2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350

The M-Class bristles with six airbags: the usual two in front, plus door-mounted side bags and dual side curtains.

Styling is subjective, but the M-Class strikes our eye as a bit stumpy and oddly proportioned, especially compared to the arch-rival BMW X5, the new Lexus RX330, Cadillac SRX and others in its class. We also questioned this example's dark shell-like interior trim, which looked a little smudgy, like it always needed cleaning. The typical M-B entertainment and info systems sometimes confuse with their multiple tiny buttons, a couple of which called up messages such as "No Nav System Installed" and "Info Services Not Activated."


Additional complaints were few and minor: M-B's cruise control, a stalk upper left of the wheel, is too easy to grab instead of the turn signal. The radio's volume knob is right of center vs. everyone else's left, the CD changer's "random" function operates on just one disc at a time, and there is only one 12V outlet where competitors commonly have two or three.


We did not have an opportunity to take our ML350 off-road or test it in tough conditions, but (based on equipment and reputation) we'll accept M-B's claim of "exemplary" off-road capabilities. With front, center and rear open differentials, its full-time 4WD distributes 48 percent of engine torque to the front wheels and 52 percent to the rear. With no action required from the driver, it can propel the vehicle even if three of its four wheels have lost traction.


Further, its standard electronic 4-wheel traction control senses wheelslip and applies braking to slipping wheels while transferring the right proportion of torque to those with the highest grip, regardless of the surface. For precisely controlled ascents, below 3 mph in low range, a "two-foot crawling mode" enables off-roaders to crawl up steep inclines and over obstacles with one foot operating the brake and the other on the gas. Below 12 mph with low range selected, "downhill traction control" applies braking to help maintain grip during steep descents where surfaces are loose, rutted, slick or uneven.

The M-Class seats up to five passengers and has a maximum cargo volume of 81.2 cubic feet.

All M-B models have ESP (Electronic Stability Program), which detects an impending slide or spin and selectively applies braking to stabilize the vehicle. All also have Brake Assist, which detects a panic stop (based on how the driver hits the pedal) and applies full braking faster than most drivers can. Also, on slippery surfaces, ASR traction control brakes a slipping wheel to regain traction during acceleration.