2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mercedes-Benz redesigns its midsize SUV for 2006, giving it more power and larger dimensions, but seating for five instead of seven. ML-Class construction switches from truck-type body-on-frame to car-type unibody. Compared to the 1998-2005 version, the wheelbase is 4 inches longer, the body 6 inches longer and 3 inches wider. V6 ML350 and V8 ML500 versions return. ML350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter replacing a 232-hp 3.7. ML500's 5.0 V8 now has 302 hp vs. 288. A 7-speed automatic replaces a 5-speed as the sole transmission. Both MLs have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. ML350 has 17-inch wheels, ML500 18s; 19s are available for both. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. Rear side airbags are available. MLs have a 60/40 split folding rear seat. For '06, the shift lever moves from the center console to the steering column. Standard on ML500 and optional on ML350 is leather upholstery and wood and aluminum interior trim. Available for both are a navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.

News

The ML-Class follows its 2006 redesign by adding a diesel version and a new high-performance variant for 2007. The former, badged ML320 CDI, uses a 3.2-liter V6 with 221 hp and a healthy 398 lb-ft of torque. It's the first diesel M-Class to be sold in the U.S., though such models have been available in other world markets for some time. For speed freaks, the ML55 gives way to an ML63 with the AMG division's new 6.2-liter V8, here rated at 503 hp. The current ML should carry on beyond '07 with no major change. Its next full redesign is likely five years away.

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Road Test

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Both models accelerate briskly, though V8 delivers more thrust in all conditions. Transmission upshifts, downshift more frequently in ML350 vs. ML500 in response to throttle inputs. Transmission in two test ML350s periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed.

Fuel Economy

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

Test ML350s averaged 17.0-19.0 mpg. No opportunity to measure with ML500. Both MLs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Low-speed impact harshness. Otherwise admirably comfortable, rewardingly composed. Available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, automatic settings. Uncomfortably choppy in Sport setting; other modes have little evident effect on comfort, control.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Acts more like a tall station wagon than an SUV, but leans more in corners than sportier BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Steering impressively linear, accurate, though some drivers may prefer lighter low-speed feel. Corners with impressive grip, balance. Strong stopping power, outstanding brake-pedal modulation.

Quietness

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Luxury-car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. V6 heard more than V8 by virtue of transmission's more-frequent shifts, but otherwise as refined as silken V8.

Controls

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Upscale blend of businesslike gauges, sophisticated but easy-to-use dashboard controls. Large, well-marked climate dials deserve special praise. Gear shifting via short column lever takes acclimation. Lever falls easily to hand, but returns to same position after each shift, requiring driver to monitor gear selection as indicated on instrument panel screen. Navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks. Test models had leather/wood cabin trim; most interior panels firm to the touch, but rich in quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Roomy, supportive seats. Comfort Package's 10-way seats have tacked-on control pod that looks incongruous and intrudes on some testers' leg space. Entry/exit easy via large doors, no-stress step-in height.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Good leg, foot, head room. Seat nicely contoured, fits three across with minor crowding. Narrow lower doorways slightly tax ingress/egress.

Cargo Room

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	7.9

Tall, broad cargo bay has plenty of space with rear seats in use. Rear seat cushions tip, seatbacks fold easily without removing headrests to create long, flat load floor. Good cabin storage via roomy door pockets, tiered console bin, wide space where floorshifter was previously located.

Value within Class

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	5	5.8

Base prices are very competitive, but grow daunting as options are added. And around-town ride comfort isn't always what it should be. But overall, the highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive ML-Class is what a premium midsize 5-passenger SUV ought to be.

Total Score

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
64	63	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

ML350 4-door wagon	$39,750	$36,968	$775

ML500 4-door wagon	$48,500	$45,105	$775

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

3.5-liter V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent and descent control, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat power height adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.

ML500 adds to ML350:

Powertrain

5.0-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, wood/aluminum interior trim, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

255/55R18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Trim Pkg.
ML350	$2,200	$2,046
Partial leather upholstery, Tele Aid assistance system, wood interior trim, universal garage door opener, rear privacy glass. Requires Sunroof Pkg.

Sunroof Pkg.
ML350	$1,390	$1,293
ML500	$1,290	$1,200
Power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers (ML350). Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Premium Pkg.
ML500	$3,750	$3,488
Full-leather upholstery, Multicontour front seats, navigation system, Tele Aid assistance system, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded wood interior trim, universal garage door opener, power liftgate, additional interior lights. Requires Sunroof Pkg.

AMG Sport Pkg.
ML350	$4,500	$4,185
ML500	$4,200	$3,906
Unique exterior trim, 255/50R19, polished alloy wheels. Requires Trim Pkg. or Premium Pkg.

Appearance Pkg. 322
ML350	$2,550	$2,372
ML500	$950	$884
Unique interior and exterior trim, Tele-Aid assistance system, universal garage door opener, blue-glass windshield and front windows, rear privacy glass (ML350), roof rails (ML350), 255/50R19 tires. Requires Sunroof Pkg.

Appearance Pkg. 422
ML350	$3,350	$3,116
ML500	$1,750	$1,628
Appearance Pkg. 322 plus chrome alloy wheels. Requires Sunroof Pkg.

Comfort Pkg.
ML350, ML500	$1,450	$1,349
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel, 10-way power front seats and head restraints, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), automatic day/night rearview mirror, power-folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid. Requires Trim Pkg. or Premium Pkg.

Entertainment Pkg.
ML350	$1,080	$1,004
Harman/Kardon sound system, glovebox 6-disc CD changer. Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Lighting Pkg.
ML350	$890	$828
Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers, corner-illuminating fog lights. Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Air Suspension Pkg.
ML350	$1,775	$1,651
ML500	$1,575	$1,465
Driver-adjustable air suspension w/active shock absorbers, height-adjustable and load-leveling suspension, variable-assist power steering (ML350). Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Safety
Rear side airbags
ML350, ML500	$385	$358
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
ML350, ML500	$750	$698
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
	$1,240	$1,153
Requires Trim Pkg. or Appearance Pkg.

Rear automatic climate control
ML350, ML500	$750	$698
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Heated front seats
ML350	$690	$642
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Satellite radio
ML350, ML500	$500	$465
Includes 14-months service. Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Power liftgate
ML350, ML500	$520	$484
Requires Trim Pkg. or Appearance Pkg.

Keyless Go
ML500	$1,080	$1,004
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
ML350, ML500	$690	$642


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
ML350, ML500	$490	$456
Requires Trim Pkg., Premium Pkg., or Appearance Pkg.

Double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
ML500	$250	$233
ML350	$900	$837
Requires Trim Pkg. or Premium Pkg.

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	114.7

Overall Length, in.	188.5

Overall Width, in.	75.2

Overall Height, in.	71.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4623

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	64.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	25.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	40.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213	5.0 /303

Horsepower @ rpm.	268 @ 6000	302 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	258 @ 2400	339 @ 2700

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

7-speed automatic	16/20	14/19

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

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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	None/--	--

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

< 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Photos

Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review:

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Prices & Equipment

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Photos

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review

All Mercedes-Benz M-Class

All Mercedes-Benzs