Posted: Thursday, November 17, 2005.

Mercedes M-Class: All New Luxury Liner

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of Mercedes Benz of Honolulu

Mercedes first attempt into SUV land in 1997 was a mixed plate — it was all new, built in an all-new U.S. factory, and to designed to tackle any off road agenda with a frame type chassis.

But times are a changing and SUVs have clearly shifted from truck based to a more car like unibody construction with a suspension more designed for the highway than the dirt.

So for the 2006 model year, Mercedes has thrown out the baby and bathwater and started anew with the M-class. About all that is left from the previous edition is the name.

Going, Going, Gone
Gone is the truck type frame with a stronger unibody being substituted. Gone is the base V-6 that previously produced 232 hp for a 3.5 liter V-6 producing a stouter 268 horses. Gone is the 5-speed automatic, which is replaced with a 7-speed automatic. Gone is the 2-speed transfer case with the implementation of an all-wheel drive system. Gone is the last generation’s suspension for a new one designed to give a more car like ride. Gone is the somewhat boxy styling for a more rounded and sloped look particularly in the rear quarters. Gone is the optional 7-seat configuration for a strictly 5-seater version. (Footnote: The new G model, to be introduced later, built on the M setup will have 7 seats).

Okay, there is one major left over — the V-8 from last year (5.0 liter, 302 hp) remains in the higher end ML500.

Even though the M-Class grew here and there (increases in length 6-inches, width 3-inches, and wheelbase 4-inches), overall weight dropped by 400 pounds with the unibody design and the simpler drivetrain. Thus, even with larger exterior and interior measurements, gas mileage rose by 10 percent (but, of course, in this class that is a relative term).

Mercedes In Manoa
To try out this totally new M-Class SUV, a heavily equipped ML350 was the Wheels test vehicle. The base price of the ML 350 starts barely below $40,000, but with lots of options, the Wheels version hit a total of $48,825 with such options as navigation ($1250), trim package ($2,200), entertainment package ($1,080) and sunroof ($1,390) among other items.

There is no question that also gone from the old ML with this version is the somewhat dark and unexciting interior. Admittedly, the optional trim package with its wood and other ornaments helps in this regard. Nevertheless, the design of the interior with its built in grip handles in the console and slashes of the metal trim generally brighten up things.

Dominating the center of the dash is the video screen that with the use of the various buttons controls the stereo and other functions. Fortunately, the set up is not overwhelming complicated. Buttons to the left of the screen call up the appropriate screen and then with the use of other buttons next to the screen the functions can be played out.

Below Mr. Video are large, clearly marked dials for the A/C temperature settings for the driver and passenger. The rest of the climate system is a snap to master.

After much complaining about the previous ML model, this copy as a center console with real cupholders (as well as bottle holders in the door panels) and a small puka to hold parking passes and tickets. A double opening armrest sits atop the rear of the console.

‘M’ Equals Moving
The star of the new ML350 is the engine/transmission combination borrowed from other Mercedes models. Both are silky smooth in operation. When started with plastic "key" inserted in the dash, the powerplant is barely heard and moves the M quietly and effectively. Acceleration is not rocket like but with more than sufficient thrust to handle almost any situation. Gas mileage in the Kailua commute was slightly better than the EPA city rating of 16 with the mpg hovering around 17.

Likewise, the 7-speed automatic anticipates the engines needs and shifts almost without detection. And speaking of shifting, there is no traditional gearshift lever. Instead a small stalk on the left side of the steering column is simply moved up for reverse, down for drive and centered for neutral and with a push on the stalk, park. If this sounds somewhat familiar then think of BMW Series 7, which has a similar set up. In use it becomes quite natural very quickly. But for those who feel the need to "shift", there are buttons on the inside of the steering wheel for that function.

Steering, as is Mercedes tradition is somewhat heavier than most, but sets this SUV on the right course. Bumps and potholes in Honolulu were felt but absorbed for the most part, and the overall interior sound on the move is largely silent.

The front seats are highly supportive on the sides unlike many SUVs and medium firm in cushioning. The quality of the interior materials seemed first rate and overall interior design functional in all respects, except the cruise control stalk that is easily confused for the directional signals and is not that easy to use in any case.

Styling says clearly Mercedes with their symbol in the center of the grill, and the smoothing and softening of the lines marks a clear improvement.

‘M’ Equals Middle
With the exterior stretch, the back seat and cargo area are roomy. Legroom and headroom is fine. Not so hot is the middle of the rear seat, which has a high hump making it uncomfortable for nearly any middle rider.

With a couple of pulls of a handle and strap, the 60/40 rear seats can be dropped for additional storage. When upright, the back of the seat has an armrest with storage and pop out cupholders. Air vents with a control for flow are behind the center console.

The rear storage bay is quite large and fully lined. A first aid kit is found in a covered area. Although the rear window in the liftgate has a wiper/washer set up and a small spoiler, the window does not open separately.

Everything But The Name
It has been almost 10 years since this Mercedes model received a make over. This time, however, essentially Mercedes rethought everything about their best-known SUV. Other than the optional engine, there is nothing leftover from the earlier edition. Now, the M-Class represents a first rate competitor in the luxury SUV class with a first class engine/transmission combo, a more car like ride, and more up-to-date styling.

Q&A
Q: One option that was not mentioned is a bit unusual but useful. What is it?

A: For $75 you will receive power folding side mirrors. Thus, in tight spaces the driver can with a push of a button have the outside mirrors flattened. Also the mirrors automatically flatten when the SUV is locked and spring open when next started.

High Beams
• Great engine and transmission combo that provides smoothness all around.
• Clearly upgraded interior presents a fine look.
• Ride improved with new body and suspension.

Low Beams
• Pesky cruise control stalk gets in the way.
• Middle of rear seat useless for real people.

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

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