2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class images leaked

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By Tim Beissmann | June 07th, 2011

The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has been leaked ahead of its official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The third-generation ML-Class, which has been completely redesigned inside and out, is scheduled to go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2012.

The official brochure images (courtesy of Motor-Talk) reveal a more aggressive front end that showcases the latest evolution of Mercedes’ current design philosophy. The grille is strong and pronounced, the headlights have a purposeful, focused stare, and LED daytime running lights are incorporated into the large side intakes, which flank the bold, gaping lower opening.

The rear benefits from a sleeker design, with flatter, wider LED taillights giving the ML-Class a lower-profile stance. The new model maintains a familiar side profile, with a high sill line and flowing C-pillar, while the roof scores a full-size panoramic sunroof.

Overall, the exterior of the medium-sized luxury SUV is decidedly more car-like.

The interior takes a huge step forward, and is now far more modern, cohesive and refined. There are two large LCD screen: one in the instrument panel and another integrated into the centre of the dashboard.

The materials and surfaces appear to be a much higher quality that the current model, which is relatively plasticy.

More details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, including engines and specifications, will be revealed in the lead up to its unveiling in Frankfurt in around four months.

A.S

Looking good!
Car Fanatic

Yes improving over previous models
Grammar Nazi

It looks awesome, but your thumb over the badge on the top image, and it looks a little like the current RAV4.
Jason

Look’s great!
Steve-Poyza

That interior is making me froth, I wasn’t expecting such class for the ML.

<3
A

Not a fan. It looks a bit SsangYong-ish to me. I’d rather get an X5 or a Range Rover Sport.
Vibe

I like the front and interior, but the rear and profile don’t appeal to me, it just looks a bit odd. Maybe it will grow on me.
DDH

I think the current one looks good – but this doesn’t look worse which is to be commended.
Phil

Is it going to be priced in line with normal Mercs like a E350 Estate @ about $140,000 or will ML buyers continue to get what is pretty much a E class 4-matic estate on stilts with the same engine & kit for $50,000 less?

ritchie

Similar to current prices means it will be cheaper than the E-class because it’s still assembled in the US. German assembled cars cost much more because their wages/taxes are higher.

Phil

You’d think that, but the German Made BMW X1 is cheaper than the similar sized South African made BMW 3 series and the much smaller US Made BMW Z4 is far more expensive than the much bigger X5.

All the premium 4WDs are priced well under similar cars from the same brands. I don’t get it.

Gerald

Good observation.

Historically, 4wds received tariff concessions over their light car vehicle counterparts, however, this changed after 1 Jan 2010 when the light car tariff was reduced to the same rate of 5%. Perhaps, the market has just gotten used to 4wds being slightly less expensive than similar sized cars.

http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2003-04/04rn17.htm

Phil

Those tariffs are only for Australia though. Worldwide, these premium 4WDS are still priced well below similar 2WD wagons from the same brands and our price differences are far bigger than the entire tariff margins anyway.

I just checked, list price for the lowest spec E350 Estate is $138,100 whilst the current ML350 is just $88,500. The price difference would be even more if you optioned the E350 with the “4-Matic” version avaliable overseas which is of course standard on all M class.

It’s a identical pricing scenario with the BMW 535i vs X5 or Audi A6 vs Q7 or Lexus RX vs GS.

bahnstorming

I’m not sure about the tail-lights
Shak

Really wasnt expecting MB to do this much with the ML, but good on them for giving it a proper re-fresh.
M

Interior looks great – the exterior looks pretty good – but does it lack cohesion around the rear lights and bumper???
Nature strip adventurer

Nice looking piece of design evolution. But we need taller vehicles now to start seeing above all the city curb explorers, oh yes those monster trucks will do the trick… hmmm all I need is suspension and tractor wheels etc etc etc