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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
New look, new diesel available.
2009 M-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a nice balance. It's not as stiff and unforgiving as some SUVs, nor as mushy on and off road as others. It has reasonable off-road capability and good towing capacity, but it's never a chore to drive during the more mundane daily tasks most drivers will undertake. Its choice of four engines is a plus, allowing owners to tailor priorities from high mileage to high performance.New Car Test Drive contributor Jim McCraw filed this report from Provence, France. John F. Katz commented on styling revisions for 2009.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes Benz ML350 ($45,475); ML 350 4WD ($47,975); ML320 BlueTEC ($49,475); ML550 ($56,675); ML63 AMG ($90,975) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.5-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 7-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 268-hp 3.5-liter V6; 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6; 382-hp 5.5-liter V8; 503-hp 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 7-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage front airbags, front and rear passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, active head restraints, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, Pre-Safe predictive occupant protection, tire pressure monitor, Tele-Aid |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Parktronic parking aid; rearview camera |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-367-6372 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 45475 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz ML 550 ($56,675) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, power windows, power sunroof, remote keyless entry, floor console, cruise control, eight-speaker stereo with AM/FM/6CD, COMAND information and control center, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear window wiper, Tele-aid emergency communication, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium 1 Package ($3,850) includes rearview camera, voice-control navigation, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio with Real-Time Traffic, iPod/MP3 media interface, power liftgate, auto-dimming inside mirror, power folding outside mirrors, memory for driver's seat and mirrors, power adjustable steering column, 115v power outlet; Leather Package ($1,995) includes leather seating, wood interior trim, ambient interior lighting; Heating package ($1,390) includes heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats; Airmatic suspension ($1,600) |
| Destination Charge | 875 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 66385 |
| Horse Power | 382 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 391 @ 2800-4800 |
| Fuel Economy | 13/18 |
| Wheelbase | 114.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 188.5/76.3/71.5 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.9/NA/42.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/NA/40.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 72.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 7200 |
| Front Suspension | independent, double wishbones, air springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, four-link, air springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 |
| Curb Weight | 4795 |
| Stock Tires | 255/55VR19 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 25.1 |
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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
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