2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Drive

The all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 has been thoroughly reworked in just about every aspect to make it a formidable contender in the premium SUV space. Vikram Gour got to drive this beast in the Austrian Alps to get a rigorous firsthand understanding of what this new SUV packs.

To start with, the new ML 350 comes with higher tensile steel for added strength and reduced weight. The vehicle is longer, wider and slightly lower (ride height is electronically controlled and the suspension can be raised at a click of a button for off roading applications) than its predecessor, however the distinct design of the ML has been retained with small changes to profile lines, headlights, a flatter roofline to reduce the coefficient of drag and an all new front grille, however there is no mistaking it for anything else.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Drive

GL550’s V-8 felt totally appropriate for the class, orientation, and performance expectations of a full-size SUV. We’ve driven so many newer, more powerful vehicles here—benefiting hugely from the still ongoing horsepower wars—that sometimes I think we get a little bit carried away with the “This isn’t as fast as the last thing I drove,” type of talk. I’d classify the GL550 as “pretty quick,” which is high praise for a mammoth SUV.


Nor would I completely agree with the statements above and below about the less-than-luxurious accommodations inside the GL’s cabin. I guess I took the experience in as being “about right” for my M-B expectations (and memories), without, to be fair, being especially wowed by the fit and finish, or technology on hand.

Mercedes drop M-Class price

Mercedes-Benz has thrown down the gauntlet to rivals BMW, Audi and Lexus in the luxury SUV segment by slashing the entry price and loading more standard gear into its next-generation M-Class off-roader.

The diesel-powered ML250 CDI will be between $8300 and $10,700 cheaper than BMW's X5 xDrive30d, Audi's Q7 3.0 TDI and Lexus's RX450h, while its official fuel efficiency of 6.4 litres per 100km betters all bar the hybrid Lexus which shares the same figure. The Lexus has more power but less torque than the Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz GLK crossover Diesel

The compact SUV will get a refresh for the 2013 model year, and Automotive News (subscription required) quotes Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon as confirming a diesel-engine option for the next GLK.

That makes the compact crossover the sixth Mercedes-Benz model to be offered on these shores with diesel power.


While the other five use a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, the GLK will get a more fuel-efficient and cost-effective four-cylinder--fitted, like the others, with the BlueTEC emissions aftertreatment system.


Motor Authority believes that Mercedes will use its 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is already emissions-certified for sale in the U.S. market.