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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
Date Published: 9/03/08
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
The base version of Mercedes' American-built SUV gets a mid-2003-model-year upgrade with a larger V6 engine. The new V6 ML350 with a 232-hp 3.7-liter V6 replaces the ML320 with its 215-hp 3.2 V6. The V8 ML500 and high-performance V8 ML55 AMG continue. All have a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate, all-wheel drive with low-range gearing, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and an antiskid/traction-control system. Also standard are front and rear torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system and dashboard screen for controlling audio and navigation systems is also included. For '03, the navigation system switches from a CD to a DVD-based setup that requires fewer discs; it's a dealer-installed option for the ML350 and standard for other models, and Mercedes says it can be retrofitted to 2000-2001 models. Leather upholstery is standard on V8 models, optional for the ML350. A 2-person 3rd-row seat is available except on the ML55. The ML55 comes with 18-inch wheels vs. the other models' 17s, plus functional and appearance upgrades by Mercedes' AMG performance team.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 330, which is Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 330, which is Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
A brand-new M-Class is still apparently on for model-year 2005, maybe '06. Sources say a unibody will replace today's separate frame for 5-passenger and new 7-passenger models, the latter with 3-row seating on an extended wheelbase. Styling will naturally be new, with a more rugged "military" look strongly rumored. There's also talk of using aluminum instead of steel for most outer body panels to keep weight from ballooning on what should be a somewhat larger midsize SUV. V6 and V8 engines will continue, but with four valves per cylinder (vs three now), direct fuel injection (vs an indirect "rail" system), and more power and torque. Also expected are a standard air-spring suspension, newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission, and improved dual-range 4WD.
Demand for the current M-Class has been softening, likely due to an uncertain economy and increased competition. Year-to-year sales dropped 13.5 percent in calendar '01 and another 11.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002.
Demand for the current M-Class has been softening, likely due to an uncertain economy and increased competition. Year-to-year sales dropped 13.5 percent in calendar '01 and another 11.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002.
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (ML500, ML55) | Fuel economy |
| Build quality | Ride (Sport Package, ML55) |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The ML350 erases the ML320's shortage of midrange response and has plenty of power for most needs. It should be slightly quicker 0-60 mph than the 9.1 sec of our test ML320. V8 models are fast by any measure. An ML500 took just 6.6 sec 0-60, an ML55 only 6.4.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
The ML350 erases the ML320's shortage of midrange response and has plenty of power for most needs. It should be slightly quicker 0-60 mph than the 9.1 sec of our test ML320. V8 models are fast by any measure. An ML500 took just 6.6 sec 0-60, an ML55 only 6.4.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure ML350, but expect economy similar to the 13.9-15.0 mpg we averaged in ML320 tests. Test ML500s averaged 14.6-15.1 mpg. Test ML55 averaged 12.9 mpg. All engines require premium fuel.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 3.1 |
No opportunity to measure ML350, but expect economy similar to the 13.9-15.0 mpg we averaged in ML320 tests. Test ML500s averaged 14.6-15.1 mpg. Test ML55 averaged 12.9 mpg. All engines require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Comfortable enough with standard suspension, but feels trucky, not carlike, with lots of bounding over bumps. Optional Sport Package gives ML350 and 500 firmer suspension settings and lower-profile tires that make ride jiggly, thumpy over bumps and broken pavement. M55 is similar.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.6 |
Comfortable enough with standard suspension, but feels trucky, not carlike, with lots of bounding over bumps. Optional Sport Package gives ML350 and 500 firmer suspension settings and lower-profile tires that make ride jiggly, thumpy over bumps and broken pavement. M55 is similar.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Confident for tall SUVs, with less cornering lean than some. Handling best on ML55 or with Sport Package, but steering always has weak self-centering. Antiskid/traction-control system brakes any or all wheels to maintain grip, but the AWD can't match traditional 4WD for heavy snow and off-road trails. Powerful disc brakes with ABS provide swift, sure stops.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5.1 |
Confident for tall SUVs, with less cornering lean than some. Handling best on ML55 or with Sport Package, but steering always has weak self-centering. Antiskid/traction-control system brakes any or all wheels to maintain grip, but the AWD can't match traditional 4WD for heavy snow and off-road trails. Powerful disc brakes with ABS provide swift, sure stops.
Quietness
Generally refined for SUVs, but wind noise rises sharply above 60 mph, and there's more tire drone and slap than in most cars. All engines emit marked full-throttle fan roar, but are unobtrusive at moderate cruising pace.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.4 |
Generally refined for SUVs, but wind noise rises sharply above 60 mph, and there's more tire drone and slap than in most cars. All engines emit marked full-throttle fan roar, but are unobtrusive at moderate cruising pace.
