The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is advanced and capable off-road due to its two-range transfer case, a design unlike most of the all-wheel drive systems on other midsized unibody SUVs.
Mercedes’ 2010 ML, R and GL models are based on the same platforms, although the GL is stretched to carry more passengers – seven compared to the M-Class’ five. Originally introduced in 1997 and assembled in a factory in Alabama, the M-Class was built like a truck, on a frame, but featured independent suspension, like a car. This combination was Mercedes’ response to the fact that a truck-based vehicle was the best-selling SUV at the time. By 2005, however, Mercedes had revised the M-Class to a more conventional, stiffer and lighter unit-body construction.
Last year, the M-Class’ headlights, front grille and bumpers were mildly restyled, though the acclaimed powertrains remain the same: A 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine makes 268 hp, and is capable of moving the lighter new ML350 briskly. The V6 model gets 15 mpg on the EPA city cycle and 20 mpg on the highway when equipped with four-wheel drive. Next is the ML350 BlueTEC diesel’s 3.2-liter V6, which runs remarkably quiet under the hood and is as quick as the available 5.5-liter gasoline V8 in the ML550. Finally, in the ML63, there is a rip-snorting 503-hp 6.3-liter V8 from the sporting division of Mercedes: AMG. AMG engines are hand-assembled, part of the reason the ML63 costs more than $90,000. All M-Class models use a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Early in 2008, the ML320 BlueTEC diesel model replaced the ML320 CDI diesel and, with AdBlue urea injection, the BlueTEC met new, clean diesel emission standards for all 50 states. California and New York have more strict emission rules than the rest of the country, and both states account for about one-sixth of the whole U.S. market. Now that the entire country can sample the BlueTEC diesel, they will notice that its robust 398 lb/ft of torque will allow it to cruise up mountain freeways with barely a downshift, even while fully loaded with passengers and luggage. M-Class trailer towing is enhanced as well. With an optional Towing Package, the ML can haul up to 7,200 pounds. Just for comparison, a 20-foot-long Airstream trailer weighs about 4,000 pounds.
Also last year, a $2,000 less expensive, rear-drive version of the ML350 was introduced, for those who don’t want the four-wheel drive system. The logic for this is that Mercedes’ electronically controlled stability and traction control systems will moderate wheel slip, so folks in the Sunbelt will likely not need four-wheel drive, which costs one mpg due to friction and weight.
The Mercedes 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is advanced and capable off-road due to its two-range transfer case, a design unlike most of the all-wheel drive systems on other midsized unibody SUVs. All models even feature ceramic-embedded paint to resist scratches from bushwhacking in the outback. There is a Downhill Speed Regulation system that is as easy to use as cruise control, allowing the driver to set a speed between four and 12 mph at which to creep down steep off-road trails. In addition, the brakes will hold the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a steep hill, as well as from rolling forward while reversing up a steep incline, an uncommonly handy feature.
Last year, Mercedes introduced a system from its S-Class luxury sedans called Pre-Safe, which helps the vehicle predict a crash or rollover using dynamic vehicle sensors. If the system senses a crash, it will move the passenger’s seat to a more ideal place in front of the airbag, it will pre-tension the seatbelts and it will close the side windows, which makes the side-curtain airbags more effective. If Pre-Safe senses a rollover, it will also close the sunroof. Standard airbags are two-stage front bags, front and rear side bags and front and rear head-curtain bags.
A new, electrically actuated brake system is more sensitive to driver inputs. It can determine if the driver is making a panic stop or not, and then assist with maximum braking. This standard system can also interact with an optional air suspension on V8 and diesel models that can automatically adjust for load distribution and trailer weight.
Luxury amenities such as leather and wood trim inside, heated seats and vanity lighting are standard while conveniences such as a rearview camera, satellite radio with traffic updates, power tailgate, parking assist and keyless starting are available. In all, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class five-seat SUV is comprehensively well-equipped, and it demonstrates top performance in all on- or off-road conditions.