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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
New ML 350 boosts performance.
2003 M-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a fine line of SUVs. While some 4X4s offer chunkier tires and greater ground clearance than the M-Class, and may be more capable off-road, they behave more like trucks on the highway. Other sport-utilities, such as the Lexus RX 330, feel more car-like than the M-Class on pavement, but offer limited off-road capability. Still others are bigger and more luxurious. But it's very difficult to find one that does as many things as well as the M-Class.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | ML350 ($36,950); ML500 ($45,350); ML55 ($65,900) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.O-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 232-hp 3.5-liter sohc 18-valve V6; 288-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8; 342-hp 5.4-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed Touch Shift automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | smart dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, window curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, ABS, EBD. traction control, Electronic Stability Program |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Vance, Alabama |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 36950 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz ML500 ($45,350) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, dual heated eight-way power bucket seats, split sliding rear seats, speed-sensitive power steering, tilt steering column, heated side mirrors, cabin dust/pollen air filtration system, programmable HomeLink garage-door opener, leather upholstery and burl walnut trim, GPS navigation system, digital trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front fog lights, single rear foglamp, halogen headlights, |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Convenience package ($800) includes memory front seats, rain-sensing wipers and power folding mirrors; Sunroof package ($1350) includes glass sunroof and power rear quarter-windows; Bose premium sound system with CD changer ($1250) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 49470 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 288 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 325 @ 2700-4250 |
| Fuel Economy | 14/17 |
| Wheelbase | 111 |
| Length/Width/Height | 182.6/72.4/71.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/NA/40.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.7/NA/38.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 81.2 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 |
| Curb Weight | 4874 |
| Stock Tires | 275/55R17 all-season high performance |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.6 |
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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
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