2006 Mercedes ML350

When Mercedes entered the sport utility fray back in the late 90s with its M-class, reaction was all over the place. Some embraced the boxy roller-skate shape as appropriately fresh; others found it awkward and devoid of classic appeal. Some accepted its relatively truck-like ride and handling as befitting a sport utility; others deemed it unacceptable for a Mercedes of any ilk.
In short, it was largely a love-it-or-hate-it affair, fueled over the years by bouts of great performance (the ML55 AMG) and disappointing quality. It was not the kind of solid acceptance Mercedes envisioned or to which it is accustomed.

Clearly, the venerable automaker had much at stake here. A second generation M-class was due (some would say "overdue") and had some ground to make up. It needed to restore passion and confidence and move those critics into the "love it" column. Mercedes had to address everything from looks to performance to quality issues – in other words, a redesign from the ground up. Furthermore, it had to compete against all the other luxury sport utilities introduced and/or evolved since 1997.

To its credit, Mercedes started with a clean slate and remade this ML350. They examined every detail of the vehicle and the process, including making changes to the Alabama manufacturing facility where it is built. The result is a luxury sport utility worthy of the hood ornament.

The good news
The impression a vehicle has changed radically begins with aesthetics. Although this new M's styling retains hints of the original wedge, it has lost that funky, chunky look many found off-putting. A steeply raked windshield and other graduated lines now form a sleek, swept-back profile. It looks more agile, more sculpted – especially from the rear. One might even call it "pretty."

It is also a larger vehicle. Longer overall by 5.6 inches and wider by 2.8, this M provides more interior room for both passengers and cargo. Whereas the previous interior felt heavy and dark, this '06 comes off as light, airy and upscale. Fit and finishes exude better quality, and chrome accents throughout lend polish. My test vehicle included a $2,200 trim package that added, among other things, sumptuous leather.

Convenience also made the priority list for this interior, with seven more cubic feet of cargo room and a pair of cupholders on the console where the gearshift used to be. That gearshift – no longer a stalk, but a stump that selects gears electronically -- resides on the steering column. I first encountered this abbreviated shift system in a BMW 7-series and thought it gimmicky. But you quickly get accustomed to its simplicity and come to appreciate it.

That tiny gearshift is a link to Mercedes’ electronic 7-speed automatic, a silky strong transmission that partners seamlessly with this V-6’s 268 horses. Not only is that more horsepower than the previous 3.7-liter V-6, this new 3.5-liter V-6 is also slightly more fuel efficient. But considering this ML350’s improvements in acceleration, any fuel savings is noteworthy.

Ride and handling also get better. Mercedes abandoned the original truck-inspired body-on-frame construction for car-inspired unibody. That translates into more steel, better rigidity and better ride and handling. A longer wheelbase, wider tracks front and rear and lower ride height also improve stability and ride. Now it more like Mercedes' luxury sedans in ride and drive qualities.

All this points to a realization that people are not buying the M-class to venture off-road. Hence, the two-speed transfer case has also been replaced with a full-time four-wheel-drive setup that reads slippage and distributes torque accordingly. There is an "Off Road" button that adjusts traction control, ABS and shift points to optimize the M’s abilities for rougher terrain. But without locking differentials, it is not what you want in the deep woods.

The bad news
Although the ML350’s ride is generally quiet and smooth, whenever the pavement got choppy I felt it – not as in a harsh jolt to the cabin, but as in an unexpected bob-and-weave. You can forgive some of this if the vehicle is rugged off-roader, but this is not. I would like for it to settle down more.

Even with increased room, there is no third seat option here. This isn’t a family hauler like some other in its class. But on the horizon is Mercedes’ new R-class SUV/wagon with three rows of seats similar to the Chrysler Pacifica.

Consumers shouldn’t be shocked by the ML350's price, but to say anything costs $40,000-plus is never good news. What's more, the $39,750 base price that doesn’t include a sunroof, leather seats or a few other luxuries one might expect.

Is it worth it?
I think it is expensive, but not necessarily overpriced. When you look at competition from Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover and Acura, you find this ML350's price is in line. Some are more, some less.

Perhaps more important for Mercedes is that this '06 ML350 appears to successfully address what many found disappointing in the first generation. Of course, only time will tell on quality issues, but Mercedes’ thorough scrutiny on this redesign certainly bodes well. Mercedes loyalists who want a sport utility can stick within the fold, and those who gravitate towards the German automaker for its tradition of excellence should not disappointed.

Particulars
Front-engine, five-passenger, five-door sport utility vehicle
Price
Base: $39,750;
As tested: $48,825.
Notable standard equipment
MP3/iPod input in glove box; auto up/down all windows; tilt/telescopic steering wheel with thumb-touch controls for audio, etc.; front and rear 12-volt power outlets, 4 total.
Major options as tested
Navigation, $1,240; satellite radio, $500; heated front seats, $690; trim package, $2,200; entertainment package, $1,080; sunroof package, $1,390.
Safety
Airbags: front dual stage airbags; front side airbags; front and rear side window airbags. Three-point seatbelts at all positions; reinforced body cage; front knee bolsters; front and rear crumple zones
Brakes: 13-inch 4-wheel discs with 4-channel anti-lock system standard.
EPA crash test rating: n/a
Engine
Type: 3.5L DOHC 24V V6
Power: 268 bhp @ 6000 rpm; 258 lb-ft of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Permanent 4-wheel drive
Exterior/Interior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 114.8
Length/width/height: 188.2 in./75.2 in./71.5
Curb weight: 4802 lb.
Ground clearance: 7.9 in.
Luggage capacity: 42/75 cubic ft with rear seat up/down
Suspension
Fully independent
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 16 mpg city/20 highway

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.