Well-appointed, truly capable and exceptionally safe: that's been the calling card of the M-Class ever since it set the standard in 1997 as the world´s first mid-size luxury SUV. Accordingly, in redesigning the M-Class for 2012 there was no reason to go about fixing what needed none of the sort. So while the third-generation M-Class is all new in nearly every way, its essence remains proudly intact.

Outside, the all-new M-Class wears the sharp creases and aggressive, upright grille of the new Mercedes-Benz design language, but retains a fundamentally familiar look. As before, the almond-shaped headlights draw up and to the back, while the signature C-pillar "swoop" continues to grace the distinctive profile. Newly added stylistic touches-such as standard 19-inch wheels, LED tail and daytime running lamps, chrome accents and aluminum roof rails-add contemporary flair to the elegant exterior lines.

Perhaps the most conspicuous changes, however, are seen within. Inside the spacious and wholly redesigned cabin, you'll find all the exquisite materials you expect from Mercedes-Benz, including even more real wood trim, as broad slabs of hand-polished Eucalyptus now stretch the entire width of the dashboard. In the center console, the new 7-inch color LCD display has migrated to the top of the dash, sitting in the driver's line of sight to reduce distraction and also providing better views from both front seats-now heated as standard equipment. Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling, as well as HD Radio and a USB port, also come as standard fare. And in the ample second row- featuring split folding seats-the seatback angle is now adjustable for even greater comfort.

Of course, as foregone a conclusion as a plush interior is in a Mercedes-Benz, so is industry-leading safety. Along with no less than nine air bags and the landmark PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system, the 2012 M-Class boasts an array of advanced safety systems, among them standard ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitoring and adaptive brake technology, plus an available Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRE-SAFE Brake and new Active Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist technologies-which can intervene to help keep the vehicle in its lane or avoid another vehicle alongside it, respectively, after issuing an initial warning. Those who want the warnings but not the direct intervention can opt for the new Lane Tracking Package, which includes non-active versions of Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist.

Under the hood, the standard engine remains a 3.5-liter V-6, but with an all-new M-Class comes an all-new engine. Now with direct injection, the new engine produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque-increases of 12% and 5% respectively over the previous six-cylinder-while returning even greater fuel economy. More efficiency, not to mention torque, can be had with the newly enhanced, 240-horsepower BlueTEC Clean Diesel engine. The output of the new M-Class powerplants is channeled by an updated 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, engineered for greater fuel efficiency. And even the legendary on-road comfort gets better, thanks both to the standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension that reacts automatically to varying road and driving conditions, and to a new electromechanical steering system that offers more precise control at any speed.

From the more chiseled exterior and newly re-imagined interior, to all-new engines, exceptional on-road comfort and innovative safety, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class re-sets the standard against which every luxury SUV will be measured-both inside and out. So you might say the very first has proven yet again why it's also the very best.

View the all-new 2012 M-Class at Sears Imported Autos today.  Click here for current inventory.

Key Highlights

• - Bold new exterior design
• - Wholly reimagined interior featuring hand-polished Eucalyptus wood trim
• - Available with all-new Direct Injection V-6 or enhanced BlueTEC Clean Diesel engine
• - 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles
• - 4MATIC all-wheel drive system
• - AGILITY CONTROL suspension
• - ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitor
• - Available Driver Assistance Package featuring new Active Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist technologies, plus DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
• - Award-winning M-Class safety, with nine air bags and PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection
• - Available Dynamic Handling Package with AIRMATIC air suspension and new ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that counteracts body roll through turns
• - Available PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist