2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz has come up with a sleeker, bigger 2006 M-Class luxury sport-utility vehicle that makes the current 1998-2005 model look boxy and feel trucky.

The redesigned 2006 M-Class was recently introduced to the media here. It has some of the 2005 model's design language, but is far more streamlined and has a nicer interior.

Exact prices weren't announced, but Mercedes said they'll range from "approximately $40,000" to the "high $40,000 range" when the two new M-Class models go on sale in April -- loaded with comfort, convenience and safety features. Current M-Class models cost $37,950 and $46,400.

Most buyers of the 2006 model are expected to be in their low- to mid-40s, with approximately $100,000 median annual incomes.

Like many new SUVs, the solid new M-Class is carlike. Replacing the traditional M-Class trucklike body-on-frame construction is a rigid carlike unibody platform. The new model is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and a bit lower.

The 114-inch wheelbase (distance between axles) is nearly 4 inches longer for a more comfortable ride.

Test drives on twisting mountain roads outside Nice in Provence, France, showed the M-Class to have surprisingly sporty handling for a heavy, mid-size SUV. It provided a comfortable ride and looked right at home while cruising through such glamorous French cities as Nice and Cannes. Its standard four-wheel-drive system provided excellent off-road prowess.

"However, while the new M-Class does well off-road, it's mainly for on-road driving because less than 1 percent of SUV owners use their vehicles for the rough off-road stuff," Mercedes M-Class product manager Ron Mueller said at the preview. "That's why an optional off-road suspension package won't be offered for the M-Class in America until 2007."

The current-generation M-Class was Mercedes' first sport-utility vehicle, although the automaker called it an "All Activity Vehicle." It had Mercedes' first V-6 and was the first Mercedes built in an American plant -- a new facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala. That's where the new-generation model also will be made.

The new M-Class mainly will battle BMW's formidable X5 luxury SUV, but also faces a bunch of upscale rivals, including Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and even Volvo.

"The first M-Class had virtually no competitors," Mueller said. "Now, they're all over the place."

Mercedes spokesman Rob Moran said the 2005 M-Class shouldn't be called unusually old because the life cycle of most Mercedes models is approximately 7.5 years. However, Mueller said Mercedes might have to shorten its vehicle "life cycles" because of intense competition.

A hot rod AMG version probably will arrive next year with special cosmetic touches and a rumored 500 horsepower.

The first-generation M-Class had a few definite faults. For instance, folding the three-piece rear seatbacks forward for more cargo space called for working awkward-to-use plastic levers and releases -- and then the seatbacks didn't fold completely flat.

"Being Mercedes' first SUV, it had glitches," Mueller said. "But we improved the vehicle as the years passed. We sold 25,681 in America last year and expect to sell 30,000 to 40,000 of the second-generation model there annually."

The new M-Class comes in two trim levels: the ML 350 with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 268 horsepower and the ML 500 with a 5-liter V-8 generating 302 horsepower and more torque.

The V-6 provides decent acceleration and is expected to account for 75 percent of M-Class sales, with the V-8 picking up the rest. However, the M-Class is heavy at about 4,800 pounds, so the V-8 provides the most lively acceleration.

An advanced, turbocharged diesel engine arrives in 2007 for sale in most states. Many have forgotten that most Mercedes cars sold in America once had diesel engines -- now hugely popular in Europe because of new diesel designs and stiff gasoline prices.

The new M-Class engines work with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission, instead of a typical four- or five-speed automatic. The more gears with an automatic, the better for such things as responsiveness and fuel economy.

A Direct Select feature lets the transmission be touch-operated by just nudging a steering column stalk that doesn't consume space like a floor-mounted shifter. However, the stalk is a bit tricky to use if you're in a hurry. For instance, it takes more than lazy concentration to select a gear, and the "park" position is gotten by pushing in the stalk.

Steering is quick, with Mercedes' slightly heavy, reassuring feel. The brake pedal felt a little touchy at first, but I soon got used to it. Gauges can be read quickly. Controls are easy to use, as are power controls on the sides of the front seats, which are very supportive in curves.

Traction control and anti-skid systems are standard, as are anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature for surer panic stops.

Big door handles help make it easy to get in the quiet, upscale interior, which has comfortable room for four big, tall adults. The front console has two deep cupholders, but the rear ones in the armrest are shallow.

An optional feature is Keyless-Go, which allows doors to be opened and the M-Class to be started without a key; a driver just needs to keep the vehicle's key fob in a pocket or purse and just pushes a button to start and stop the engine.

The optional power tailgate swings up easily and opens to reveal a large cargo area, although it has a rather high opening. All rear seats flip forward to enlarge the cargo area. And attention to detail is shown by twin hydraulic struts, which allow the hood to raise smoothly.

Mercedes is confident the new design of the M-Class should allow this SUV to be free of quality problems it has experienced with some older, complicated car models.

2006 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS

PRICES
Approximately $40,000 to high $40,000 range.

LIKES
Sleeker. Carlike. Roomy. Fast with V-8. World-first seven-speed automatic transmission. Comfort and safety features.

DISLIKES
Small gear shifter takes getting used to. Rather high cargo floor. Shallow rear cupholders.