New spy photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML Class

It will not be until mid-2011 that we get the chance to see the new look of the Mercedes-Benz SUV. This model was born in 1997 and its second generation arrived in 2005. This will therefore be the third generation, and thanks to the new spy photos that Motorauthority has obtained, we can get a very precise idea of the final look of this vehicle.

Starting with the exterior, it does not seem that this new generation represents a notable increase over the previous one. It has proportions similar to those of the current model and its wheelbase appears to be the same.

On the other hand, I think the contrast of shapes between the front and the rear is noteworthy. At the front we have smoothly rounded headlights framing a large, bulging grille that gives the vehicle a strong presence without looking overly aggressive. At the rear, by contrast, we see a more serious and traditional look, closer to what one would expect from a luxury SUV from the German manufacturer.

For its part, the interior photos show it in what is almost its final version. The look of both the dashboard and the centre console is similar to the current trend in Mercedes-Benz interiors. However, it is true that the layout of the controls, buttons and air vents is almost identical to that of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in fact both vehicles share a platform.

As for engines, there are reports suggesting the brand may be working on a diesel-electric hybrid, about which little is yet known. There is also talk of the possibility of a plug-in electric variant combining an 80 CV electric motor with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 direct-injection petrol engine, which would allow it to travel 29 kilometres on electricity alone. In any case, what is almost completely certain is that a petrol-electric hybrid version will exist under the name ML450 Hybrid.

With regard to the rest of the engine range, the 2011 ML will very likely use for the first time the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 204 CV, in addition to the current 235 CV V6. On the petrol side, the range will be structured around the brand’s new V6 and V8 engines. Finally, the AMG version will make do with the also new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 capable of delivering up to 570 CV.

Via | Motorauthority