2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is all new for 2012 and ready to change the game again thanks to one very impressive overhaul. Style was never a problem, so you won't find many changes to the outside, but everything from performance to the cabin to safety considerations has been totally revamped to create the perfect SUV for anyone whose budget is not a major concern.
Although the Hybrid, ML63 AMG and ML550 V8 are still in the works, the present lineup is already suited to nearly any driver without adding unnecessary confusion with umpteen different trims. For instance, the two M-Class trims debuting for 2012 can be made into a sport SUV just by adding the new Dynamic Handling package, which does an amazing job of reducing body roll and adding confidence to cornering posture—not that it needed improvement, but if you want something sportier before Mercedes-Benz gets the AMG out, there's your way to it.
The only tough choice for 2012 is whether to go with the ML350 4MATIC gas or ML350 BlueTEC diesel. Even though they both hit 60 mph in just over 7 seconds and come with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic, the two engines each have a distinct personality all their own. The DOHC 3.5-liter gas V6 pulls no punches at highway passing with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 3-liter turbodiesel V6, on the other hand, launches off the start with 240 hp and a jaw-dropping 455 lb-ft of torque - and gets about 3 mpg more than the gas version at 20 mpg city/25 highway.
The list of new features for 2012 is mind-bogglingly long. For starters, the enhanced voice-command system now recognizes accents and different language dialects to control the phone, navigation, music and every electronic essential. New standard features for 2012 include Attention Assist, Agility Control suspension, adaptive brake and hold functionality, HD radio and 9 airbags for an unprecedented level of safety for all 5 passengers. Speaking of passengers, rear headroom now accommodates taller passengers, and the second row is sculpted for two passengers to ride in greater comfort if that's all the room you need. Should you need more, keep your eyes and ears peeled for the arrival of the M-Class's third-row option.
As for new options available right here and now, the Premium 1 package carries over unchanged, but the Premium 2 package now includes climate-controlled cupholders and a rear storage compartment. A new Lane Tracking package offers Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping assist, while a new Driver Assistance Package offers Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist alongside Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake, which detects other cars on the road via radar and engages the brakes if someone gets a bit too close. A new lighting package will be offered mid-year that will provide a headlamp cleaning system, adaptive high beams and bi-xenon headlights with active curve assist and corner-illuminating lights.
There's more, but at this point I'm sure you're itching to give it a test - so I will leave you the joy of discovering the M-Class in full on your own.
User reviews for 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Write a review2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: rear seat · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated · Skid plate(s): front and rear · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.45
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Skid plate(s): front and rear · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front and rear · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlight cleaners: heated · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
