Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel of mid-size luxury SUVs

The 2012 Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel, more commonly known as the ML350 BlueTec, is Mercedes' diesel entry into the class of mid-size luxury SUVs. Mercedes invented the diesel passenger car in the 1930s and has been developing its line of diesel-powered automobiles in the United States ever since with the first BlueTec rolling off the line in 2006. The Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel uses an AdBlue urea injection system to meet the clean emissions requirements in all 50 states.

Standard features in the Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel include front seats that are power adjustable, climate control that is automatic, a six-disc CD/DVD changer, a previous version of Mercedes' COMAND interface and 19-inch alloy wheels. Optional additions include an upgraded COMAND interface and a navigation system based on a hard-drive. Other features available include a rear-seat entertainment system, climate controls for the rear, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and an air suspension system.

The engine in the Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel is a 3.0 liter turbo-diesel V6 that can produce 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The seven speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy for the Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. The towing capacity stands at 7,200 pounds.

The interior of the Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel is spacious with high quality leather seats that provide sufficient support and comfort. Interior materials are soft and luxurious with the exception of the hard plastic on the top of dashboard. Several new safety features have been introduced in the Mercedes Benz M Class Diesel including a Blind Spot Assist. When the driver uses the turn signal, the system produce visual and audio warnings if a car is in the vehicle's blind spot. The rear-view camera has been improved with less distortion of the image of the area behind the car. Although the COMAND system is included, it uses arrow keys on the center console which are harder to operate and take the driver's attention away from the road. A 6.5 inch central display is included which enables control of almost anything from navigation to the radio and connectivity to an iPod or Bluetooth phone.