2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Update

Mercedes-Benz has announced the Australian pricing and specifications for its updated M-Class range. Since its release in April 2005, Mercedes-Benz has enjoyed increasing success with its second-generation Mercedes-Benz, selling some 300,000 units across the globe.

The ML SUV range has been revised and enhanced, and now sports a redesigned front bumper, re-contoured headlamps and a larger, more dominant radiator. The rear bumper has also been redesigned and now features integrated reflector strips - Mercedes-Benz say it emphasises the vehicle's width - while the tail lights now have a smoked-glass look.

In addition to the styling tweaks on the outside, the interior benefits from the use of new high-grade materials.  New two-tone colour schemes are available in either black/cashmere beige or black/alpaca grey. There is also a rather 'unique' looking four-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

The M-Class standard specification has also been upgraded, and now includes the all-new, high-performance telematics system with UCI (Universal Communication Interface), developed by Mercedes-Benz. As is expected of any Mercedes-Benz, the M-Class is fitted with a range of category-leading safety features as standard equipment.

For the first time, new 2009 ML owners will be given the option of an externally-mounted spare wheel carrier, allowing them to carry a full size spare without compromising the rear load space.

The hi-po ML 63 AMG has also been given 'the treatment' and is now even more distinctive, thanks to new front and rear aprons with a chromed underguard, and a larger AMG radiator grille.

The current Australian M-Class range essentially remains unchanged under the bonnet. The five models available for sale continue to be the 140kW ML 280 CDI V6, the 200kW ML 350, the 165kW ML 320 CDI V6. The 'top-dogs' continue to be the V8s - the 285kW ML 500 V8 and the ever-so-slightly mental ML 63 AMG, powered by AMG’s own hand-crafted 375 kW 6.3-litre aluminium V8.

PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

ML 280 CDI

Pricing for the ML 280 CDI is now $81,000 (up $615 from $80,385). The new-generation 140kW ML 280 CDI V6 gains three additional options as standard:

• 18 inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
• NTG 2.5 Audio 20 AM/FM radio with integrated 6-disc CD changer and mp3, wma and aac compatibility, 5 inch colour monitor and Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity
• UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB

ML 350 Luxury and ML 320 CDI Luxury

The ML 350 Luxury now costs $94,000 (up from $90,978), while the ML 320 CDI Luxury will set you back $97,000 (up from $94,156). The new-generation 200kW ML 350 V6 and the 165kW ML 320 CDI V6 gain the following options as standard:

• New design 19-inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
• Electric front passenger seat with memory function
• NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth
• Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
• UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB
• Reversing Camera
• Upper dashboard trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather

ML 500

The new-generation ML 500 now costs $127,500 (up from the current $124,874). Entry level to the Mercedes-Benz V8 SUV club now comes with the following additional equipment as standard:

• 20-inch light alloy wheels, 5 twin spoke design
• Wood/leather steering wheel
• Upper dashboard trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather
• Glass electric sunroof with tilt/slide function
• NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
• UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB

ML 63 AMG flagship model

The 'big boy' of the M-Class range, the ML 63 AMG, will cost a substanital $167,500 (375kW AMGs ain't cheap), thats an increase of just $255 over the current model. The following options are now included as standard:

• AMG 20-inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
• NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
• UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB
• Upper dashboard trimmed in Nappa leather
• Digital/analogue TV tuner

Fuel consumption according to ADR 81/01

All prices quoted exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges; price is calculated with 33 percent Luxury Car Tax (LCT)