
Quality? Reliability? Dependibility? Only in a GM. An American Revolution.
06/25, 12:32 PM
posted by:
b.johnson
^^^^ yeah because a benz lacks quality and reliability?? Let me guess, you live in Michigan or Arkansas.
08/26, 12:42 AM
posted by:
SGIOctane2
Need, hahahahahah, you’ve got to be joking! Mercedes is one of the wealthiest car makers on the planet. Nor are they in the same league as the ML, sorry. Ther German economy went to hell in the late 90s to early 2000s. Pretty much the same thing that happened to the US, and with the automotive industry in the 80s. Prior to the late 90s, German cars were actually quite reliable. The only car maker that didn’t suffer reliblity issues was Porsche.
Mercedes is FOURTH for reliability, all of their product lines are ranked at least average, with the C, E, and S-Class being recommended models. All of Audi and BMW’s product line are ranked average with some above average. ALL of Porsche’s product lines are ranked well above average.
You want to drive American, go ahead, but do something about diarrhea spewing from your mouth!
You must work for GM. Regarless, you’re a troll! GET LOST!