2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Test Drive - Popular Mechanics
Powertrains : 3. 5-liter V6 gasoline, 302 hp, 273 lb-ft. 0-liter V6 diesel, 240 hp, 455 lb-ft. What's New : Mercedes-Benz left no stone unturned when it updated the M-Class SUV. New direct-injected gasoline and diesel engines offer more power and fuel economy, while the optional Agility Control air suspension system incorporates active damping and roll bars. The expanded repertoire of standard items includes a power liftgate, nine airbags, attention assist and every safety item you'll find on Mercedes-Benz's S-Class flagship. Tech Tidbit : To smooth the vibrations inherent to its diesel mill, the ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic uses active engine mounts that track engine rpm and vehicle speed, stiffening when the vehicle picks up speed. The optional Agility Control suspension uses speed and lateral acceleration readings to automatically engage or disengage the antiroll bars via hydraulic actuators. Driving Character : As one Mercedes-Benz designer mentioned during a tech briefing at design headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany, "Our interiors aren't only focused solely on the driver. " That may be true, but several hours in the driver's seat of an ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic were not nearly as involving as if the time would have been spent in, say, a Porsche Cayenne. Source: www.popularmechanics.com
