2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
It's not cheap, but it's arguably the best.
(Continued)
Summary
While some 4X4s offer chunkier tires and greater ground clearance than the M-Class, and may be more capable off-road, they behave more like trucks on the highway. Other sport-utilities, such as the Lexus RS 300, feel more car-like than the M-Class on pavement, but offer limited off-road capability. Still others are bigger and more luxurious. But it's very difficult to find one that does as many things as well as the M-Class.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | ML320 ($36,300); ML500 ($44,950); ML55 ($65,900) |
| Engines: | 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | smart dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, knee bolsters, ABS, traction control, Electronic Stability Program |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | |
| Basic Warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Vance, Alabama |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | ML500 ($44,950) |
| Standard Equipment: | air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, split sliding rear seats, tilt steering column, heated side mirrors, cabin dust/pollen air filtration system, programmable HomeLink garage-door opener, leather upholstery and burl walnut trim, GPS navigation system, digital trip computer, eight-way power heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front fog lights, single rear foglamp, halogen headlights, dual heated 8-way power bucket seats w/3-position memory, speed-sensitive power steering |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | Convenience package, including memory front seats, rain sensing wipers and power folding mirrors ($800); Sunroof package, including glass sunroof and power rear quarter-windows ($1295); Bose premium sound system with CD changer ($1200) |
| Destination Charge: | 645 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 49385 |
| Layout: | four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 288 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 325 @ 2700-4250 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 14/17 |
| Wheelbase: | 111 |
| Length/width/height: | 182.6/72.4/71.7 |
| Track, f/r: | 61.2/61.2 |
| Turning circle: | 39 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.8/58.2/40.3 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 39.7/57.8/38 |
| Cargo volume: | |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 5000 |
| Suspension, f: | Independent |
| Suspension, r: | Independent |
| Ground clearance: | 8.7 |
| Curb weight: | 4874 |
| Tires: | p275/55R17 all-season high performance |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 22.0 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, click here: 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
