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Is the Mercedes Benz ML350 a station wagon for pretentious suburban housewives or a serious luxury sport utility vehicle? Much like Porsche, one does not immediately think of Mercedes Benz when considering classic sport utility vehicles on this planet. Yet even Porsche was lured off-road by the potential for easy money. If you really need an off-road Mercedes, the legendary Mercedes Benz G500 is unmistakable in its box like silhouette and is at home in the wilds of some far off wasteland. But the ML350 and big brother ML500 do not enjoy the credentials of true off road romance and mythology. While the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 is equipped with off road features, this is really a well-behaved, cushiony soft, urban wagon. Equipped with "hill descent" the only hill the Mercedes Benz ML 350 is likely to descend is in the parking garage at Nordstrom. However this aversion to mud puts the ML350 is some very fine company. Competing with BMW X5, Lexus RX330, Volkswagen Touareg, Cadillac SRX, and Acura NDX, the Mercedes Benz ML350 has undergone a major renovation. While the previous model sold over a half million vehicles, this new M Class promises to be just as popular with the ladies. The new ML350 is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and almost a half-inch lower than the previous model introduced late last decade. Built in the recently expanded Tuscaloosa Alabama plant the Mercedes M Class represents the globalization of major automakers. A recent $600 million dollar investment in the plant increases capacity and will also provide a home for the new R-Class. Alabama will be home for the true off road G-Class Mercedes as well. There is a lot to like about the new 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. Styling is a modern wedge shape leading with an egg crate grill and famous tri-star icon. For me it is too modern and looks too much like a Lexus. Yet this is what people seem to want for that night out on the Plaza. Inside, the ML350 is a roomy and comfortable environment for five passengers. A wonderful 400-watt Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system bathes the interior in clear sound from the 12 strategically placed speakers. Liberal insulation and sound deadening materials make this luxury environment extremely pleasurable. Heated leather seats with suede inserts are almost perfect, with superior lateral support and electronically adjustable headrests. However I did find plastic materials on the dash and visors detracted from the overall feel of quality. Many of the features that I consider necessary for this level of vehicle are found in optional packages at extra cost. The price for my test vehicle jumped from a base MSRP of $40,525 to $54,330 fully equipped. Heated seats should be included as standard equipment rather than a $690 additional charge. The 3.5 Liter engine provided exceptional power for this 4,788-pound vehicle. Coupled with a 7 speed electronic transmission the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 is capable of a smooth zero to sixty MPH romp in only 8.2 seconds. For those drivers who need even more power the ML500 is available with the V8 engine. I personally found the electronic shifter to be cumbersome but I am sure that in time it would become second nature. Manual shift controls are located on the back of the steering wheel. Adjustable air suspension offered an exceptional ride. The competition and sport mode suspension setting seemed a little excessive, as the only competition vision I could muster was two moms competing over a parking space at Hy Vee. Mercedes Benz has improved a successful model and the good people of Alabama should be proud to build this world-class automobile. The ML350 represents an excellent choice in five-passenger luxury utility vehicles. So what if pretentious trophy wives find security and comfort in the Mercedes Benz ML350? Capability for more than will be demanded is a good thing to have in an automobile.
2006 Mercedes Benz ML350
3.5 Liter V6 Engine
EPA MPG ratings 16/20 MSRP as tested $54,330 Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2005 - Stan Risener