2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is fully redesigned, marking the start of the third-generation W166 model. Its biggest change is the move to an all-new body, cabin, and chassis, accompanied by stronger, more efficient engines and expanded standard equipment.

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About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

3rd gen (W166, 2012-2015 M-Class), first year/full redesign

Mercedes positioned the M-Class as the original midsize luxury SUV that blends real SUV capability with sedan-like comfort, quietness, and safety leadership. The message was not about being the sharpest-handling choice in the class; it was about giving drivers a polished, confidence-inspiring everyday SUV with upscale materials, strong all-weather traction, advanced safety systems, and refined powertrains. Against rivals, the M-Class leaned toward comfort, long-trip ease, and a solid feeling of security.

The ML 350 4MATIC is the balanced gas-powered model, while the ML 350 BlueTEC pairs a 240-hp diesel V6 with 455 lb-ft of torque for relaxed long-distance driving. The ML 550 adds a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, and the ML 63 AMG tops the range with a 518-hp twin-turbo V8, adaptive air suspension, and active body-roll control. Every version has all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic, while core models feature heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a 7-inch central display.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The gas V6, diesel V6, and V8 engines were updated or replaced and paired with a reworked 7-speed automatic. The ML 350 4MATIC rose to 302 hp, the ML 550 gained a 402-hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8, and the redesigned ML 63 AMG adopted a 518-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. The previous ML 450 Hybrid was dropped.

Styling

A complete exterior redesign brought a new front end, reshaped body sides, and lighter aluminum hood and front fenders. The cabin also received an entirely new layout and design.

Safety

The redesigned M-Class gained nine airbags, including a driver knee airbag, along with standard Attention Assist driver-fatigue monitoring and the Pre-Safe system, which prepares the cabin when a possible collision is detected.

Tech

A new 7-inch central display and Bluetooth audio streaming became standard. Standard equipment also expanded to include LED daytime running lights, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.

Structural

The new W166 body and chassis brought revised steering and suspension tuning. These changes were intended to improve control, comfort, and everyday road manners.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Mercedes-Benz M-ClassML 350 4MATIC1 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz M-ClassML 550 4MATIC0 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz M-ClassML 350 BlueTEC0 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz M-ClassML 63 AMG 4MATIC0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.5 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode	Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode	Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode	Auto, 7-Spd w/AMG SpdShft
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Diesel	Gas
MPG City	17 mpg	15 mpg	20 mpg	14 mpg
MPG Highway	22 mpg	20 mpg	27 mpg	18 mpg
Horsepower	302 hp	402 hp	240 hp	518 hp
Torque	273 lb-ft	443 lb-ft		516 lb-ft
Max Towing	7200 lb	7200 lb	7200 lb	7200 lb
Trunk/Cargo	71 cu-ft	71 cu-ft	71 cu-ft	71 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	38.4 in	38.4 in	38.4 in	38.4 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Aluminum Interior Trim
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class compares

The most important change for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is standard Collision Prevention Assist, which gives every trim forward-collision warning. Mercedes also adds a rear-wheel-drive ML 350, while the rest of the recently redesigned SUV largely carries over.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class redesigned?

Yes. The 2012 M-Class is a full redesign and the first year of the third-generation W166 model, with a new body, cabin, chassis, engine lineup, and expanded standard equipment.

What engine changes did the 2012 M-Class receive?

The 2012 M-Class received stronger, more efficient engines across the range. The ML 350 4MATIC has a 302-hp gas V6, the ML 350 BlueTEC has a 240-hp diesel V6 with 455 lb-ft of torque, the ML 550 has a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, and the ML 63 AMG has a 518-hp twin-turbo V8.

Did the Mercedes-Benz M-Class hybrid continue for 2012?

No. The ML 450 Hybrid was dropped for 2012, leaving gas, diesel, and high-performance AMG versions in the redesigned lineup.

What standard features were added to the 2012 M-Class?

The 2012 M-Class added standard LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth audio streaming, heated front seats, a power liftgate, Attention Assist driver-fatigue monitoring, Pre-Safe collision preparation, and a driver knee airbag.

Is the 2012 M-Class a major update over the 2011 model?

Yes. The 2012 model is a much larger update than a typical yearly refresh because it starts a new generation with different styling, a redesigned cabin and chassis, revised engines, and more standard comfort and safety features.