2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350

The Mercedes of SUVs

Ben Lewis / autoMedia.com

Sometimes it's great to have a reputation. Other times it can be more of a burden. Take the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, for example. When the original model was introduced in 1998, there were huge expectations—Mercedes was riding high at the time, the marketplace was already in the grips of the SUV frenzy, and the idea of a new, ultra-lux people hauler sounded like the perfect idea.

Mercedes-Benz had a slightly different plan, and decided to try to broaden the appeal of the brand by bringing out a well-built, extremely rugged SUV. To keep the price attractive, though, they went for a simpler look and feel. While it was extremely spacious with room for five or seven, the styling was just too conservative for a multitude of buyers. The basic word was, the M-Class was not very Mercedes-like.

Styling

We were really looking forward to testing the new, redesigned M-Class. Mercedes-Benz has been on a roll lately with some amazing products across the line. We wondered: This time, would the new M-Class be a "real" Mercedes?

For 2006, the all-new M-Class is offered in two varieties—the ML350, with an all-new V-6 engine that first bowed in the SLK350 sports car, and the ML500, which carries over the 302-horsepower V-8 from the previous model. We're suckers for the newest and latest, so we tested the ML350.

One look at the ML350 and you know a radical change has taken place. While the body style is still a four-door SUV, the once-conservative duds have been ditched for a sleeker new look. The exterior features a strong wedge shape (some would say similar to the Lexus RX 330) with integrated fender flares that give a very wide-shouldered, powerful look. Around back there's a wraparound rear-window treatment and a slightly downward-sweeping roofline for a crisp, clean and modern look.