Controls
Some controls won't be obvious to first-time Mercedes owners. Navigation system confusing to use and complicates audio adjustments. Cabin materials and finish generally in line with prices, but leather still costs extra on ML350. Extended-use-test 1999 ML430 required no unscheduled maintenance over 12 months and 15,500 mi., but suffered poor AM radio reception in urban areas.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Some controls won't be obvious to first-time Mercedes owners. Navigation system confusing to use and complicates audio adjustments. Cabin materials and finish generally in line with prices, but leather still costs extra on ML350. Extended-use-test 1999 ML430 required no unscheduled maintenance over 12 months and 15,500 mi., but suffered poor AM radio reception in urban areas.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable and spacious. Commanding driver positioning, good visibility save headrest obstruction astern. Large doors and reasonably low SUV step-in ease entry/exit.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Comfortable and spacious. Commanding driver positioning, good visibility save headrest obstruction astern. Large doors and reasonably low SUV step-in ease entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Tall, supportive cushion. Leg and foot room goes from good to tight as front seats slide rearward. OK access via low sills and adequately wide doors. Available 3rd-row seat is strictly for tykes, and even they might feel squeezed getting in or out of its tight confines.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Tall, supportive cushion. Leg and foot room goes from good to tight as front seats slide rearward. OK access via low sills and adequately wide doors. Available 3rd-row seat is strictly for tykes, and even they might feel squeezed getting in or out of its tight confines.
Cargo Room
Adequate volume, but folding the rear seats takes practice and patience. Low deck is appreciated with heavy cargo.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Adequate volume, but folding the rear seats takes practice and patience. Low deck is appreciated with heavy cargo.
Value within Class
Though the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330 hold an edge in carlike driving feel, the M-Class is one of the most competent and pleasant truck-type SUVs. Prices are in line with Mercedes' lofty image, but typically high resale values compensate some.
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 7 | 4 | 3 | 5.2 |
Though the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330 hold an edge in carlike driving feel, the M-Class is one of the most competent and pleasant truck-type SUVs. Prices are in line with Mercedes' lofty image, but typically high resale values compensate some.
Total Score
| ML350 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 58 | 55 | 52 | 55.6 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/07/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| ML350 4-door wagon | $36,950 | $34,364 | $720 |
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| ML500 4-door wagon | $45,350 | $42,176 | $720 |
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| ML55 4-door wagon | $65,900 | $61,287 | $720 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ML350
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, TeleAid assistance system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control and rear controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, 255/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.
ML500 adds to ML350:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, navigation system, trip computer, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
275/55VR17 tires.
ML55 adds to ML500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, front seat and mirror memory, Bose sound system, power rear quarter windows, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, 285/50WR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
M2 Convenience Pkg.
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||
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ML350
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$2,975
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$2,767
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|
Leather upholstery, additional wood interior trim, trip computer, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power-folding outside mirrors w/memory, rain-sensing wipers, power front seats w/memory, locking under-passenger-seat compartment, rear privacy glass. Requires M5 power sunroof.
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M3 Convenience Pkg.
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ML500
|
$800
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$744
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|
Dual front-seat memory, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding mirrors w/memory. Requires M5 power sunroof.
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M6 Sport Pkg.
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||
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ML350, ML500
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$3,350
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$3,116
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|
Sport bumpers, bodyside cladding, fender flares, chrome exhaust tips, 275/55VR17 tires, special alloy wheels. Requires M5 power sunroof.
|
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M7 Seat Pkg.
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ML350 w/M2 Pkg., ML500
|
$1,200
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$1,116
|
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ML350
|
$995
|
$925
|
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Two-passenger 3rd-row seat. Deletes cargo cover. Requires M5 power sunroof.
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Inspiration Limited Edition Pkg.
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ML350
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$2,540
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$2,362
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Leather upholstery, power front seats, dark poplar wood interior trim, rear privacy glass, unique grille and alloy wheels. Requires M5 Sunroof Pkg.
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Inspiration Limited Edition Pkg. w/M2 Convenience Pkg.
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ML350
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$3,815
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$3,548
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designo Cognac Edition
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ML 350, ML500
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$4,200
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$3,906
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designo Mystic Green Edition
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ML350, ML500
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$4,200
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$3,906
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designo Pearl/Sable Edition
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ML350, ML500
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$3,500
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$3,255
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designo Savanna Edition
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ML350, ML500
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$3,900
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$3,627
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All designo editions include special exterior color, specific interior color, special wood interior trim and floormats. ML350 requires heated front seats, M2 Convenience Pkg.
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Safety |
||
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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ML350, ML500, ML55
|
$1,015
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$944
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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M5 power sunroof
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ML350, ML500
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$1,350
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$1,256
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Includes power rear quarter windows.
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Bose sound system
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ML350, ML500
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$1,250
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$1,163
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Includes 6-disc CD changer.
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Heated front seats
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ML350
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$650
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$605
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Requires M2 Convenience Pkg.
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Xenon headlights
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ML350, ML500
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$875
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$814
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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ML55
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$0
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$0
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Special order charge
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ML350, ML500
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$1,150
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$1,150
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Required for certain special paint and interior color combinations.
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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4819 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /227 | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 232 @ 5750 | 288 @ 5600 | 342 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 3000 | 325 @ 2700 | 376 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed automatic | 15/18 | 14/17 | 14/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door wagon |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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