Mercedes-Benz ML-320...Continued

Door-mounted side-impact airbags are incorporated to protect front seat occupants in side collisions. Unlike most other sport utility vehicles, the ML320 offers front and rear independent suspension to optimize handling both on- and off-road and maximize ground clearance. In the U.S., both V8 and V6-powered gasoline engines equipped with five-speed automatic transmissions will be available. They have high and low range transfer cases for true off-road capability.

I was skeptical of claims that a combination of traction control and anti-lock brakes eliminated the need for locking differentials , but a trip through the Cumberland Mountain slimy slopes took the arch out of my eyebrows. Using the same light pressure on the throttle and not backing off on the slopes, the low range allowed the ML320 to climb all grades up to at least 45 degrees. There is no over-run in the automatic transmission, so engine braking on the down slopes insured sure-footed travel.

For Europe and other markets outside North America, a four- cylinder gasoline engine with five-speed manual transmission and a five-cylinder turbo diesel with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be available. Since the new MB corporate Vee engines are identical except for the number of cylinders, there will be little effort to include the V8, and look for about a $8K premium when it is available next year. Since good visibility is an important safety consideration in both on and off-road travel, the M-class's hood line slopes sharply away from the windshield to provide an unobstructed view of obstacles ahead. The side and rear sight lines also provide plenty of visibility for maneuvering the M-class in extreme off-road situations or in tight parking lots. At the rear of the vehicle, a distinctive rear quarter window treatment provides good rearward visibility, and a blackened rear pillar makes the window seem much larger.