2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class offered with 25 mpg 3.0-liter diesel

Mercedes-Benz will launch its 2012 M-Class crossover in the U.S. this fall, complete with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. Globally, the M-Class will be offered in ML250 BlueTec, ML350 BlueTec and ML350 BlueEfficiency designations.

The base ML250 will be powered by a 2.1-liter diesel four-cylinder, while the ML350 BlueTec uses Merc's reworked 3.0-liter diesel V6, which cranks out 258 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. The diesel-burning 3.0-liter meets emissions standards in all 50 states and boasts reduced fuel consumption compared to the outgoing 3.0-liter oil burner. According to M-B, the revised Euro 6-compliant diesel bumps the ML350's fuel economy rating up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg out on the open highway. That's a mild improvement over the 2011 ML350's rating of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Turning to the gas-powered ML350 BlueEfficiency, it uses the direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 found in the C- and E-Class vehicles. All three engines – two diesels and one gasser – will be hooked up a fuel-saving seven-speed automatic transmission. Look for the revamped M-Class to hit dealerships in September.

[Source: Green Car Congress]