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2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
The Mercedes of SUVs.
2004 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 like a car than the M-Class on pavement. But they offer limited off-road capability. Other SUVs are bigger and more luxurious. But it's difficult to find one that does as many things as well as the M-Class. Nor do many offer safety technology that's as sophisticated or complete.You'll pay a bit more for an M-Class than you will for some comparably equipped luxury SUVs, but for many there is no substitute for the Mercedes Tri-star.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes-Benz ML350 ($36,950); ML500 ($45,700) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 232-hp 3.5-liter sohc 18-valve V6; 288-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, ABS with electronic brake distribution, traction control, electronic stability control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Vance, Alabama |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-367-6372 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 37300 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz ML350 ($36,950) |
| Standard Equipment | power windows with one-button operation, cruise control, remote keyless entry, dual heated eight-way power bucket seats, split sliding rear seats, speed-sensitive power steering, tilt steering column, heated outside mirrors, automatic climate control with cabin dust/pollen air filtration system, programmable HomeLink garage-door opener, front fog lights, single rear foglamp, automatic halogen headlights |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Inspiration Edition ($2540) includes silver-painted chrome grille, anthracite interior w silver stitching, six-spoke 17-inch wheels, poplar designo wood, sport seats, floor mats, M1 package with power front seats, privacy glass, leather interior, metallic paint; M5 sunroof package with power rear quarter windows ($1350) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 41560 |
| Horse Power | 232 @ 5750 |
| Torque | 254 @ 3000-4500 |
| Fuel Economy | 15/18 |
| Wheelbase | 111 |
| Length/Width/Height | 182.6/72.4/71.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37 |
| 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 | 5000 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 |
| Curb Weight | 4819 |
| Stock Tires | 255/60HR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.6 |
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2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
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