I'll add my voice to the wagon vote. We love ours. Tons of cargo space when needed, and with the 4Matic and 4 snow tires it is pretty much invincible in the snow. The only benefits I can see to the ML is that it has more ground clearance, so could handle really deep snow. Also because of the increased ride height you get a better view down the road, if that is important to you. Of course the bigger ride height also leads to more truck-like handling.

I think the wagon is the more practical choice. The ML is more about image than utility, really.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)