Mercedes fans in India will be thrilled to know that Mercedes has launched the new 2012 ML350 in India for a price of Rs 66 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The German luxury carmaker will bring the first 100 units, with AMG styling, via the CBU route. The 2012 ML350 SUV will be locally assembled later this year and a cheaper variant will be launched for Rs 56.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), without the AMG-bodykit. Mercedes had showcased the ML350 SUV at the 2012 Auto Expo held in January and had planned to launch it in April. However, the hike in customs duty prescribed by the Union Budget had delayed its plans.
The new 2012 ML350 SUV will replace the model currently sold in India and comes with some upgrades. It is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine like its predecessor with some performance upgrades and improvements in efficiency and lower emissions. The 5-seaterproduces maximum power of 231hp at 3800rpm and an awesome 620Nm of torque at 1600-2400rpm, enough to take the 2175 kg SUV from 0 to 100 kmh in 7.4 seconds flat! Mercedes will offer a 7-speed 7G-tronic gearbox with the SUV, along with permanent four-wheel drive, brake energy recuperation functions and automatic start/stop.
The new ML350 SUV looks not only more aggressive, but also more appealing than the previous version, with cool cut-wheel arches, AMG style vents on the bonnet and a large front grille sporting the big Mercedes logo at the centre middle.
Mercedes has not neglected the interiors and given them some attention too, with some upgrades that give a spacious and refreshed look. The dashboard looks awesome with an instrument panel resembling that of a fighter jet, central console features and AC vents. The seats are extremely comfortable. Since the vehicle is meant for rough-terrain, safety features have been beefed up with NECK-PRO crash responsive head restraints, two stage front airbags, sidebags in the front and windowbags, optional rear sidebags, energy absorbing rear and front structures, self-supporting body, belt tensioner, PRE-SAFE system, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and acceleration skid control (ASR), ESP/4ETS dynamic handling control system and several more are expected.
The Mercedes ML350 SUV will compete against other majors of the luxury SUV segment, like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.
The new 2012 ML350 SUV will replace the model currently sold in India and comes with some upgrades. It is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine like its predecessor with some performance upgrades and improvements in efficiency and lower emissions. The 5-seaterproduces maximum power of 231hp at 3800rpm and an awesome 620Nm of torque at 1600-2400rpm, enough to take the 2175 kg SUV from 0 to 100 kmh in 7.4 seconds flat! Mercedes will offer a 7-speed 7G-tronic gearbox with the SUV, along with permanent four-wheel drive, brake energy recuperation functions and automatic start/stop.
