The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is an ideal sport utility vehicle for the family, allowing five passengers to sit comfortably. This all-weather SUV has muscular, wedge-shaped design cues and luxurious interiors. It is available in four versions: the ML 350 SUV, ML 320 CDI SUV, ML 550 SUV and ML 63 AMG. For 2008, the ML 500 gets a more powerful engine and is now called ML 550 with AMG styling; deep front and rear aprons; 19-inch AMG wheels; and running boards. The M-Class offers a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.

Four engines are available. The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 has a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque; the V-8 engine in the ML 550 delivers 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque; the ML 63 AMG gets a 6.3-liter V-8 that produces 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque; and the ML 320 has a diesel engine that produces 215 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. All engines team up with a seven-speed automatic transmission with touch-shift manual controls. An M-Class SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. EPA fuel economy is rated at 11-18 mpg in the city and 14-24 mpg on the highway. The steering in the M-Class is precise. The brakes have a sure-footed pedal and quickly bring the vehicle to a halt. Whether cruising on twisty mountain roads or during inclement weather, the M-Class offers a confident feel.

Streamlined and aerodynamic, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has a swept-back windshield and front fenders, an aggressive wedge shape and a strapping build. A prominent rear spoiler and dual exhaust notes bring up the rear. The elegant interior displays an attention to form and function with its sport-oriented instrument panel and multifunction steering wheel. Uncluttered and roomy, it offers plenty of head and legroom for tall passengers. When the rear seats are folded, the M-Class offers a maximum of 72 cubic feet of cargo room, which is less that others in its segment. Except the ML 63 AMG, all models have many options grouped in expensive packages. Some of the features include adjustable air suspension, park assist, adaptive cruise control, adaptive xenon HID headlights, leather upholstery, navigation system with rearview camera, rear-seat entertainment system, and a Harman Kardon Logic7 surround-sound audio system with satellite radio.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is loaded with standard safety features like electronic stability system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, side curtain air bags, and side-impact air bags for the front and rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class bagged the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for frontal, side and rear-impact crash tests. No other sport utility vehicle in its class, apart form Acura MDX and Volvo XC90, has earned this distinction.