New models - Mercedes-Benz - M-classTimely boost for the Mercedes M-classBenz’s ageing cross-over ups the ante to tackle the updated BMW X528 Jan 2004 By BRUCE NEWTON JUST as BMW launches its substantially updated X5 cross-over wagon, Mercedes-Benz has reminded us there is life in the M-class yet. With more than 11,500 M-classes sold in Australia since its launch in 1998, there’s no doubt it has done sterling service for Benz. But in recent times M-class has been shaded by a number of rivals in the sales race, most notably the X5. With a second generation M due in 2005, Benz has given the original a boost by improving standard equipment levels, albeit alongside a price rise. Both the 120kW ML 270 turbo-diesel and the 172kW V6 ML 350 are now equipped with an in-dash CD player and the parking sensor system called “parktronic”. The 215kW V8 ML 500 now comes with a six-stack CD-changer, parktronic and Benz’s “Comand” audio and navigation system. Parktronic and a rain sensor with variable intermittent wipe has been added to the 255kW ML 55 AMG. So what does this extra equipment cost? The ML 270 and 350 go up $1000 to $73,900, the ML 500 rises a hefty $4600 to $104,500 and the AMG is now $140,500, up $1000. All these adjustments keep the M-class under the pricing of the equivalent BMW, although the exact ask for the storming X5 4.8is will not be announced until the Melbourne motor show, which starts February 27. All new modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Pagani Opel Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Saab Rover Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota Volvo Motor industry news |
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