2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The 2006 ML350 is the first model year of the newly-improved "Second Generation M-Class" and although we've never owned a "First Generation M-Class" we have to say that the 2006 ML350 is an outstanding WINNER!

We recently sold our 2004 Hummer H2 SUV and here are other vehicles we test drove (so you can get a feel for what we used as a comparison):

1. BMW X5
2. Lexus 400h
3. GMC Acadia
4. Ford Edge
5. Subaru Tribeca
6. Chevrolet Tahoe
7. Infiniti FX45
8. Toyota Sequoia
9. Mercedes-Benz R500

When we drove the ML350 (with 19" wheels and the appearance package with the LUXURIOUS double-stitched leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts) our search was over. Although we liked the other vehicles, some more than others, we both agreed that the ML350 was THE ONE!

With the new seven-speed automatic transmission and 268 hp, there is definitely no lack of power, and with the ML350 AWD's fuel economy rating of 16/20, we didn't feel the need to even consider test driving the ML500 with a V8 engine. A nice feature the ML350 has is the Downhill Speed Regulation and Hill-Start Assist, helpful when driving in the mountains.

The handling of this mid-size SUV is exactly what you would expect of Mercedes-Benz, with its smooth, solid ride and a more "sport-like" than "truck-like" driving experience...more like a "crossover" feel, but more luxurious than the other crossover SUVs like the GMC Acadia, Infiniti FX45 or the Ford Edge.

Our Pewter Metallic ML350 has the ebony leather seats with the Alcantara suede inserts and this was definitely a HUGE selling feature for us! Not only do they look beautiful, but these are truly the most comfortable seats of all the vehicles we've listed above. The controls also seem to be ergonomically-friendly and sensibly placed. The shifter is mounted on the right side of the steering wheel and you simply move it up (Reverse), down (Drive) and push the button in (Park). This frees up space on the center console for two cupholders.

The navigation system is the first one we've had, so although we can't compare it to other systems, it works great and is easy-to-use for novices like us! There is no "touch-screen" navigation and the screen stays pretty clean and smudge-free because of this. The only thing I haven't been able to find using the Mercedes-Benz COMAND Navigation System (besides brand new streets) is the ability to search for "post offices". Restaurants, city centers, shopping malls, wineries - yes. Post offices - no. That's fine, I know where my local ones are anyway, but once I was looking for one when I was traveling. I'm not even sure if other nav systems list post offices, but really, it's no biggie at all.

The Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system is pretty awesome and not only is there a single CD player (below the DVD Navigation disc player) behind the COMAND screen, but there is a 6-disc CD changer that can be accessed from the glove compartment. Of course, with the integrated MP3 player input jack that's also hidden in the glove compartment, who needs to store all those CDs? But if you don't have an MP3 player, it's good to have.

We have absolutely no complaints about this vehicle and would not hesitate to highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury mid-size SUV. Although we were never drawn to the M-Class before, this new second generation model really grabbed our attention with its new larger size and streamlined design...and impressed us so well during the test drive that we purchased the ML350!

The 2006 ML350 is the first model year of the newly-improved "Second Generation M-Class" and although we've never owned a "First Generation M-Class" we have to say that the 2006 ML350 is an outstanding WINNER!

We recently sold our 2004 Hummer H2 SUV and here are other vehicles we test drove (so you can get a feel for what we used as a comparison):

1. BMW X5
2. Lexus 400h
3. GMC Acadia
4. Ford Edge
5. Subaru Tribeca
6. Chevrolet Tahoe
7. Infiniti FX45
8. Toyota Sequoia
9. Mercedes-Benz R500

When we drove the ML350 (with 19" wheels and the appearance package with the LUXURIOUS double-stitched leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts) our search was over. Although we liked the other vehicles, some more than others, we both agreed that the ML350 was THE ONE!

With the new seven-speed automatic transmission and 268 hp, there is definitely no lack of power, and with the ML350 AWD's fuel economy rating of 16/20, we didn't feel the need to even consider test driving the ML500 with a V8 engine. A nice feature the ML350 has is the Downhill Speed Regulation and Hill-Start Assist, helpful when driving in the mountains.

The handling of this mid-size SUV is exactly what you would expect of Mercedes-Benz, with its smooth, solid ride and a more "sport-like" than "truck-like" driving experience...more like a "crossover" feel, but more luxurious than the other crossover SUVs like the GMC Acadia, Infiniti FX45 or the Ford Edge.

Our Pewter Metallic ML350 has the ebony leather seats with the Alcantara suede inserts and this was definitely a HUGE selling feature for us! Not only do they look beautiful, but these are truly the most comfortable seats of all the vehicles we've listed above. The controls also seem to be ergonomically-friendly and sensibly placed. The shifter is mounted on the right side of the steering wheel and you simply move it up (Reverse), down (Drive) and push the button in (Park). This frees up space on the center console for two cupholders.

The navigation system is the first one we've had, so although we can't compare it to other systems, it works great and is easy-to-use for novices like us! There is no "touch-screen" navigation and the screen stays pretty clean and smudge-free because of this. The only thing I haven't been able to find using the Mercedes-Benz COMAND Navigation System (besides brand new streets) is the ability to search for "post offices". Restaurants, city centers, shopping malls, wineries - yes. Post offices - no. That's fine, I know where my local ones are anyway, but once I was looking for one when I was traveling. I'm not even sure if other nav systems list post offices, but really, it's no biggie at all.

The Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system is pretty awesome and not only is there a single CD player (below the DVD Navigation disc player) behind the COMAND screen, but there is a 6-disc CD changer that can be accessed from the glove compartment. Of course, with the integrated MP3 player input jack that's also hidden in the glove compartment, who needs to store all those CDs? But if you don't have an MP3 player, it's good to have.

We have absolutely no complaints about this vehicle and would not hesitate to highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury mid-size SUV. Although we were never drawn to the M-Class before, this new second generation model really grabbed our attention with its new larger size and streamlined design...and impressed us so well during the test drive that we purchased the ML350!