Mercedes-Benz adds equipment, holds prices on the 2012 M-class

Mercedes-Benz USA is holding prices steady on the first two models of the new generation M-class crossover.

The 2012 ML350 4Matic starts at $49,865, unchanged from the 2011 model. The ML350 BlueTec 4Matic diesel starts at $51,365, also unchanged. Prices include an $875 destination charge.

"The positioning for this vehicle is 'more of everything.' The new exterior is more distinctive and aggressive, and the new interior is also really impressive," said Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA, of Montvale, N.J.

Bernhard Glaser, general manager of product management for Mercedes-Benz USA, said new standard equipment such as a drowsiness warning system represents a 3 percent price-value improvement over 2011 models.

Through June, M-class sales are up 15 percent from a year ago, to 14,189 units.

Cannon said the company will stress high-tech safety features in ads that will break closer to the September launch.

"We've got an ad that's in development. It isn't all finished yet, but it's going to say something like, 'The new M class, with its lane-departure warning, its drowsiness monitor, etc. etc. makes more decisions in a mile than other cars make in their whole lifetime.'"

"That's really going to set it apart," Cannon said at a press introduction here for the new M class.

The 2012 ML350 4Matic has a 3.5-liter, gasoline direct-injected V-6 that produces 302 hp and 273 pounds-feet of torque. That's 13 percent more horsepower and 6 percent more torque than the model it replaces, with improved fuel economy.

The 2012 model gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/22 highway. The 2011 model gets an EPA-estimated 15 city/20 highway.

The 2012 ML350 BlueTec diesel produces 240 hp and 455 pounds-feet of torque, up from 210 hp and 400 pounds-feet of torque. The 2011 model gets an EPA-estimated 18 city/25 highway. Fuel economy estimates aren't final for the 2012 model, the automaker said.

Mercedes-Benz USA expects to add V-8 powered models in the first quarter of 2012.

By Jim Henry- Automotive News