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20/10/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Mercedes-Benz has given its M-Class SUV a major makeover in the styling department. The German designed SUV features a bolder frontal appearance thanks to a bigger ‘egg-crate’ grille with plenty of standout brightwork. The grille design is very much focused around the Mercedes three-pointed star, a strong selling point of what is arguably the most prestigious vehicle in this class.
Changes have also been made to the headlights and front bumper, which now has a squarer look than previously, and foglights that sit prominently at its outer corners. As well as the facelift there's also a tail-tuck that sees a rear bumper that has been expanded in its volume, a restyle that is backed up by tail-light revamps and alterations to the brightwork.
 Inside, there are alterations to the styling of the trim, as well as to the fabrics used. The chrome fittings that complement it in a manner that’s part German and part American – the M-Class is aimed principally at the American market and is actually built in the USA. Interesting two-tone options in the leather trim give the big Benz an elegant feel with a slightly old-fashioned touch that’s likely to appeal to quite a few buyers.
As is often the way with Mercedes, the biggest changes in this midlife makeover are under the surface, not in the style of the body. The M-Class has been further refined in the smoothness stakes by way of a considerable amount of work by the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) engineers.
We found it able to cover long distances on good roads with amazing ease and in near silence on smooth roads. And rough and ready Australian dirt roads didn’t increase noise levels significantly. A fair bit of the initial road testing at the local media launch in Victoria was done on dirt roads and we came away most impressed with the way the big M-Class handled. Stability is particularly good, and if you do make a major mistake there are backup electronic systems to help you out of trouble.
The latest M-Class steering has more feel than that of the USA models we sampled mid year. That’s because Australian imports get the European specification. This gives it a semi-sporty feel that will endear the vehicles to Aussies who like to remain in close contact with what their vehicles are doing.
 Comfort levels are high and the M-Class can carry four adults in plenty of stretch-out space that makes long trips a breeze. Three big folks can be carried in the back seat, but it really is more suited to children than adults.
There's also the large M-Class based Mercedes-Benz GL-Class should you need even more space, including seven-seat capability.
Though very few M-Class Mercs do go into the bush, this medium-large SUV is a lot more competent in off-road running than anticipated. Particularly if fitted with the special ‘Off-road Pro’ package which focuses on added traction and better clearances.
All engines, petrol and turbo-diesel, have been revised and feature added power with no increase in fuel consumption. Indeed, fuel savings of close to half a litre in each hundred kilometres of running are there for the taking. Thus reducing the carbon imprint of the M-Class, an important point in an era when people have finally become aware of our environment.
 Mercedes-Benz latest M-Class has a host of sensible updates over the original second-generation series, launched here in September 2005. That fact coupled with tight control over the prices makes these exceptional vehicles for the well-heeled looking for a practical family wagon that doesn’t mind spending time in the rough stuff.
The complete Mercedes-Benz range, with prices (including on-road costs), is:
ML 280 CDI 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel: $81,000
ML 350 3.5-litre V6 petrol: $94,000
ML 320 CDI 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel: $97,000
ML 500 5.5-litre V8 petrol: $127,500
ML 63 AMG 6.3-litre V8 petrol: $167,500
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