2009 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS LAUNCHED

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the 2009 version of its Sport Utility Vehicle, the M-Class. The SUV was launched internationally in March last year at the 2008 New York Auto Show, and this happens to be the car's first major makeover since 2005. The updated Mercedes SUV gets a redesigned front and rear end, new interior appointments and a new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with added technology. Jazzing up the exteriors are new recontoured headlamps and an intricate new grille, while the back receives the smoked glass tail lamp treatment and elements to emphasise the behemoth's girth. The new car comes with the usual Merc SUVbling features like 19-inch alloys, a 7-speed GTronic automatic gearbox and a the 4MATIC permanent allwheel drive system. Mercedes-Benz India will be offering the new car with two variants, both with V6 engines - the ML 320CDI diesel and the ML 350 petrol. Pricing has been kept very competitive with major slashes as compared to the earlier version. The ML 320 CDI has been priced at Rs 54 lakh exshowroom Mumbai, while the petrol engined ML 350 comes with a price tag of Rs 53.77 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai.