Mercedes-Benz M Class 2006 $22,995

Vehicle Overview Like many redesigned vehicles these days, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility vehicle is substantially bigger than its predecessor. It's wider, longer and lower for 2006. Eckhard Cordes, head of the Mercedes Car Group, said the M-Class employs an all-new design yet is pleasingly familiar. The 2006 model is less trucklike in appearance than the original M-Class and promises cultivated performance with its full-time four-wheel-drive system. Front legroom has increased by 2 inches, and the automaker promises more rear knee room and leg space in the redesigned model. Revised traction control now incorporates downhill driving assist and a hill-holder function. An optional offroad package will be offered. Two trim levels are available: the ML350 with a V-6 engine, and the ML500 with V-8 power. A height-adjustable Airmatic air suspension is optional. The new M-Class went on sale in spring 2005 in the United States and reached Europe in the summer. Exterior Mercedes-Benz promotes the aggressive wedge shape and the sweeping front fenders of the M-Class. The grille consists of three wide louvers with pronounced air vents and is complemented by a chrome three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star. The front bumper incorporates a guard with recessed square openings. Two vent grilles on the hood incorporate the fin trim that's common on many classic Mercedes-Benz models. Widely flared wheel arches, angled C-pillars and a sharply angled windshield complete the picture. A prominent rear spoiler and twin tailpipes go in back. In its redesigned form, the M-Class is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.4 inch lower than its predecessor. Riding a 114.7-inch wheelbase, the M-Class is 188.5 inches long overall. A black grille and seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the ML350. The more-powerful ML500 has a silver-colored grille with chrome ribs, chrome door handles and standard five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. AMG Sport or Appearance packages include 19-inch wheels. Interior Interior The M-Class seats up to five occupants and has a sport-oriented instrument panel and a multifunction steering wheel. A 60/40-split rear seat creates a level load surface when folded. Cargo volume totals 41.9 cubic feet with the seats up or 75 cubic feet with the backseat folded. Options include Parktronic parking assistance and a DVD-based navigation system. Under the Hood Two engines are available in the M-Class. The ML350 features a 3.5-liter V-6 that develops 268 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. A 5.0-liter V-8 in the ML500 generates 302 hp at 5,600 rpm and 339 pounds-feet of torque at 2,700 rpm. Both engines team with a seven-speed-automatic transmission that uses driver-adaptive shift logic. TouchShift manual controls sit behind the steering wheel. When properly equipped, an M-Class can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Safety Side curtain-type airbags incorporate rollover sensors, and side-impact airbags are also installed. An Electronic Stability Program is standard, and antilock brakes include brake assist. Driving Impressions Despite its undeniably firm suspension, the M-Class recovers smartly from rough spots on the pavement, so the ride is more tolerable than in some SUVs. The M-Class is able to cope with a variety of conditions without turning gentle, which helps impart a premium feel overall. Somewhat heavy steering is appropriate for the vehicle, and agility ranks a tad above average. Stability isn't an issue. The M-Class stays as flat and sure-footed as most SUVs and better than many. Performance with the V-6 is vigorous from a standstill and good for passing and merging. Transmission shifts are generally seamless, but a grabby sensation often emerges when the vehicle slows toward a stop. Front and rear space is ample. The seats are supportive and comfortable, except for a hard seatback in the center rear position. The front seats have long bottoms. H

• Color-keyed bumpers w/silver inserts in front apron
• Color-keyed bodyside moldings
• Black grille w/black ribs
• Variable-focus halogen headlamps w/high-impact polycarbonate lenses driver- selectable light-sensing headlamps automatic lamp substitution
• Halogen front foglamps
• Single red rear foglamp
• Driver-programmable daytime running lamps w/auto-on
• Dual automatically heated pwr mirrors w/integrated turn signals
• Neutral-tinted glass for all windows
• Dual aero-blade windshield wipers
• Intermittent rear wiper w/washer
• Pwr assisted tailgate closing
• Color-keyed door handles
• 8-way pwr front seats w/adjustable headrests drivers adjustable lumbar
• 60/40 split folding rear seat w/flip-forward seat cushions (3) height adjustable & retractable headrests rear folding armrest w/enclosed storage & dual cupholders
• Cloth upholstery w/M-B Tex trim
• Center console
• Velour carpeting/carpeted floor mats
• Stainless-steel door sill trim
• Aluminum trim
• 4-way tilt & telescoping steering wheel w/audio & multifunction controls
• Multifunction display in instrument cluster
• Low tire-pressure warning system
• Instrumentation
• Touch turn signals (flashes three times w/1-touch)
• Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System Plus display
• Messages & audible reminders
• Pwr windows w/1-touch express up & down feature
• SmartKey system
• SmartKey infrared-remote
• Cruise control
• Automatic anti-theft alarm system w/towaway protection
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear window defroster w/auto-shutoff based on time/exterior temp
• COMAND cockpit management/data system
• (8) speaker audio system w/automatic speed-sensitive volume adjustment
• Fiber-optic communication among components
• Illuminated 2-tier glovebox w/auxiliary input jack for MP3 player
• 12-volt pwr outlets located in ashtray & below glovebox
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Net pockets on front seatbacks & front RH footwell
• Lighting
• Carpeted cargo area
• 3.5L SMPI DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
• 7-speed automatic drive-adaptive transmission
• Dual-stage resonance intake manifold
• 4-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+)
• Full-time 4-wheel drive
• Electronic stability program
• Independent double wishbone high-strength forged aluminum-alloy upper arms & cast iron lower arms front suspension
• Independent 4-arm multilink high-strength forged aluminum-alloy upper arms rear suspension
• Front & rear stabilizer bar
• 235/65HR17 all-season performance tires
• 17 x 7.5 7-spoke aluminum wheels
• Pwr rack & pinion steering w/hydraulic damper
• Pwr internally vented front & solid rear disc brakes
• 4-channel anti-lock braking system w/brake assist
• Electronic brake force distribution
• 25.1 gallon fuel tank
• Driver & front passenger adaptive dual-stage airbags w/front passenger occupant classification system
• Driver & front passenger side-impact airbags
• Side-impact air curtains for 1st/2nd row outboard seating positions
• 3-point height adjustable driver & front passenger seat belts w/force limiter & emergency tensioning device
• 3-point rear seat belts w/outboard force limiter & emergency tensioning device
• Universal LATCH (lower anchors & tethers for children) system
• Driver-programmable daytime running lamps w/auto-on
• Electronic stability program
• 4-channel anti-lock braking system w/brake assist
• 4-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+)