2006 Mercedes-Benz M Class 4dr Supercab 3.0L XLT Appearance

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