2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class first prototype spied again

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class first prototype spy photos / CarPix

Next-generation Mercedes ML-Class spied getting its road-legs on the streets in Germany

By Alex Ricciuti
July 10, 2009 4:49 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

Here's a series of spy shots of the next-generation Mercedes ML-Class SUV.

It's hard to envision what the next gen Merc will look like when wearing that heavy, black coat, but the photographer did remark that the model looks slightly smaller than its predecessor. A sign that automakers are downsizing their shamelessly indulgent SUVs of old. Otherwise, the new design does seem to be consistent with the ML-Class and won't be providing any undue surprises. The question is whether there will still be much of a market for these premium-brand, large-sized SUVs. There are many indications that the SUV's hey-day is past.

In the engine bay, nothing new is expected, as the ML-Class was provided with the brand's most updated range of motorization options with its somewhat recent facelift. A gasoline/electric hybrid will also likely be in the works, as seen most recently in the S 400 model. A plug-in hybrid is also (as always lately) hinted at.

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz ML is expected to debut sometime in 2012.

Comments

alessandro
July 10, 2009 5:10 PM
Could you, WCF kindly explain what means "next gen. ML-class". There is no such class, in Mercedes Benz production list at least. added from MB Deutschland: A-Klasse B-Klasse C-Klasse CL-Klasse CLC-Klasse CLK-Klasse CLS-Klasse E-Klasse G-Klasse GL-Klasse GLK-Klasse M-Klasse R-Klasse S-Klasse SL-Klasse SLK-Klasse SLR


Edited by user on July 10, 2009 at 5:12 PM
GmBHcarfanatic
July 10, 2009 5:36 PM
oh LORD... so systematic! THINK LIKE A SMART MAN :)

gouzizi
July 10, 2009 6:45 PM
Because WCF is based in europe and in Europe this is a ML Klass

TRANS_EUROKARS
July 13, 2009 10:13 PM
... M-Class is the same as ML-Class

Floppy
July 10, 2009 5:17 PM
acutally the class is called M, but because there's is a copyright on it, which is owned by BMW at their M-models they have to call them "ML"

HEMI426
July 10, 2009 5:56 PM
I like the M class a bit more round like the one now on sale

BabyMilo
July 11, 2009 12:41 PM
I think itll look good - i hope they do a good job with the rear end, they failed so badly with the new E - Klasse

Deutsch100
July 11, 2009 5:53 PM
I agree with BabyMilo. I am drooling over the new 2010 E-Class...until I see the rear end. It looks so bland, generic and somewhat Japanese in desing and form. I hope they keep the 2012 ML rear end aggressive, German and clean. I just read an article with one of Mercedes' design Engineer, and they do not want the word or idea "German" to be used for their cars. Hello, Mercedes is a German famed, historic company. Get over the damned war guilt, and build Teutonic cars. I want my Mercedes to scream German!!! I currently drive the "facelifted" ML, an ML63 AMG. I know each generation is supposed to get and look better, but I think the current ML looks pretty great. Honestly, I get looks and compliments almost daily!

BabyMilo
July 12, 2009 2:02 AM
Exactly, your spot on. And the facelifted ML looks fantastic

Deutsch100
July 12, 2009 8:08 AM
Danke Schön Milo!!!

BabyMilo
July 13, 2009 1:11 AM
kein Problem Deutsch100

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