Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant has started its 2012 ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with the launch of a completely redesigned and powerful new M-Class, setting a new benchmark in the premium segment.

With dynamic AMG sports styling as standard, three potent engine options, unparalleled ride comfort, and high-quality luxury interiors - the bold new M-Class confidently conveys intent to meet performance with sophistication, a statement from Mercedes said.

Available across the region in ML 350 and ML 500 variants, a new generation of BlueEfficiency petrol engines boast 306 and 408 hp respectively, and reach triple figure km/h from a standstill in just 7.6 and 5.7 seconds, the statement said.

It comes with the AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine made famous by the award-winning CLS 63 AMG, driven by 525 horses and 700 nm of torque the ML 63 AMG thunders from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds.

An optionally available AMG performance package delivers a further 15hp and 70nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in 4.7 seconds.

Frank Bernthaler, director, sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant, said: 'The luxury SUV segment is a market in which we have been making strong in-roads to date. Mercedes-Benz SUVs had a record year in 2011 and we plan to make a big an even bigger statement in 2012.”

“With its strong features, powerful heart, intelligent technologies and masculine design, the all new M-Class epitomises our new approach and spearheads Mercedes-Benz ‘Year of the SUV’ sales strategy for the Middle East,” he said.

AMG body styling adds high-gloss black louvres under the radiator grille, and two outer air intakes, whilst LED running lights as standard deliver a sporty scowl underlined by the front apron’s matt silver chrome trim strip and a wider appearance.

The headlamps cut a particularly high-quality and exclusive figure in combination with the optional intelligent light system (ILS).

The front apron is integrated with the distinctive front wings, made wider on either side in order to accommodate the 20” light-alloy wheels in elegant fashion. Dynamically profiled side sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.

“Inside delivers the sort of comfort normally the reserve of Mercedes-Benz flagship saloons. Seats have been designed to offer high long-distance comfort and optimum lateral support, with 34mm and 25mm more elbow room in the front and rear respectively than its predecessor, and the spaciousness boosted by a panoramic sliding roof and three tone ambient lighting,” Bernthaler said.

'The M-Class is a story of success. With more than 1.2 million vehicles sold, it is the best-selling SUV in its segment globally, and also enjoys the loyalist customer base. We will be continuing this success with the new M-Class in the Middle East, which will make an important contribution to our sales growth over the coming years,' he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service