U Spy: One More Reader Spots the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M Class SUV

Even though the official presentation of the new M Class isn’t due until later this year - most likely at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in early September, an increasing number of lightly camouflaged prototypes have been caught roaming around the roads of Germany.

During the past few months, we’ve covered the 2012 M Class pretty extensively with both professional and reader shots. This new photo of a pair of M Class SUVs sitting side by side at a parking lot with other Mercedes models comes courtesy of galileo maeshary reader Patrick Favoreel.

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U Spy: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV Spotted in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has plenty of new models in store for us this year, with the German automaker having already revealed the refreshed C-Class, the new C-Class Coupe along with its AMG brethren, as well as the all-new SLK hardtop roadster. And there’s more to come with the Stuttgart-based company planning to unleash several more new model throughout the year including the next–generation M-Class SUV that was snagged by galileo maeshary reader Gal Leibovici during a recent trip to Germany. Gal spotted two different M-Class prototypes on separate occasions. Read more »

Mercedes Recalling More than 136,000 M-Class SUVs Because Cruise Control May Not Disengage by Braking

A defect associated with the cruise control system has prompted a U.S. recall of 136,751 units of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and M-Class AMG SUVs from the 2000-2004MY. In a filing to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], Mercedes-Benz said it has determined that under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage the cruise control system.

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SCOOP: All-New 2012 ML 63 AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s Answer to the BMW X5 M

galileo maeshary’s spies have bagged new photos of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG testing in Germany. The most powerful member of the new M-Class family will compete against BMW’s X5 M, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine pumping out 555HP and 680Nm or 501 lb-ft of peak torque.

The current ML 63 AMG is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering -in U.S. spec- 503HP at 6,800 rpm and a peak torque of 465 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. Even thought the 63 badge will remain, as with other new AMG models, the flagship version of the next ML will ditch the 6.2-liter lump for the firm’s newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 boasting direct-injection technology.

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SCOOP: Walkaround Video of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Found Parked on the Road

A camo’d 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML was recently spotted hanging out on the road by a Youtube user who takes us on a walk around the SUV model in the video after the jump. As we recently reported when our spy photographers snagged a lightly disguised prototype in Germany, the new ML is scheduled to launch towards the end of this year. Depending on the market, the luxury SUV will be offered with a familiar range of V6 and V8 gasoline engines, V6 diesels and a hybrid drievtrain, possibly with plug-in capability.

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Bulgaria’s Vilner Dresses Up Mercedes ML 350

In its latest tune, Bulgarian custom studio Vilner is taking a shot at the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 with a purely cosmetic package leaving the mechanical hardware intact.

Vilner’s exterior modifications are rather subtle being limited to the new custom made headlamps housing LED lights and the replacement of all chrome plated elements with new black chrome parts, including the alloy wheels.

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SCOOP: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Drops More Camo, Reveals Interior

These are the clearest spy photos yet of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML, which was caught testing in Germany with minimal camouflage ahead of its market launch later this year.

The new ML could easily be mistaken for a facelift version of the current model as Mercedes-Benz’s styling approach follows an evolutionary path. A closer look reveals a slightly boxier shape with more sculpted lines and new details such as the longer tail lamps and a more angular grille up front.

The interior shots snagged by our scoop photographers show a completely redesigned dashboard with a prominent center console featuring new switchgear and a large LCD screen for the infotainment system.

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Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

A total of 2,297 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models are being recalled in the U.S. to fix a potential problem that could lead to fuel leaks. The recall affects certain diesel versions of the 2011MY E-Class, GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class vehicle range.

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Senner Tuning Beefs up Mercedes-Benz ML500

After unveiling its Nissan 370Z and Audi A5 Cabriolet kits in September, German tuning firm Senner is at it again with its treatment for the Mercedes-Benz ML500. The company's engineers first turned their attention on the SUVs 5.5-liter V8 engine by optimizing the ECU module and lifting output from the factory model's 388HP and 530Nm, to 412HP and 560Nm [416 lb-ft] of torque.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Loses the Heavy Cladding

Last time we showed you spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 2012 M-Class and ML63 AMG SUVs [confusingly, Merc uses the 'M-Class' title for the series and the 'ML' prefix for the model designation], both models were covered in heavy plastic cladding.

In these latest scoop pics of the flagship ML63 AMG, the plastic armor is gone and replaced by black tape, providing us with a more revealing look at the car's styling. The new M-Class features a 'boxier' shape and is evidently more heavily sculpted than the current model. It also gets the more angular grille up front, found on all the latest Mercedes cars.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

Despite the rising importance of green issues in the auto industry, carmakers continue the development of full-size SUVs / 4x4s such as the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our scoop photographers snagged some of the very first pictures of the next generation Mercedes SUV while undergoing testing in Germany.

