Zawawi Trading Company (ZTC), the exclusive distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman, has launched the completely redesigned and powerful new M-Class luxury SUV in the Sultanate.

The new M-Class features AMG sports styling as standard, three potent engine options, and high-quality luxury interiors, a statement said.

Available in ML 350 and ML 500 variants, a new generation of BlueEfficiency petrol engines offer 306 and 408 hp respectively, and reach triple figure speeds from a standstill in just 7.6 and 5.7 seconds.

Permanent all-wheel drive delivers superb driving dynamics on both sand and tarmac, whilst innovative handling controls and a new chassis ensure excellent safety whilst leaving competitors seeing smiles in the M-Class’ rear view mirror.

A high performance 250km/h (electronically limited) ML 63 AMG variant is also available on the new M-Class. Packing the fierce AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine made famous by the award winning CLS 63 AMG, driven by 525 horses and 700nm of torque the ML 63 AMG speeds from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds.

An optionally available AMG Performance package delivers a further 15hp and 70nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

Craig Hardie, CEO, Automotive, Zawawi Trading Company, said: "The luxury SUV segment is a market in which we have been making strong in-roads to date. Mercedes-Benz SUVs had a record year in 2011 and we plan to make an even bigger statement in 2012 in Oman. With its strong features, powerful heart, intelligent technologies and masculine design, the all new M-Class epitomises Mercedes-Benz new approach.”

AMG bodystyling adds high-gloss black louvres under the radiator grille, and two outer air intakes, whilst LED running lights as standard deliver a sporty scowl underlined by the front apron’s matt silver chrome trim strip and a wider appearance.

The headlamps cut a particularly high-quality and exclusive figure in combination with the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS).

The athletic front apron is integrated with the distinctive front wings, made wider on either side in order to accommodate the 20-inch light-alloy wheels in elegant fashion. Dynamically profiled side sill panels establish a visual link between the front and rear of the vehicle.

"The M-Class is a story of success. With more than 1.2 million vehicles sold, it is the best-selling SUV in its segment globally, and also enjoys the loyalist customer base. We will be continuing this success with the new M-Class in the Middle East, which will make an important contribution to our sales growth over the coming years,” Hardie added. – TradeArabia News Service