When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first debuted for 1998, it was not only one of the first
on the market, but it was the first vehicle to tarnish the German automaker's reputation for relentlessly exact engineering. Americans bought the M-Class in big numbers, mainly because it was a sport-utility with a large three-pointed star sitting in the middle of the grille. Nevermind that its steeply sloped hood, rakish windshield, and bland bodywork made it look more like a mommy-mobile minivan than a rough-and-tumble SUV. Forget about the slipshod quality coming out of the brand-new assembly plant that was bolting the M-Class together down in Alabama. This was one of those hot
that few people needed but everyone was buying, but beyond that, this was a Benz, baby.
Eight years later, the once popular M-Class is an also ran in a field of luxury SUVs that seemingly grows every day. But now, with the introduction of the completely redesigned 2006 M-Class. Mercedes is a competitor once again. The new 2006 M-Class features two new engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission, a technologically advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a full complement of standard safety features in addition to the luxury accoutrements that have built the company's reputation.
Model MixInitially, two models will be offered. The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 has a 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood, while the ML 500 is equipped with a 306-horsepower V8. You could bet well over one dollar that a sport-tuned, AMG version of the new M-Class will arrive shortly after the ML 350 and ML 500 roll into showrooms.
All four wheels of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class are driven by a seven-speed driver-interactive transmission with shift buttons on the steering wheel, which transfers power to the pavement through a new 4WD system that includes Downhill Speed Regulation, Start-Off Assist, and Off-Road ABS. A new Off-Road Pro 4WD package equips the 2006 Mercedes M-Class with an upgraded transfer case that allows it to tackle tough terrain.
SafetyLonger, wider, and roomier than before, the new Mercedes M-Class rides on an air suspension equipped with a standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS) that automatically adjusts suspension response to road and driving conditions. A battery of airbags is standard on the new M-Class, including front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags, and optional crash-responsive head restraints help provide additional protection in rear-impact crashes. The 2006 M-Class will also be available with Pre-Safe technology, which senses an impending accident and prepares the vehicle and its occupants for impact.
QualityIn response to criticism about poor-quality materials, Mercedes has made efforts to improve the interior of the new M-Class by adding richer, tactilely pleasing materials. Options include multi-zone automatic climate control, Parktronic parking sensors, and bi-xenon headlights with an Active Light System and cornering light control.
The new M-Class looks similar to the existing model in terms of its basic design philosophy, but with larger wheel arch flares, more muscular wheel designs, and sheet metal edges instead of softly rounded, blobby forms, the
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is clearly different, and appealing. Ribbed taillights, trapezoidal headlights, and faux skid plating under the front bumpers are other key styling details.
The redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class arrives in April of 2005.
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz North America