Although details are scarce, we do know that the new GL will make use of a stretched version of the next ML's platform, which is also shared with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Dodge Durango. The same goes for the powertrains options that will mirror those of the new ML and include V6 and V8 engine options.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Receives Minor Cosmetic Updates

Mercedes-Benz's 510-horsepower-strong ML63 AMG SUV has received some rather minor upgrades for the 2011 model year. The subtle changes to the exterior include a newly styled bonnet with power domes, darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and smoked tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. And that about covers the updates to the 2011 ML63 AMG model.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with New Bi-Turbo V8

Even though the standard 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still undergoing development, the company's AMG division has began testing the high-performance version of the series.

Expected to arrive shortly after the standard M-Class model, which itself, will go on sale in late 2011, the ML 63 AMG will feature the brand's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the outgoing car's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

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Spy Video: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV

The countdown is on to the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV that will roll out of Stuttgart sometime in the second-half of 2011. Last time we brought you some early scoop photos of the new SUV on one of its first tests on road. Now, spies have video-snagged the next M-Class during winter testing.

Sharing a platform with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming 2012 Dodge Durango, the M-Class will get a revised engine lineup that will most likely include a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability.

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VIDEO: 2012 Mercedes ML Prototype and AMG S-Class Pull Out CL-Class AMG Test Car from Snow Ditch

Now here's an incident that you don't get to see very often - let alone capture on film. But these spy photographers got lucky when, while they were tailing a camouflaged 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML SUV prototype on a snow covered road, the driver of the SUV led them straight to a CL-Class AMG facelift test car that was trapped in a ditch!

At first, the Mercedes-Benz team tried to pull out the CL-Class AMG coupe only with the all-wheel drive ML.

When that didn't work, they then employed the help of an S-Class AMG sedan equipped with snow chains. The combined pulling power of the two Mercs did the job. Enjoy the video after the break.

Via: Youtube / AMS

Uber-Bad Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with 585HP and a Top Speed of 300km/h by VATH

Looking to spice up your factory Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG? No problem, just as long as you're prepared to 'lighten' your bank account by €35,784 that comes to around US $53,200 at today's exchange rates. Because that's what VATH is asking for to turn the wick up on the ML 63 AMG. This will buy you the full range of upgrades that include engine and chassis modification as well as new alloy wheels and tires, and a couple of styling add-ons.

The stock ML 63 AMG comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine produces an output of 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of peak torque. After VATH's extensive mods that include but are not limited to, larger intake and exhaust valves, sport camshaft, reprogrammed ECU and a custom made exhaust system, the V8 delivers 585HP and 690Nm or 508 lb-ft of torque. The engine tuning costs €17,850 plus €1,785 for the installation.

With this kit the ML 63 AMG is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds (down from 5.0 sec) while the removal of the speed limiter allows the SUV to reach a top speed of 300 km/h or 187 mph.

An adjustable sport suspension (€1,952) based on Airmatic that can lower the SUV's ride height up to 40mm, a high-performance breaking system (€4,641) with 8-piston fix calipers and 380 mm break discs and 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 265/35 ZR 22 or 305/30 ZR 22 Dunlop tires (from €8,568) complete the list of performance mods.

The package is rounded off with a roof spoiler (€405) and new fog lights (€583) positioned behind the lower grille.

New Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Offered Only as a Lease Vehicle in the USA

Mercedes-Benz will launch the new ML450 HYBRID onto the U.S. market on Monday, November 16 but with one catch: you won't be able to buy it. See, the German automaker is offering the hybrid SUV in the States as part of a special lease only option. Those interested can choose between a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months or $549 per month for 60 months.

Beneath the ML450 HYBRID's hood lurks a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 gasoline engine that makes 275 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is combined with a pair of magneto-electric motors integrated within the modified automatic transmission, that produce 80HP and 192 lb.-ft of torque, and 83HP and 173 lb.-ft of torque.

Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system output of 335 horsepower and 381 lb.-ft. of torque. The SUV is claimed to accelerate from rest to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 sec and has a top speed of 131mph or 210 km/h.

Mercedes says that with a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway, the ML450's hybrid powertrain returns 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.

Still, that doesn't even come close to Lexus' RX450h Hybrid AWD that boasts an EPA-estimated 30mpg city and 28mpg highway. The Lexus is also faster in the 0-60mph sprint with a time of 7.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz Recalling... Recalled 1998-2003 M-Class SUVs

If not a first, Mercedes-Benz’s action to issue a second recall on the same vehicle because the earlier repair performed on the specific model may not have been sufficient, is something definitely out of the ordinary. In particular, Merc will ask 102,954 owners of MY 1998-2003 M-Class models in the U.S. to bring their SUVs to the company’s dealers to repair a clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler. -Continued

According to information posted on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official web site, the clamp may not provide enough force for this connection leading to the loss of power steering fluid which in turn could result in diminished power steering over time. To put it simple, you’ll need a professional weightlifter’s muscles to turn the steering wheel with ease.

The agency said that all M-Class vehicles repaired prior to November 15, 2003, will be repaired again with the new recall expected to begin during October 2008. If you happen to have any questions, you can contact Mercedes Benz directly at 1-800-367-6372.