Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is a far cry from the original model. Whereas the first M-Class featured body-on-frame construction, the newest ML employs a unit-body design. This creates a stiffer chassis, which helps eliminate rattles and vibration as well as quiets the interior. The design also allows for a more sophisticated suspension, yielding better handling and a more civilized ride. Although it can seat five, the ML is most comfortable with four passengers. It offers a modest cargo bay of 29.4 cubic feet, which is more space than an Infiniti FX35, but less than offered by the Acura MDX. The M-Class’ diesel engine option is unique and Mercedes-Benz promises the engine will meet all 50 state’s stringent emissions standards.

By having unibody construction instead of a ladder-frame platform the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class transcends any comparison with its predecessor. The highway ride is as smooth as you’d expect from any of the automaker’s stately sedans, with the added benefit of being able to negotiate large rocks (or parking blocks) with exceptional composure. It’s this silkiness that makes the SUV’s confidence-inspiring cornering ability just that much more impressive. While in a price-is-no-object world we would prefer the V8-powered ML550, the torque-happy ML320 CDI is equally satisfying.

Some of the first interior details you may notice are the large, circular air vents dominating the dash and the padded rails at the bottom of the center console that are more of an off-road touch than we expected from the more street-friendly 2008 M-Class. What you’ll be forced to notice before moving the car an inch, however, is the dainty transmission selector stalk on the steering column. It removes the shifter from the center console and its operation, though not conventional, is easy to get used to. The seats are as comfortable as you’d expect, and the bigger cabin delivers plenty of room for five adults.

The sleek 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML looks particularly menacing wearing the new ML550 trim. Body additions from AMG impart a sporty look, and the big 19-inch wheel and tire package is downright aggressive. Though larger in every way than the original ML, the current model retains a comfortable size that is as easy to manage in traffic as in confined parking situations.

Safety First
A long list of safety equipment includes traction and stability control, multiple airbags, active headrests and Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system that tightens seatbelts and closes windows when it senses an impending collision.

Air Suspension
An optional air suspension allows for an extra three inches of ground clearance, while an active damping system lets you choose between Auto, Comfort and Sport settings, to best suit the road ahead.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 features a 3.5-liter V6, seven-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive, automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control, automatic headlamps, heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, multifunction steering wheel, outside temperature display, 19-inch wheels, power glass sunroof and a four-way adjustable steering column. Standard safety equipment includes an array of passive and active safety technologies, including front, front-side and front and second-row side-curtain airbags.

In addition to its 5.5-liter V8 engine, the ML550 includes wood trim, the AMG trim package and other features. Additional options for all ML models are, for the most part, grouped into packages, but include an active-damping air suspension, DVD navigation, keyless entry and start, power liftgate, active bi-xenon headlights, Parktronic park assist, heated steering wheel and rear seats, rear-seat entertainment system and a harman/kardon premium six-disc audio system. For the lucky few, the ML63 AMG offers the ultimate in ML performance and luxury.

With an impressive V6 good for 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, opting for the lower-priced, higher-mileage ML350 won’t leave you feeling short-changed in the power department. For those who want the towing capability of a V8 with the fuel mileage of a frugal four-cylinder, the ML320 CDI diesel is an excellent choice. Die-hard speed freaks will no doubt drool over the ML63 AMG’s 503 horsepower, but the price tag near $90,000 may render this hot-rod SUV little more than a pipe dream.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
215 horsepower @ 4000 rpm
398 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

6.3-liter V8
503 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/14