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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class gets an 80-hp boost for one of its available V8 engines. The M-Class seats five and has all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. It comes in four models. The ML350 has a 3.5-liter 268-hp V6. The ML320 CDI has a 3.0-liter 215-hp turbodiesel V6. Replacing the ML500 and its 5.0-liter 302-hp V8 for '08 is the ML550 with a 5.5-liter 382-hp V8. Topping the line is the high-performance ML63 with its 6.2-liter 503-hp V8. All M-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 7200 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. All have a 60/40 split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, and Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance system. The ML63 retains 20-inch wheels, but wheel diameter on all other models increases to 19 inches from 17 or 18. Among features standard on the ML63 and optional on other models are leather upholstery, navigation system, rearview camera, and power liftgate. Steering-linked xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control are also available. For '08, the ML550 gains an AMG appearance package that's similar to what's standard on the ML63.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.

News
This basic design should continue with no major near-term change. The M's next full redesign is a couple years away.
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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (ML550, ML63) Fuel economy (ML550, ML63)
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
6 8 6 6.1

The ML350 delivers plenty of smooth power around town and on the highway, though it can feel labored climbing long grades. The ML550 furnishes noticeably more thrust, but unless you tow heavy loads, it may be overkill.

ML320 CDI sometimes suffers from brief turbo lag, then accelerates briskly; this diesel is a tempting compromise between the gas V6 and the V8. The transmission does a good job keeping all these engines in their power band, but doing so in the ML350 requires frequent gear changes, which are sometimes jerky at low speeds. No ML63 has been made available for testing.
Fuel Economy

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
4 4 6 3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, ML350s averaged 17.0-19.0 mpg. An ML550 averaged 16.8 mpg in city/highway driving. Test ML320 CDI averaged a thrifty 22.2 mpg. Gasoline models require premuium-grade fuel. Note that the diesel model is not available in California and certain northeastern states.
Ride Quality

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 5.9

Aside from some low-speed impact harshness over most bumps, M-Class models are admirably comfortable and rewardingly composed. The available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, and Automatic settings. It's uncomfortably choppy in Sport, and the other modes have little evident affect on comfort or control.
Steering/Handling/Braking

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
5 5 5 5.5

These vehicles lean more in fast turns than the sportier Acura MDX or Porsche Cayenne. Straight-line stability is great, but these wagons are too tall, weighty, and top heavy to be truly agile. The steering is impressively linear and accurate, though its effort in turns can feel too heavy. Strong stopping control is augmented by outstanding brake-pedal modulation.
Quietness

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 6.7

Road- and wind-noise suppression rivals that of some luxury cars. The gas V6 is heard more than the V8 by virtue of the transmission's more frequent shifts, but both are refined in sound and feel. The ML320 CDI's turbodiesel makes slightly different sounds than the gas engines, but is little louder overall.
Controls

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
5 5 5 6.2

Dashboards feature an upscale blend of business-like gauges and sophisticated-looking controls. Some control icons, though, are cryptic, and the steering wheel suffers from too many buttons. Gear shifting is via a short toggle-action column lever and takes some acclimation. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions and requires multiple steps for some basic tasks.
Details

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 7

The doors slam with satisfying authority. The cabin's standard wood trim and other high-quality materials create an upscale ambiance. However, many interior panels are not soft to the touch, and only the ML63 has standard leather upholstery.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 7.5

Front passengers enjoy roomy, generally supportive seats. Good side bolstering requires the multi-contour power seats, which have a tacked-on control pod that looks incongruous and intrudes on some testers' leg space. Entry and exit are a bit steep when compared to other premium midsize crossover SUVs.
Room/Comfort (rear)

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 6.5

There's good headroom, legroom, and foot space in back. The seat is nicely contoured and fits three across with only minor crowding. Narrow lower doorways slightly tax ingress and egress.
Cargo Room

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
7 7 7 8.6

The tall, broad cargo bay affords plenty of space with the rear seats in use. The seatbacks fold easily without removing the headrests to create a long, flat load floor, but not until the seat cushions have been tipped forward. Cabin storage is merely okay. The door pockets are roomy, but the tiered center console is on the small side.
Value within Class

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
6 5 7 6.1

Base prices are competitive, but the sticker's bottom line grows daunting as options are added. Aside from around-town ride comfort that could be better, the highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive M-Class is what a premium midsize five-passenger SUV ought to be. Don't overlook the ML320 CDI diesel; it has loads of quiet power, and its impressive fuel economy allows a long driving range while giving up little in everyday performance.
Total Score

