With fuel consumption according to NEDC of 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km), the extremely fuel-efficient ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC delivers an output of 150 kW (204 hp) along with 500 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, while its top speed is 210 km/h. Even faster on the move is the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, although with a fuel consumption that is almost as frugal, at 6.8 l/100 km. With a maximum output of 190 kW (258 hp) and torque of 620 Nm, the V6 diesel can accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 224 km/h. With 225 kW (306 hp), the petrol-engined ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY has an average consumption, according to NEDC, of just 8.5 l/100 km and achieves a top speed of 235 km/h.

M-Class customers can choose from two standard, non-metallic paint finishes – calcite white or black – or pay extra for one of the following metallic paint finishes: iridium silver, obsidian black, palladium silver, pearl beige, tanzanite blue, tenorite grey, citrine brown or diamond white BRIGHT. The standard interior of the SUV features upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather in combination with black fabric and an aluminium trim with light longitudinal grain. Optional extras include the following colours and materials: ARTICO man-made leather in alpaca grey, almond beige or black; leather in alpaca grey, almond beige or black; or leather in black/alpaca grey, black/almond beige or black/tobacco brown/marron. As for the trim, there is a choice of brown open-pore ash wood or high-gloss wood in brown eucalyptus, dark graphite poplar or brown burr walnut. Furthermore, the upper and lower sections of the dashboard as well as the door beltlines can be enhanced with an ARTICO man‑made-leather trim with topstitching.

A balanced interior climate is assured thanks to the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control with 2 climate zones, a combination activated charcoal filter to reduce dust and odours, a solar sensor, rear air vents and a demisting sensor. For even more sophisticated climate control, the THERMOTRONIC system is available as a cost option. This system also includes 4-zone temperature control for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers as well as three individually adjustable climate modes – DIFFUSE, MEDIUM, FOCUS – a dew point sensor, additional B-pillar vents, a booster blower in the centre console for the rear compartment with separate controls, convenient air recirculation with an outside air quality sensor and residual engine heat utilisation.

The new M-Class comes as standard with the Audio 20 CD system, which comprises a radio with twin-tuner, TFT colour display with a 14.7 cm screen diagonal, an MP3/WMA/AAC-compatible CD player, a USB interface with CD Cover Art display (if saved on the storage medium), an AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest and a telephone keypad. The Bluetooth interface also allows hands‑free telephony and Audio Streaming for the transfer of music.

The Audio 20 CD system can be optionally upgraded with the addition of a 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface, the "Logic7" Surround Sound system from audio specialists Harman/Kardon®, digital radio (DAB) or comfort telephony in the armrest. Then there is the Becker® MAP PILOT, a fully integrated navigation module with 2D/3D map displays for Europe. This system, which is offered as a genuine accessory, can be docked into a cradle in the glove compartment and controlled through the central control unit of the Audio 20 CD system. The navigation route is shown in both the central display and the instrument cluster, while route recommendations are issued acoustically through the vehicle loudspeakers. Also included: automatic tailback avoidance (TMC Pro) and voice-controlled address entry. Updates to map data, application software and other features are possible via the internet on a home computer, since the module can be taken out.

The COMAND Online system, with a high-resolution 17.8 cm TFT colour display, offers internet access in the M-Class for the first time. Customers can either surf freely while the vehicle is stationary, or call up a Mercedes-Benz app, the pages of which build particularly quickly and are easy to use even while the vehicle is on the move. The integrated apps include Google™ Local Search, Facebook access (from 11/2011) and weather, as well as the ability to download and adopt into the navigation system a route that has been previously configured in Google Maps and sent to the car, or specific destinations. Further Mercedes-Benz apps will be successively introduced and will then be available for use by all customers. Telephones that are compatible with the COMAND Online apps are listed on the website www.mercedes-benz.com/connect. COMAND Online is available as an option with a 6-disc DVD‑changer.

The system includes Speed Limit Assist as standard, which recognises traffic signs and displays the applicable speed limit in the instrument cluster.

Customers can order the new M-Class from 11 July of this year, with deliveries commencing in November 2011. Despite the upgraded equipment and appointments, prices for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC remain practically the same as for its predecessor (an increase of just 50 euros).

The prices at a glance:

Exclusive model to mark the launch: Edition 1

They have already become something of a tradition and are valued by our customers: the limited-number Edition 1 vehicles that mark the beginning of any new model series. In the case of the new M-Class, the offer includes an AMG Exterior Sports package with a specific front apron, rear apron and side sill panels in vehicle colour, as well as 50.8 cm (9J x 20) high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design and 265/45 R 20 tyres. The sporty, dynamic look of the car is rounded off by sports brakes with perforated brake discs and special brake calliper covers, and metallic paintwork.

The interior is similarly impressive, featuring designo leather upholstery in either marron or porcelain with contrasting decorative stitching in a diamond-shaped pattern. The instrument panel, door centre panels, interior beltlines and centre console are also upholstered in leather. The wood/leather steering wheel in nappa leather with DIRECT SELECT shift paddles, wood trim in open-pore brown ash or high-gloss anthracite poplar and the black designo roof lining round off this luxurious package of appointments. The footwells have black velour floor mats with metal 'designo' badges. Functional enhancements to the interior include a Memory package, seat heating for the driver's and front passenger seats, sidebags in the rear and the automatic child seat recognition system. The M-Class Edition 1 may be combined with any diesel or petrol engine.

The M-Class Edition 1 can likewise be ordered from 11 July, with prices starting at €55,700 (€66,283 incl. 19% VAT for the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Edition 1).

In addition to the Becker® MAP PILOT and COMAND Online systems described, further features available include the following: