New Mercedes-Benz M-Class makes Mid East premiere at Bahrain Grand Prix

Mercedes-McLaren Formula 1drivers Alexander Wurz and Kimi Raikkonen who finished third in the Bahrain race, both visited the Mercedes-Benz Middle East stand at the Sakhir track and were impressed by the new vehicle that will reaffirm the Mercedes-Benz off-roader's leading position in a competitive Middle East market when it arrives in showrooms in July.

"Mercedes-Benz sowed the seeds of a new segment seven years ago with the introduction of the original M-Class," said Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "The second generation vehicle is a quantum leap forward with its cultivated performance."

The engine range is headed by the proven eight-cylinder unit at the heart of the ML 500, which now delivers 306 hp. A new arrival under the bonnet is the V6 petrol unit powering the ML 350. It's an invitation to 272 hp and maximum torque of 350 Newton metres.

In standard form the new M-Class comes with permanent four-wheel drive and 4ETS traction systems. Mercedes-Benz has taken these to the next level by incorporating additional functions such as a downhill driving aid, Start-off Assist and the off-road ABS system.

An optional off-road package, only available through Mercedes-Benz general distributors, features a two-speed transfer case with an off-road ratio, manually or automatically selectable differential locks (100 per cent) between the front and rear axle and on the rear axle, allowing the M-Class to master even the toughest routes across rough terrain.

With the option of adding the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® to the mix, the new Mercedes Off-Roader raises the bar in its class. This multi-award-winning technology provides a reflex response to critical driving situations where an accident threatens to occur, preparing the car and occupants for a collision.