THOUGH mechanically unchanged from the model introduced more than three years ago, a mid-life facelift has given the Mercedes-Benz M-class SUV not only a fresh, more aggressive face, but some welcome interior refinement in the form of new infotainment systems that enhance the audio and navigation functions. Still in place are the highway-eating road manners, top-shelf safety package and interior comfort of the superseded model, along with the same five-engine range as before, including the awesome 165kW/510Nm 3.2-litre turbo-diesel V6 fitted to the popular ML320 CDI and, in detuned 140kW/440Nm guise, ML280 CDI models.

Mercedes-Benz M-class
Released: Sep 2005
Ended: Oct 2008
Family Tree: M-classAFTER joining the Range Rover-led prestige SUV movement with the original M-class in 1998, the second-generation W164 model was a welcome arrival for Mercedes-Benz as more accomplished newcomers – notably the BMW X5 from 2003 – eroded its sales and reputation. The new model offered greatly improved on-road manners after switching from a truck-like ladder chassis to a car-like unitary construction. Bigger overall and yet lighter, the range comprised the ML320 CDI with 165kW 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the ML350 with 200kW 3.5-litre petrol V6 and the 225kW 5.0-litre V8 petrol ML500. October 2006 brought the new entry-level ML280 CDI (with 140kW 3.0-litre turbo-diesel) and the flagship ML63 AMG (with 375kW 6.2-litre petrol V8).
Facebook Twitter Instagram