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Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2006+)

123 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2009 at 5:18 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, SUV

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#41 of 123 Re: New ML - marketing question [merc1] by cornellpinoy Mar 31, 2005 (7:04 pm)
Replying to: merc1 (Mar 30, 2005 9:50 pm) Thanks to both of you for replying. I'm anticipating that MB will have something but I just wanted to be sure I didn't already miss it. I was invited to the 2005 AMG Challenge event and as much as I really want to, I don't think I'll be able to attend it. I am looking forward to driving the new ML.
#42 of 123 Seating in 06 ML350 by ajayapte Apr 03, 2005 (1:44 pm)
Does the new 2006 ML350 have 3rd row seating option?
#43 of 123 re:ajayapte by stroudman Apr 04, 2005 (12:05 pm)
No, thank goodness it does not. The optional third seat in the first gen car was not only useless, but cumbersome. There are rumors of a long-wheelbase M-class that would offer 3 rows, but for now that's still a rumor. See R-class, coming this fall.
#44 of 123 New ML! by merc1 Apr 04, 2005 (3:17 pm)
I see the dealers are awash in new ML's. Seems to be a lot of buzz surrounding to their arrivial. Here in IL the dealers are closed on Sunday, but you wouldn't know it by all the people gawking at the new MLs outside. I still need to sit in one to see if the interior is up snuff.   M Replies to this message: stroudman (Apr 04, 2005 5:44 pm) merc1 (Apr 06, 2005 10:03 pm)
#45 of 123 Re: New ML! [merc1] by stroudman Apr 04, 2005 (5:44 pm)
Replying to: merc1 (Apr 04, 2005 3:17 pm) Of course I see and show them every day now, but let me now when you get to drive one. It's a whole new vehicle, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on it. Replies to this message: merc1 (Apr 06, 2005 10:03 pm)
#46 of 123 Re: New ML! [stroudman] by merc1 Apr 06, 2005 (10:03 pm)
Replying to: stroudman (Apr 04, 2005 5:44 pm) If I ever drive one I'll be sure to let you know!   M
#47 of 123 Drove it by jpouchet Apr 07, 2005 (9:54 am)
Got the call from my local dealer, Fletcher Jones Mercedes of Newport Beach, where we bought our previous cars including my wife's Wonderful 2004 E 320 to come test the new ML 350.   First observations, very nice styling. The body is sleek yet still keeps the rugged SUV looks many drivers want. The fit and finish were on par with the E and S class so this speaks well for US assembly.   Climbing in was okay but not great. The wood was fine but not excellent like the E. I feel they missed the mark on the dash. It looks mid-market not high-end.   The seats were firm but the leather was a joke. I had to go back to the window sticker on every ML I saw to confirm the seats were really leather inserts and not 100% MB Tex. My C had nicer feeling seats.   The drive was firm without being stiff. I did notice a bit more body roll than in the X3/X5. Very little dive under braking and the brakes are excellent!   Performance was fine, I never really pushed the car hard but the 350 V6 seems to have a good bit of power on tap. The 7-speed is like a hot knife through butter. Smooth and quick shifting all the way. I did notice a LAG in shifting when using the steering wheel toggle switches. Driver training will be required to remember the odd shift pattern especially putting the car in Park.   Sun roof seemed small. AC worked well. Sound system was quite good but not up to the E class standard.   Interior is a bit stark. It just did nothing for me. The instrument panel is plain and feels more Nissan like than Mercedes. The doors are boring and would be third-world if not for the wood trim. I can not imagine how cheap the aluminum trim version must look.   Interior volume is excellent. If you want room for a family of four or five this baby has it. The rear seats, other than the questionable "leather", are comfortable, easy to get in and out of, and have plenty of room to relax in. No cramped feet or legs here.   Cargo bay has some nice size to it. Easy to take a ton of luggage on a trip and stuff the dog back there at the same time with room to spare. This is one area Mercedes really got right.   Overall - I wouldn't spend $48,000 for this SUV. The interior is cheap, the ride is less than sporty, the fuel economy is not very good especially when compared to the Lexus or Toyota Hybrids. For a lot less you can buy a very nice GMC Denali, get similar MPG, have more room, and get a REAL leather interior. Both have similar instrument styling and mid-market feeling interiors.   As a multi-Mercedes owner it pains me to say that this was an easy vehicle to walk away from. I wouldn't want one in my driveway unless perhaps it was priced in the $35-$38 range where it would be more comparable to the X3 or XC 90. even then both of those get much better MPG. Finally, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available fully loaded in 4x4 configuration for around $42k and gets 33 MPG city, 28 Highway. Now thats a serious piece of technology in action. Replies to this message: stroudman (Apr 07, 2005 10:18 am)
#48 of 123 Re: Drove it [jpouchet] by stroudman Apr 07, 2005 (10:18 am)
Replying to: jpouchet (Apr 07, 2005 9:54 am) reviews of their previous new vehicles would hammer them for having too many controls, the switchgear was too busy. So now they try to go back to their traditional austerity from before, and they get hammered again. Just goes to show, you can't please everyone...   As far as sporty, think X5. The M-class is a luxury car, it's fairly athletic, but the priority is on luxury.        The E-class costs more, it should feel and look nicer inside, shouldn't it?
#49 of 123 I agree with jpouchet by afif Apr 07, 2005 (11:27 am)
I took a look at the new M class, but did not drive it. Interior seemed diappointing, especially the leather. I have a 2001 M class and a c320 (MB of Laguna Niguel). Reliability of both has been dismal, although dealer service has been excellent. I am sure that Mercedes will sell a fair number of these, but you probably get more for your money (and probably better reliability) with a lexus or toyota. Replies to this message: stroudman (Apr 07, 2005 12:08 pm) afif (Apr 07, 2005 1:43 pm) jpouchet (Apr 08, 2005 12:24 pm) and 1 more...
#50 of 123 Re: I agree with jpouchet [afif] by stroudman Apr 07, 2005 (12:08 pm)
Replying to: afif (Apr 07, 2005 11:27 am) Recent history is what it is with these vehicles, but only time will tell with regards to reliability on the most recent product. The interior is sturdy, the switchgear isn't flimsy or unintuitive. The leather isn't Nappa, but it's thick and a bit rugged, which, for what is often times a family car that kids and dogs have their way with, is what should hold up the best. If it's that disappointing, just what level of expectations do you have? Replies to this message: afif (Apr 07, 2005 1:43 pm) jpouchet (Apr 08, 2005 12:24 pm) stroudman (Apr 08, 2005 1:24 pm)

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