The Mercedes M-Class has been revamped. This popular luxury SUV now has more of everything: more power, more style, and a more generous specification. It’s even more environmentally friendly; the V6 and V8 petrol or diesel engines are up to 1.1mpg more fuel-efficient.

Styling changes include restyled front and rear bumpers and exterior mirrors, recontoured headlamps, ‘smoked-glass’ rear indicator lights and a larger, lower-set radiator and new alloy wheels, all combining to create a wider, tougher, sportier appearance. Roof rails are now standard across the range, as is the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO head restraints.

Inside, the new-generation M-Class boasts a two-tone colour scheme, sporty-looking seats, upgraded materials and a chrome-trimmed, four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The door panel is trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather, with two-tone leather offered as an option. Three types of wood trim are available: burr walnut, bird’s eye poplar or anthracite poplar.



There’s also a brand new, user-friendly telematics system with Bluetooth-based hands-free, plus the option of an enhanced LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system. And – essential for those who really can’t do without their iPod – an optional Media Interface that enables music tracks played through external devices to be shown in the instrument cluster and the colour display in the centre console, all while charging the audio device’s battery.

Other optional extras include a 12-speaker, 610W Harman Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system and a rear-seat passenger entertainment package with two large 8-inch screens, centrally integrated DVD player, two sets of wireless headphones and two remote controls.



The most potent M-Class model, the 503bhp ML 63 AMG, has also undergone a transformation. It now sports new front and rear aprons with chromed underguard, a larger AMG radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome highlights, AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel and new 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.

Since the second-generation M-Class was launched in 2005, some 300,000 have been sold world-wide; and about 13,000 in the UK, making it one of the most popular off-roaders on the market. The revised model will arrive in the UK in late autumn.



Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Mercedes-Benz