Mercedes-Benz has launched the stylish new M-class at an ex-showroom, Delhi price of Rs 56.9 lakh for the ML 350 CDI. The German carmaker will also offer a limited run of 100 SUVs with the fully loaded AMG package, with a price tag of Rs 66 lakh.

The new M is 23mm longer and 15mm wider than the old car, and it sits 20mm lower too. These changes give the car a dynamic look compared to its predecessor. The pronounced wheel arches and eye-like headlights add to the SUV’s appeal. Mercedes has extensively reworked its predecessor’s chassis and double wishbone suspension to improve the dynamic properties and feedback of the over-two-tonne SUV.

The ML 350 CDI develops 258bhp, 34 more than the old car, and a substantial 63.2kgm of torque.  Mated to Mercedes’ seven-speed 7G-Tronic auto ’box, the SUV gets tech like start-stop and permanent four-wheel drive as standard and an optional six-stage on/off-road package.

The interior of the SUV is as impressive as the exterior. It is built with high-quality materials, has a superb looking instrument cluster and gets a state-of-the-art entertainment system. The fly in the ointment is that it will be available only as a five-seater. 

Deliveries of the new M-class SUV will commence from end-June / early-July 2012.