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overview|exterior & interior|driving performance|pricing & specs
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Summary
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a nice balance. It's not as stiff and unforgiving as some SUVs, nor as mushy on and off road as others. It has reasonable off-road capability and good towing capacity, but it's never a chore to drive during the more mundane daily tasks most drivers will undertake. Its choice of four engines is a plus, allowing owners to tailor priorities from high mileage to high performance.New Car Test Drive contributor Jim McCraw filed this report from Provence, France.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Mercedes-Benz ML350 ($43,650); ML320 CDI diesel ($44,650); ML550 ($52,400); ML63 AMG ($86,650) |
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Engines:
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5.5-liter overhead cam 32-valve V8 |
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Transmissions:
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7-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual-stage front airbags, front and rear passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with EBD, tire pressure monitor |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Parktronic parking aid; rearview camera |
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Vance, Alabama |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Mercedes-Benz ML 550 ($52,400) |
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Standard Equipment:
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dual-stage front airbags, front and rear passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with EBD, tire pressure monitor |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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P1 package ($3,650); Keyless Go starting ($1,100) |
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Destination Charge:
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775 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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57925 |
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Layout:
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four-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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382 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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391 @ 2800-4800 |
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Transmission:
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7-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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13/18 |
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Wheelbase:
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114.7 |
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Length/width/height:
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188.5/75.2/70.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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64.0/64.1 |
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Turning circle:
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37.9 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.9/59.8/42.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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39.8/59.8/40.0 |
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Cargo volume:
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72.4 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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7200 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, double wishbones, coil springs |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, four-link, coil springs |
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Ground clearance:
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8.3 |
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Curb weight:
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4795 |
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Tires:
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255/55VR19 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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25.1 |
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| 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class consumer reviews: | | | | overall rating |  | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | This car combines luxury with practicality. The Mercedes combined all those goodness plus the advantage for fuel economy. Very surprised how well this diesel SUV handles. Extremely comfortable on the highway. I would purchase it again without any reservation. | | posted by Bothan on Jan 12 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability |  |
| | This car is just perfect all around. The engine is out of this world, the best I ever own, responsive and gas consumption better than I expected. I am so glad that I got the ML550. | | posted by Paton Mill on Jan 27 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | Enjoyed everything about it - Safety, performance, sound system. I am so glad we'd got this SUV. The Mercedes Benz ML550 has been very good to our family so far. I love everything about and I promise if you take it for a test drive you will love it too. | | posted by Amin on Mar 03 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | This car is smooth to drive, relatively nimble, quick, stylish inside and out, fuel economical, solid, sufficiently large and luxurious. Smooth powerful diesel engine. Smooth 7 speed automatic transmission. Comfortable seats, good view of road and surroundings when driving. Excellent command system with primarily telecommunication and navigation systems only. Though I think the speed control should be set up with buttons on the dash or steering wheel if possible. | | posted by Kendrew on Apr 01 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | What an unbelievable vehicle. The attention to detail and convenience. The NAV system is nice as is the stereo. The ride is superb, and quiet. This car has far surpassed my expectations. The only think which I would like to see here added.. is an arm rest on the right side of the driver's seat. Also, the cruise control is too close to the turn signal. | | posted by Denzel on Aug 15 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | The interior is unbelievable, very posh and comfortable. The controls are very intuitive which is nice. Put everything on auto and it does the rest. Rear cameras should be standard on all SUV's, what a great feature! All around great vehicle. | | posted by Alistaire Canne on Sep 12 2008 | | |
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