Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has a new look inside and out for 2009. More significantly, a new ML320 BlueTEC joins the M-Class with state-of-the-art clean-diesel technology. That's in addition to the usual gas-powered models. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is just the right size and is set up well for many families. It isn't so large that it's cumbersome or hard to park, but it comfortably seats five and carries plenty of stuff. As daily transportation, it doesn't feel like a truck, and it won't beat its driver or passengers up. Yet it has the potential for some fairly serious off-road adventuring, and it can tow up to 7,200 pounds. The M-Class is more than powerful enough in any of its variations. And it offers the safety equipment, luxury accoutrements, style and smooth finish expected of a Mercedes-Benz. For 2009, a new ML320 BlueTEC joins the line (replacing the previous ML320 CDI turbo-diesel). BlueTEC is the latest clean diesel technology from Mercedes designed to meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits, while delivering an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway. Yet, like its predecessor, the 3.0-liter BlueTEC diesel V6 generates 398 pound-feet of torque, comparable to a large-displacement V8. Also new is a lower-priced, two-wheel-drive version of the V6-powered ML350. Continuing for 2009 is the four-wheel-drive ML350, along with the V8-powered ML550 and the ultra-high performance ML63 AMG. (All of these run on gasoline.) The ML63 AMG features a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 503 horsepower, with AMG tuning and enhancements to match all that power. Though considerably more expensive than other M-Class models, the ML63 AMG is a true high-performance machine. Its engine is hand-built by a single technician. It bursts from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to Mercedes, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Plus, it comes with the full load of luxury features. With 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, the 5.5-liter ML550 reaches 60 in 5.6 seconds. It sports the same front end look as the ML63, but without all the amenities and super-performance equipment, and starts at roughly $34,000 less. Since it first appeared for 1998, the M-Class has helped make luxury SUVs a familiar part of the automotive landscape. The second and current generation, which arrived for 2006, is larger inside and out than the original, and also aerodynamically slipperier. Still, the M-Class is strictly a five-seater. You'll want to look at the GL-Class for seven-seat accommodations in a Mercedes SUV. The current model is built using car-like unibody construction with isolated front and rear subframes, a technique that emphasizes rigidity, decreased vibration and lowers weight. A double-wishbone front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension emphasize sedan-style dynamics. Yet with a two-range transfer case on most models, and a sophisticated control program for the full-time all-wheel-drive, the M-Class can get its driver through some tricky off-road situations. M-Class buyers will pay a premium over many other comparably equipped luxury SUVs, but those who appreciate the cache and engineering strengths of the Mercedes brand will find plenty to like here.

Walkaround

The M-Class sports a new face for 2009, with a larger main grille that extends deeper into a new front bumper. The air slot beneath the grille is now larger as well, and turns up at the ends like a jagged smile. A subtle step at the lower inside corner of each headlamp cluster dips down to meet the upturned ends of this opening. The fog light surrounds are bolder, and the skid plate at the bottom of the bumper is wider. In short, all of the ML's facial features (even the outside mirrors) are bigger, trading some of the previous model's smoothness for the look of enhanced aggression apparently adored by SUV buyers. The rear bumper is re-contoured also, and now incorporates recessed red reflectors below the taillight clusters, and a stainless-steel skid plate that wraps around rectangular dual exhausts. Here, it seems, there's just plain more to look at. As before, the V8 models have a look all their own. The new stepped headlamps are shared, but the 550's new front bumper is even deeper and more blunt. A pair of plain rectangular air slots seem to emphasize its mass more than relieve it. Front and rear, a corrugated skid plate curls up from underneath. In profile, all ML model wheel arches loom large and prominent. There's an unmistakable character line rising front to rear, and a forward-slanting C-pillar that frames trapezoidal rear side glass. A high-tech scratch resistant paint, embedded with thousands of flecks of ceramic, is standard. It should be welcomed by those owners who actually decide to challenge overgrown trails, or those who share their garages with kids, toys and bicycles. The Premium 1 Package includes an optional power liftgate operated with the key fob. Several cargo organizing devices are available as accessories. The 2009 ML63 AMG is not as readily distinguished from the ML550 as in the past. The divider between the upper and lower cooling slots in its front bumper is black rather than body color, suggesting one huge opening (an aesthetic improvement); and its 20-inch wheels feature a five-spoke design with intriguing three-dimensional curves. Quad oval exhausts provide some distinction at the rear.

Interior Features

The interior of the M-Class has been freshened as well, although here the changes are relatively minor. The distinctive four-spoke steering wheel hub has been reshaped for a slightly rounder, more organic look; and an upholstered panel now softens the inner doors. Other changes are even more subtle: The seams in the leather seats have turned cross-wise rather than length-wise, and a flat-black surround now highlights the headlight switch. The dashboard, door panels and seats complement the aggressive exterior design nicely. Wood, leather, plastic and metal finishes are generally top-drawer, as they should be at this price. Four huge, round air vents spread across the dash panel, which is dominated by a deeply hooded instrument cluster with sharp graphics and prominent chrome trim around the tachometer and speedometer. A central information window between the gauges can be programmed to supply about as much driving and maintenance information as one driver can stand to absorb. The steering wheel has a nice, thick rim that's reassuring when driving off road. We're fond of the optional steering wheel that's finished with the top half in wood and the bottom half in leather, but some drivers don't like wood or mixed materials on their wheels. Controls for information, telephone, navigation and entertainment systems are now arrayed in two circles set into the top two spokes. Wipers are stalk-mounted to the left of the column, while primary climate and audio controls are in the center stack above the console. The center stack is dominated by the elements of the COMAND system and a 6.5-inch color screen which incorporates entertainment, telephone, and navigation displays. The COMAND system has also been revised for 2009, and now incorporates a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. The optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius Satellite Radio, and HD radio all integrate into the COMAND interface. COMAND can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card. The new system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up for Sirius Real Time Traffic and Zagat restaurant ratings. The M-Class features an electronic gear selector that's making its way into all Mercedes models. It's an easy-to-reach short stalk on the right side of the steering column, with simple up-down movement for reverse and drive. Alternate shift buttons, which allow selection of a specific gear, are located on the back of the steering wheel hub, right where fingers wrap around the spokes. It's a good system, and eliminates the conventional gear selector from the center console, making more room available for elegant design and function in the form of an award-winning cupholder. The front seats themselves are all-day comfortable. The rear seats in the M-Class aren't as supportive as the front seats, but they are roomy. The ML63 AMG has heavily bolstered sport seats upholstered with Nappa leather and an Alcantara insert across the shoulder bolsters. Its entire dashboard is wrapped with leather. There's a bit more brightwork inside than in the other models. The ML63 also features a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, unique AMG instrument graphics and stainless-steel pedals with rubber studs. Cargo space is expanded by folding the rear seat, which increases storage space from 54.7 cubic feet to 72.4 cubic feet. The rear seat folds fairly easily, and is split 60/40. The load height in back is high, as it is with many SUVs, but M-Class offers nearly as much cargo-hauling room as full-size truck-based SUVs.