The front-end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, re-contoured headlamps and a larger, even more dominant radiator. The rear view sports a new-look bumper with integrated reflector strips, emphasising the vehicle's width, as well as tail lights with a smoked-glass look.

Stylistic fine-tuning and new high-grade materials which are pleasing to the eye and touch combine with a new two-tone colour scheme to add fresh highlights to the interior. The two-tone leather upholstery is available in either black/cashmere beige or black/alpaca grey. Additionally, the eye is immediately drawn to the new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

The M-Class standard specification has also been significantly upgraded. It now includes the all-new, high-performance telematics system with UCI (Universal Communication Interface), developed by Mercedes-Benz, which is now even easier to use. The sizzling high-performance ML 63 AMG is now even more distinctive and striking, courtesy of new front and rear aprons with a chromed underguard, and a larger AMG radiator grille.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is amongst the trendsetters of today's luxury SUVs. Its exceptional status is down to its characteristic dynamic, stylish design, a combination of compelling performance both on and off-road, the ride comfort and ease of operation of a saloon, along with excellent customer value. The M-Class also comes fitted with a range of category-leading safety features as standard equipment.

Since its release in April 2005, some 300,000 worldwide customers have made the second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class their first choice. As such, the state-of-the-art off-roader remains one of the most successful vehicles in this rapidly growing market segment.

Externally mounted spare wheel carrier

Owners of the new-generation M-Class will now be given the option of an externally mounted spare wheel carrier. For those customers with a sense of adventure who love to take their vehicles off-roading, this provides the peace of mind of having a full size spare at the ready, while freeing up valuable storage space in the boot.

Australian model range: range of powertrains, enhanced equipment

The current Australian model range for the M-Class remains unchanged but significantly enhanced in value. The five models available for sale continue to be the 140 kW ML 280 CDI V6, the 200 kW ML 350, the 165 kW ML 320 CDI V6, the powerful 285 kW ML 500 V8 and the exhilarating ML 63 AMG, powered by AMG’s own hand-crafted 6.3-litre aluminium V8, which boasts 375 kW of driving power.

Building on this successful model series’ already rich standard equipment list are even more features for the new model. These are detailed below.

ML 280 CDI

Pricing for the ML 280 CDI moves to $81,000 (up $615 from $80,385). The new 140 kW ML 280 CDI V6 gains three popular 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 pricing moves to $94,000 (up from $90,978), while the ML 320 CDI Luxury pricing moves to $97,000 (up from $94,156). The new 200 kW ML 350 V6 and the 165 kW 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-look material

ML 500

The new-generation ML 500 is priced at $127,500 (up from the current $124,874). The new version of this 285 kW V8 stunner gains 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-look material
• 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 stunner in the M-Class range, the ML 63 AMG, is powered by AMG’s own 6.3 litre V8 engine, producing 375 kW and 630 Newton metres of torque. Pricing for the flagship ML 63 AMG moves to $167,500, up just $255 from the current $167,245. 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

On sale September 2008

The new-generation M-Class range will be in local Mercedes-Benz showrooms from mid-September.

The key facts

Notes:

* Fuel consumption according to ADR 81/01