Mercedes M-Class (2005-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

The new-model onslaught from Mercedes-Benz continues with an entirely new M-Class SUV. And there's more to come this year, with the B-Class compact MPV, the R-Class 'crossover' car and a new S-Class promising some novel, but as yet unidentified, technologies.

The M-Class replaces a 4x4 which was very popular, especially in the US where it was mainly made, but well off the modern pace dynamically and noted for its cheap-feeling (by Mercedes standards) interior. The new one has unitary body construction instead of a separate chassis, claimed to be much more rigid, better for refinement and more protective in a crash. You can also order it with an Off-Road Pro pack (around £1200) which includes a low-range transmission setting, lockable centre and rear differentials and the ability to raise the air suspension - itself an option - higher for serious off-roading. You have to have the air suspension option to begin with, though, which is another £1200 or so. The M-Class also has M-B's version of a Land Rover-type Hill Descent Control, called Downhill Speed Regulation.

Such enhanced rock-climbing and mud-wading ability brings the M-Class up to the off-roading standards of the venerable G-Wagen, no longer sold in the UK but still made. It won't be for much longer, and Mercedes is planning something else, possibly as a joint venture with another carmaker, to fulfil its many military and utility contracts.

The old M-Class interior always felt plasticky and built down to a price, even after the range's mid-life facelift, but the new one is much plusher with fully padded surfaces and an air of substance. Outside, the style is an assertive update of the original look, which always was attractive. There are some new V6 engines, too - the petrol 3.5 introduced in the SLK with 272bhp for the ML350, and two versions of Mercedes's 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 190 and 224bhp for the ML280 CDI (not likely to be offered in the UK) and ML320 CDI. The top ML500 retains the previous 5.0-litre V8, delivering 306bhp. An AMG version arrives later, and a longer-wheelbase (MLL?) derivative with seven seats is planned.

As before, the M-Class is made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a factory recently expanded to cover all M-Class production (there will be none from Austria's Magna Steyr plant) and also the R-Class.