Mercedes Benz M-Class Review

Mercedes Benz M-Class Review

The new Mercedes Benz M-Class arrived in the showrooms towards the end of last year, having undergone a minor facelift and a few additions to the standard feature list.

Most people who are thinking of buying a Mercedes Benz ML will not fail to be impressed by the sheer size of the car and array of on-board electronics, some of which take some getting used to and time spent with the handbook will be well spent.

But let's start with the Mercedes Benz M-Class' exterior changes. There is no mistaking that it is a Mercedes, with its larger new grille dominating the front end, above a re-styled front bumper with a new, simulated skid plate or under-guard. The headlight clusters now feature projection beams and at the rear, the taillights have a smoked glass appearance.

The Mercedes Benz ML 280 CDI Sport test car was in Obsidian Black, which together with the dark privacy glass from the B-pillar back, certainly made it an imposing vehicle on the road. This was further emphasised by the wide stance and huge, 20-inch wheels. These are new, as are the 18-inch on the V6 SE and 19-inch on the V8 SE models, which look good on the road but anyone venturing off-road on a regular basis, would need to invest in different tyres. That said, there is an optional Off Road Pro package that adds differential locks, ground clearance adjustment and a low-range transfer box - but no mention of tyres.

The Mercedes Benz ML's rear end also has an under-guard and along the side are running boards, in an aluminium finish with rubber studs, which I could have happily lived without. They are awkward to use as an aid to getting in or out so you end up stepping over them and that generally resulted in banging my head on the cant rail, as I like to sit high and upright, making the most of the already high seating position.

Mercedes Benz M-Class