ML350 ML550 ML320 CDI Class Average
68 69 71 69.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
60
Average Score
69
High Score
80
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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
ML350 4-door wagon $44,000 $40,920 $825
ML320 CDI 4-door wagon $45,000 $41,850 $825
ML550 4-door wagon $52,750 $49,058 $825
ML63 4-door wagon $87,000 $80,910 $825
Price note: ML320 CDI not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.
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/ML320
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine (ML350) or 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine (ML320), 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent and descent control, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, Tele Aid assistance system, vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/50R19 tires, alloy wheels.
ML550 adds to ML350/ML320:
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails, running boards.
ML63 adds to ML550:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, rear climate controls, leather upholstery, 10-way power multicontour front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), navigation system, rearview camera, harman/kardon sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, power liftgate.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling sport suspension w/active shock absorber control, 295/40ZR20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
P1 Premium Pkg.
ML350, ML320
$3,750
$3,488
ML550
$3,650
$3,394
Navigation system, rearview monitor, harman/kardon sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing wipers (ML350, ML320), power liftgate.
P2 Premium Pkg.
ML350, ML320
$5,650
$5,254
ML550
$5,550
$5,162
P1 Premium Pkg. plus power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), automatic rearview mirror, power folding mirrors, cornering lights, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
P3 Premium Pkg.
ML350, ML320
$8,600
$7,998
ML550
$8,500
$7,905
P2 Premium Pkg. plus rear climate controls, cargo organizer, cargo net, load-leveling suspension w/active shock absorber control.
Leather Seating Pkg.
ML350, ML320, ML550
$1,975
$1,837
Leather upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, front console tray, unique wood interior trim, ambient interior lighting.
Interior Appearance Pkg.
ML350/ML320, ML550
$510
$474
Front sport seats w/alcantara seat inserts, aluminum interior trim, ambient interior lighting. NA ML63.
Heating Pkg.
ML350, ML320
$1,370
$1,274
ML550
$810
$753
Heated front seats (ML350, ML320), heated rear seats, heated steering wheel.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
ML350/ML320, ML550
$770
$716
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$2,670
$2,483
Glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer
ML350, ML320, ML550
$450
$418
Requires a Premium Pkg.
iPod adapter
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$375
$349
Wireless cell phone link
ML63
$420
$
Heated front seats
ML350, ML320
$710
$660
Heated rear seats
ML63
$595
$553
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
ML63
$0
$0
Keyless access and starting
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$1,110
$1,032
Voice recognition
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$510
$474
ML350, ML320, ML550 require a Premium Pkg. and glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer.
Adaptive cruise control
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$2,200
$2,046
Illuminated door sills
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$550
$512
Cargo tray
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$160
$149
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$710
$660
Chrome grille surround
ML350, ML320
$830
$772
Running boards
ML350, ML320
$510
$474
Side steps
ML350, ML320
$990
$921
Roof rack
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$245
$228
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
ML350/ML320, ML550, ML63
$510
$474
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2008 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. 70.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4706
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 72.4
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 dohc V8 dohc V8 Turbodiesel dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213 5.5 /333 6.2 /379 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 268 @ 6000 382 @ 6000 503 @ 6800 215 @ 3800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 258 @ 2400 391 @ 2800 465 @ 5200 398 @ 1400
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
7-speed automatic 15/20 13/18 11/14 18/24
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
4WD Rollover 4
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 ML320 CDI
Trim Level:  ML350/ML320
Arrival Date:  04/21/2008
Engine:  Turbodiesel dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  7-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $44,650
Price as Tested:  $57,160
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  2819
Mileage at End of Test:  3420
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  27.139 gals.
 

Major Options:  Alpine Rain exterior paint, 6-Disc CD Changer, Premium III Package (Adaptive Damping System, Rearview Camera, Power Passenger Seat w/Memory, Rain Sensor Wipers, Hands-free Communication System, Power Steering Column, Air Suspension, Power Folding Mirrors, Rear Audio Controls, DVD Navigation, Satellite Radio, 3-Zone Climate Control, Infrared Glass, Headlamp Washing System, Bi-Xenon Curve Illuminating Headlamps, Corner Illuminating Front Fog Lamps, harman/kardon Sound System, Power Liftgate, Cargo Organizer System), Leather Seating Surfaces Package w/Wood Leather Steering Wheel.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  22.15 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski It's not as fun as a BMW X5 or as luxurious inside as an MDX or SRX, but the M-Class has a few things that the competition can't boast. First is an uber-performance model in the ML63 AMG. Second, and more importantly, a clean, smooth, and VERY efficient diesel. The fuel is very pricey, but that premium over the gasoline engines' required premium unleaded is more than offset by the oil burner's 5+ mile-per-gallon efficiency advantage. The ML's 25-gallon tank means a potential cruising range of 600 miles at the EPA-rated 24 mpg highway. How cool is that?

John Biel Though the turbodiesel 320 CDI model starts at $1000 more than the 350 with the gasoline V6, its mileage (21 mpg and better) in our tests isn't bad for an SUV. Option packages expensive enough to buy a used car can make this a pricey proposition, though, so whatever you might save on fuel (and they're not giving away diesel these days) can be devoured by the window sticker.

Tom Appel What's not to like? Luxury SUV buyers not diesel adverse may well find an ML320 CDI in their driveway shortly after a test drive. Good mileage (good enough to offset diesel's higher cost), excellent power, and higher diesel model resale value make this truck a "must see". Note: Heated seats are a stand-alone option not included in any package. Don't assume you're getting them.

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