The biggest improvement by far is the vehicle's ride and handling. Despite the fact the original M-Class was touted as
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| The biggest improvement by far is the vehicle's ride and handling. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
possessing a 'car-like' ride, much of the aforementioned competition have since built SUVs that behave much more like sport sedans than any M-Class (the
Acura MDX,
BMW X3 and X5, plus Infiniti FX 35/
45 come immediately to mind). Mercedes engineers did the right thing by lengthening both the overall length and wheelbase of the second generation M-Class, and the slightly lower cabin (6 mm) adds a lower centre of gravity that enhances the vehicle's tight and solid handling feel. A completely redesigned suspension doesn't hurt either.
My tester was an ML350, and the all-new 3.5-litre V6 performed very well. Producing 268-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the 2005 SLK350. Just as it does in the two-seater, the
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| My tester was an ML350, and the all-new 3.5-litre V6 performed very well. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
gearbox shifts smoothly and silently. The all-new four-wheel-drive system works nicely with the seven-speed, and includes new features such as a downhill driving aid and a hill-holder. The new exterior features sweeping lines that are much more aggressive than on the predecessor, giving the new M-Class a more pronounced wedge shape set off by the longer wheelbase and lower cabin height. I'm not too sold on the grille work, though, as I've always preferred a plain background for the iconic Mercedes' encircled trident logo.
