Mercedes-Benz has confirmed Australian pricing and specifications for its facelifted M-Class luxury SUV, with both standard features and base prices set to rise. Since its release in April 2005, Mercedes has sold around 300,000 units of the second-generation M-Class, but last year the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX both outnumbered it in sales by significant margins, despite competitive pricing from Mercedes.

Now, Mercedes is trying to catch up to BMW and Lexus by offering more features as standard, including DVD navigation and Bluetooth capabilities for the ML 350, ML 320CDI, ML 500 and ML 63 AMG. The ML 63 AMG also gets a TV tuner as standard, while the ML 500 receives a glass electric sunroof.

Upgraded interior specification and exterior appearance
The current Australian model range for the M-Class remains unchanged, consisting of the 140kW ML 280 CDI V6, the 200kW ML 350, the 165kW ML 320 CDI V6, the 285kW ML 500 V8 and the range-topping ML 63 AMG, powered by AMG's own hand-crafted 6.2-litre aluminium V8, which boasts 375kW of power.

The front end of of the M-Class is now defined by a redesigned bumper, re-contoured headlamps and a larger radiator. The rear view sports a new-look bumper with integrated reflector strips, emphasising the vehicle's width, as well as tail lights with a smoked-glass look. Inside, a new two-tone colour scheme has been implemented, and is available in either black/cashmere beige or black/alpaca grey.

Prices rise slightly to accommodate higher costs, better equipment levels
Pricing for the M-Class models has risen slightly, but Mercedes is hoping to offset this in consumer's minds with the new standard equipment. The base ML 280 CDI now costs $81,000, up $615 from the previous generation, while the ML 320 CDI rings up at $97,000 - a rise of almost $3,000 from the previous generation.

The petrol-engined ML 350 now costs $94,000 - $3,000 more expensive than the previous generation model - while the V8-engined ML 500 will cost you $127,500. The flagship ML 63 AMG's price has only risen by $255, now costing $167,500.

Owners of the new-generation M-Class will also be given the option of an externally mounted spare wheel carrier, allowing purchasers to have a full size spare at the ready, while freeing up storage space in the boot.

Mercedes M-Class facelift gallery

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