Had the chance to test drive the new 2006 M-Class. I have been a little critical of the vehicle based upon the specs and research I have dug up. However I was much more impressed with the vehicle in person. It isn't as ugly shaped as it looks in pictures and the upgrades inside are very well done, much more of the Mercedes-Benz I have known. The unibody construction does make for a quieter and more car-like ride. I was also assured that the towing package includes a transfer case, thus a low range, and the features that make our current 2000 ML-320 such a nice vehicle to drive. Even the shifter on the column didn't bother me as much as I thought it would because I can shift like Kimi and Pablo on the back side of the steering wheel. One neat feature is to shift to park - just push the end of the shifting stalk and it goes to park. My only reservation is that it is the first year of a major model change.

Make me a good deal and I may drive one home.

Jim W.