Mercedes-Benz has introduced a V8 gasoline unit to the ML's non-AMG range in Europe in the form of the ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. The ML sporting the V8 engine can be ordered from 22 June with deliveries to take place in the fall. The new 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline engine with direct injection may have a smaller displacement than the 5.4-liter predecessor, but it is more powerful at 402hp and 442lb-ft of torque, as well as being 16 percent more fuel efficient.

It also comes with a standard ECO stop/start system, while power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Prices for the new ML500 start at just over 75,000 Euros in Germany. For the 2013MY, all European ML models will come with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. Mercedes has also made a slight adjustment to the TFT display that sits between the two instrument dials.