A year after its 2006 redesign, the Mercedes Benz M-Class adds a diesel ML320 CDI version and a high-performance ML63 AMG to its model lineup for 2007. The new–age M-Class SUV has muscular and aggressive, wedge shape design cues, luxurious interiors and is the ideal all-weather family vehicle.
This five-passenger SUV is available in four versions, the ML350, ML320 CDI, ML500 and the ML63 AMG. The ML320 CDI is diesel-powered and forks out 215-horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The sporty 503 hp ML63 AMG displays an AMG signature grille, flared fenders, AMG side skirts, aggressive front and rear aprons, and twin exhaust notes. The interior is definitely sporty with AMG sport seats, leather steering wheel, AMG graphics, AMG doorsills, leather dash and steel pedals.
The M-Class has a basic warranty of 48 months/50,000miles. It is loaded with state-of-the-art features, standard among which are Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Hill-Start Assist. An Air Suspension Package is one among the many optional packages offered for this model year.
Dynamic powertrains
The ML350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter (L) 268 horsepower (hp) V6 with 258 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA estimated fuel economy amounts to 17/21 mpg (city/highway). The ML350 has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
The ML320CDI gets an efficient 215-horsepower V-6 diesel with 4MATIC permanent 4-wheel drive and 7-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates of fuel economy are about 21/27 mpg (city/highway).
The ML500 retains the preceding year’s 5.0L V8, 302 hp and 7-speed automatic. Torque amounts to 339 lb-ft. It gives a mileage of 14/19 mpg (city/highway).
A 6.3L 32-valve V8 engine that outputs 503 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, powers the ML63 AMG version. Transmission is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed automatic.
The standard 4WD system performs exceptionally well especially on snowy winter roads. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically regulates the throttle, brakes and Anti-lock Braking System to maintain and control speed while descending on hill tracks.
Aerodynamic and sleek
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is sleek and aerodynamic, with a car-like feel. The SUV retains some of its earlier strapping build, with more prominent wheel arches and a new character line that slants upward to the rear. The C-pillar slants forward leading to a new trapezoidal side glass panel.
The ML350 and the ML320CDI feature a plush five-passenger cabin, projector-beam headlamps and 7-spoke 17-inch wheels. The ML500 sports 18-inch wheels and chiseled contours with chrome accents. The ML63 AMG has chunky athletic curves built for speed, a black and chrome AMG grille, flared wheel arches, stainless-steel running boards, dual exhaust notes and 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Standard exterior features include fog lamps, light-sensing headlamps, a power liftgate, all-season tires, a full-size spare tire, power window lockout, intermittent rear wiper/washer, rear window defroster, neutral tinted glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, front air dam, color keyed body side molding, roof rails and a rear air dam.
Roomy and luxurious interiors
The M-Class has an elegant and plush interior décor, done up tastefully with acute attention to form and function. It has an uncluttered and roomy feel to it with plenty of head/legroom for taller passengers.
Build and material quality is exemplary. It offers a cargo capacity of 72.4 cubic feet, which is considerably lesser than what was available in the previous model year. Comfortable and supportive bolstered seats are a standard feature on the ML500s, while the ML350s can avail them as an optional feature.
Standard interior features include AM/FM radio with eight speakers, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rear HVAC ducts, dual zone climate control and carpeted floor mats. Also standard are 8-way adjustable driver and passenger seat, lumbar support, rear 60/40 split folding rear seat, lockable and illuminated glove box, lower storage console, 4 cupholders, 12-volt power outlet, seatback pockets and rear armrest storage.
Agile- sure-footed
The M-Class is agile and sure-footed, it is able to cope with a variety of conditions delivering premium ride comfort overall. An optional air-spring suspension gives forth a smooth and hugely responsive riding experience.
It grips the track firmly and takes a turn like a veteran with minimal body roll. Torque is a bit of a problem when it has to start from scratch. The 303 hp V8-powered ML500, brings more muscle to the track and collaborated with the 7-speed AT adds a certain spunk to the driving experience.
Five Star rating in NHTSA crash tests
The M-Class scored five stars (the best) in frontal as well as side-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA.
The SUV has an impressive array of safety features such as a driver airbag, front side airbags, side head curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a passenger airbag cutoff sensor, front and rear crumple zones, pretensioners with force limiters; side guard door beams, anti-theft via alarm, anti-lift sensor and engine immobilizer and panic alarm.
The M-Class is equipped with an optional “Pre-Safe," which uses sensors in the stability control and BrakeAssist systems to determine the possibility of an accident. It then utilizes pre-programmed emergency measures for the safety of the occupants.
