New from the ground up, the 2006 M-class abandons the previous model's truck-like frame structure for a car-type unibody design that should improve passenger space, handling and ride quality. The first model's frame-based design helped Mercedes rush it to market, but it caused some compromises that have made the M-class uncompetitive with newer luxury SUVs.


The new SUV is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.4 inch lower than the 2005 M-class. That will make it nearly as long as, about three inches wider and slightly shorter than a four-door 2005 Ford Explorer.


The M-class uses an all-new platform with a 114-inch wheelbase that's 3.7 inches longer than its predecessor and 0.3 inches longer than the Explorer.


In addition to its wedgy profile, the 2006 M-class' exterior features a steeply angled windshield and sweeping front fenders. Projector headlights flank a bright chrome grille with new vertical bars behind Mercedes' traditional two horizontal bars and a large three-pointed star.


The design retains the forward-angled sheet metal behind the rear doors that became one of the M-class' most recognizable visual cues.


The new M-class will feature a standard seven-speed automatic transmission to boost fuel economy and improve performance.


The full-time, all-wheel drive incorporates a height-adjustable air suspension, four-wheel traction control and electronic controls to help going up and down steep grades.


The base engine will be a new 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6, a 16-percent improvement in power from the 2004 model's V6. A 5.0-liter, 302-horsepower V8 is optional, and a high-performance model developed by Mercedes' AMG tuning house will follow.


The 24-valve V6 replaces the old 18-valve V6. Mercedes has abandoned the three-valve-per-cylinder design because the additional valves improve power and fuel efficiency.


The V8 engine will probably offer Mercedes' cylinder deactivation system, a fuel-economy feature that shuts down half the engine during the long periods when it doesn't need full power.


The completely new interior offers two inches of extra front legroom. Rear knee room grows 1.4 inches and rear legroom increases 1.3 inches.


Standard safety systems include two-stage front air bags and ceiling-mounted curtain air bags.


The SUV will also be the first to use a new system of what Mercedes calls active head restraints to reduce the likelihood of neck injury in rear collisions.

I believe that the new M class will only be a 5 seater, with no long wheelbase or 7 seat option.
Can anyone confirm ?
If true, bad mistake !

Yes, it will be configured as a 5-seater.

Inside, a completely new interior features a sport-oriented instrument panel, a multi-function steering wheel, rich materials and improved spaciousness for all five seating positions. By comparison, there are over two inches of additional front leg room, as well as more rear-passenger knee and leg room.

looks better than the current. i would still pick a X5 over it based on looks tho

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198? 300D ???K - Future DD
1989 300TE 285K - traded in '12
1984 300SD 186K - Sold in 08
1978 300SD 330K - Died in 05

The next X5 will be available as a 7 seater! Manual transmission will still be available also. Too bad for Mercedes, the new ML looks pretty good. Would look better if the whole grille came up when you open the hood, like the current.

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)

Does anyone know at what pricepoint the new ML will be offered?