SPIED! 2011 Merc ML naked

Off comes the disguise! These are the first shots of the future Mercedes ML SUV showing it stripped of its massive disguise.

The new Mercedes ML won’t make it to the dealers before the second half of 2011 – and here we have shots of the new SUV in its full glory! Judging from these exclusive spy pictures, the new ML won’t get longer front and rear overhangs and even the wheelbase doesn’t appear to be stretched compared to the current model.

LOTS OF CHANGES

In fact, the new M-class might be a few centimetres shorter than the current ML. Whatever the dimensions will be, for efficiency reasons weight is definitely going to be reduced.

Lots of changes over the current model can be seen as all parts are slightly different. This is most visible at the rear door, the external mirrors, the position of the door releases, the roof rack and the higher rear window.

Under the bonnet we expect a similar range of engines as those in the current models, including petrol engines ranging in size from 3.5 to 6.2 litres and consumption-optimised diesel of three and four litres.

We do, however, also expect Mercedes to offer the new ML with a standard or plug-in hybrid right from the start