DRIVEN: 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Story by Mark Atkinson
Photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz has completely revamped its popular ML-class SUV for 2005. While the original, launched in 1997, arguably started the trend towards ‘luxury’ Sport Utes, its eight-year run with only a mild mid-life freshening left the ML in a position behind its newer – and more car-like – rivals.

While the exterior styling could only be called evolutionary, what’s changed underneath the skin is dramatic. The 2005 ML350 that we had on test ditches the old body-on-frame construction of the original, and adopts a unibody chassis that’s highly popular in this world of ‘crossovers’ and SUV’s that never go off road.



That body-on-frame gave the original ML a serious set of off-road credentials, even though most of its customers would never consider taking it off the pavement. Thankfully, the 2005 version doesn’t abandon the skill set of its predecessor, possessing great mud-bogging capabilities that belie its more civilized construction.

It being a Mercedes-Benz, the ML adopts the same ABS/traction control-based four-wheel-drive system that does away with traditional locking differentials. A myriad of three-letter-acronym systems including Hill Decent Control (HDC) and Electronic-Brake Force Distribution (EBD) help the 4,730 lb. truck get through the nastiest conditions. During the off-road testing portion at the AJAC Test Fest this past October, the ML handled itself with aplomb, and Mercedes-Benz offers a more dedicated off-road package including air suspension and different tires.



Thankfully, the ML’s on-road abilities haven’t been sacrificed either, with even the ‘base’ model offering good body control with minimal dive or pitch, and the brakes are responsive and confidence inspiring.

Powering the ML350 is MB’s first of a new generation of V6 and V8 engines, replacing the old three-valve SOHC units. In our case, it was an all-aluminum 3.5L V6 that puts out 268 hp@ 6000 rpm and 258 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm. And mimicking the McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 car, all V6-equipped ML’s feature a seven-speed automatic transmission. The combination is silky smooth, and provides good acceleration and throttle response.



The interior appointments are probably the most obvious improvement over the previous generation, which had come under criticism for some un-Mercedes-like materials and quality. No major complaints in the new one, though; soft-touch plastics abound, and the design is clean and bright.

Only the stubby steering column-mounted gearshift takes some flack – it’s positioned right where the windshield wiper controls are on most other non-MB vehicles, and takes some getting used to so you don’t switch into neutral while trying to clear the front glass. While its operation is simple enough to understand, it’s a large departure from the traditional gear levers of old.



Regardless, the $55,750 Alabama-built ML350 truly is a solid, luxurious vehicle, and hopefully is an indication of Mercedes-Benz’ renewed focus on peerless quality.

That it won the SUV category at Test Fest 2005 against some fierce competition is a strong indication of just how serious the company is to retake its position at the top of the luxury sport-ute pile.