Spied in the Arctic Circle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML - Spy Shots

Although the Mercedes-Benz prototype captured here by spy photographers looks more akin to a heavily-armored government vehicle, underneath all that camouflage lies the next-generation ML sport-utility vehicle. Unfortunately, since we won’t see the new ML on the market until about the mid-2011 timeframe, information is still skimpy at this time.

The current Mercedes ML last saw a makeover for the 2009 model year, a minor reworking which included little more than new headlights, bumpers and an interior refresh. The 2012 ML, on the other hand, will see a complete restyling. Little of that is visible at this time, although we can make out a new headlight assembly peeking through the test mule’s cladding. The notable change here is the adoption of an Audi-esque strip of LED lights beneath the headlamps. The grille appears to have taken on the more upright and simpler styling of the smaller GLK.

The heavy cladding of the ML prototype serves to hide the exact lines of the 2012 model’s body, but it can’t hide the fact the new car looks to retain a similar profile (despite all new body panels), although we’re told overall length will decrease slightly.

It’s also too early to talk specifically about the new ML’s array of drivetrains, but you can bet it will feature a gasoline-electric hybrid model and a turbodiesel, just as the current model does. Rumors suggest we can also expect a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo V-6, while the AMG model will use a turbocharged gasoline V-8—possibly with as much as 570 bhp to compete with BMW’s 547-bhp X5 M.