2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes' sport-utility vehicle for 2000 adds rear side airbags, optional third-row seating, revised interior appointments, a new high-performance model, and a pair of "designer" appearance options. The M-Class continues in V6 ML320 and V8 ML430 models. This year's new ML55 AMG boasts a larger V8, bigger brakes, exclusive 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires, and sport front bucket seats. Only 1500 will be available for 2000. All models have 5-speed automatic transmission, now with Mercedes' Touch Shift manual shift gate, plus permanent 4-wheel drive with separate low-range gearing controlled by a dashboard button. The new rear side airbags complement those in front. Newly optional except for the ML55 is a 2-passenger third-row seat that ups capacity to seven persons.

All models sport new door panels, lower-dash padding, and leather gearshift knob; ML320s also get the V8 models' wood trim, leather-covered steering wheel, and body-colored bumpers and mirrors. Another new standard is an in-dash video display like that on Mercedes passenger cars; it controls the audio system and, where equipped, cell phone and satellite navigation functions. The nav system is a dealer-installed option for ML320, standard elsewhere. Added last spring as across-the-board options are "designo" trim packages featuring Cognac or Mystic Green paint and special interiors with poplar-wood trim. All Mercedes vehicles now include some maintenance items in the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.

If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.