2008 New York Auto Show: Mercedes 2009 M-Class, BlueTEC Diesel

Mercedes-Benz gave its Alabama-made M-Class sport utility a facelift for 2009, and the results are on display this week at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

The 2009 Mercedes M-Class SUV facelift features a new look, coming and going. A redesigned front bumper, along with a recontoured rear end, are among the changes aimed at giving it a broader, stronger stance.

New headlights, angular air intakes and a larger, lower grille are incorporated into the front, while recessed reflectors and a stainless steel skid plate help set off the rear.

Inside are sportier seats, a four-spoke steering wheel with multi-function controls and an in-dash 6-disc DVD changer. An iPod port and hands-free Bluetooth phone system are other features.

The Mercedes M-Class was the first vehicle built in Alabama, and Mercedes celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. Since the second-generation M-Class was launched in 2005, Mercedes says it has delivered 300,000 around the world.

Also at this week's New York International auto show, Mercedes is unveiling the latest diesel versions of the M-Class, R-Class crossover and GL-Class full-sized sport utility, all products of its Vance assembly plant.

The BlueTEC vehicles come with a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system that meets stringent 50-state emissions limits.

BlueTEC is Mercedes' next-generation diesel technology. It includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter with new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, which is the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines.

The German automaker began its BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment in 2006, and its E320 BlueTEC sedan was voted "World Green Car of the Year" for 2007.

The new ML320 BlueTEC, R320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC will be available this fall. The automaker hasn't announced prices.