For spy photographers, the European Route E45 is the place to be as a number of car prototypes have been caught there winter testing the future models. The latest catch is the Mercedes ML-Class SUV 2012 model which will launched in the market in 2011.

The spy shots of the heavily clad future SUV reveal daytime running LEDs at the front of the vehicle. LED lighting also embraces the rear of the future SUV which is expected to be shorter and much sportier than the present generation models. The heavy camouflage ensured that no more details about the exterior of the next generation ML-Class were revealed. Engine speculations for the 2012 ML-Class include a 3.0L turbodiesel V6, a 3.5L V6 and a 5.5L V8. Also, there could be a twin-turbo V8 engine capable of churning 570hp while a couple of hybrid models (gas-electric and plug-in) might as well find a place under the hood. [via WCF]