Mercedes Benz adds the ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY to the M-class line-up

Mercedes Benz has added the ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY variant to the M-class line-up. The new M-class, which went on sale in the global market last year, currently comprises of the ML 250 and the ML 350 diesels and the ML 350 and ML63 AMG petrol versions. The ML 350 CDI was also launched in India a little while back and has been a hot-seller so far. The ML 500 which has been shown globally today, brings the new 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine to the table with a power output of over 410 PS and a torque output of over 600 Nm. The new V8 is also 16 per cent more fuel efficient than the outgoing model despite it’s reduced displacement. It features a bi-turbo configuration (one turbocharger per bank of cylinders) to achieve the higher power and torque outputs as compared to the preceding engine. 

For better fuel economy, the V8 is mated to the Mercedes Benz ECO Start-Stop technology and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The ML 500 also uses an evolved, third-generation direct fuel injection system with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors that are combined with a multi-spark ignition for optimum fuel economy. Needless to say, the BlueEFFICIENCY package lends further to the cause. 

Though India loves SUVs and though the 2012 ML350 CDI has got off to a phenomenal start, we are not sure if Mercedes Benz India has any plans of bringing the ML 500 to our market – considering the unoptimistic sale of petrol cars even in the luxury segment.