Facelift new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

With sales down 25 per cent this year on the back of the fallout from the new luxury car tax threshold and now the global and local economic situation, Mercedes is hoping the facelifted M-Class will reinvigorate interest in its off-roader.

The five-model lineup remains unchanged, starting with the $81,000 ML 280 CDI and rising to the stellar $167,500 ML 63 AMG.

Prices have shifted slightly, up $255 to $3022 depending on the model but equipment upgrades make up for the differences.

Apart from more equipment, the big wagon gets a distinctive remake of its front end and revised rear. Larger exterior mirrors complete the exterior makeover.

Inside there is a new four-spoke multi-function steering wheel with standard shift paddles, new trim, redesigned seats with four-way lumbar support as well as the option of new two-tone dashboards.

There are also new wheels _ 18-inch alloys on the ML 280 CDI _ with the option of 17-inch wheels for off-roading, as well as 19 and 20-inch combinations.

Mechanically the car remains unchanged with the same V6 petrol and diesel engines and V8s as previously.

The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics system has been improved with an integrated iPod connection with steering wheel controls and displays on the instrument panel and centre console.

A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound package with an output of 610 watts is $1600.

The range opens with the 140kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel ML280 CDI, which gets an upgraded audio system with a colour monitor and Bluetooth.

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel develops 140kW at 4000 revs and 440Nm from 1400 revs and returns 9.6 litres/100km.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol ML350 and 3.0-litre V6 diesel ML320 CDI boast the latest voice activated COMAND APS system, which adds navigation, an SD card slot and 4GB hard-disc.

The 3.5-litre V6 develops 200kW at 6000 revs and 350 Nm between 2400 and 5000 revs, returning 11.7 litres/100km.

The ML 320CDI shares the same 3.0-litre V6 as the 280 but develops 165kW and 510Nm.

Moving up to the 5.5-litre V8 ML500 and buyers get a wood and leather steering wheel, sunroof and 20-inch alloys.

The ML500 delivers 13.4 litres/100km.

The range-topping ML63 AMG carries over the 6.2-litre petrol V8, while returning 16.5 litres/100km.

The ML63 develops 375kW at 6800 revs and 630Nm at 5200 revs.

In keeping with its AMG heritage the big V8 gets a more muscular front end treatment and larger grille.