Segment standout
Ultra- smooth ride, luxurious cabin set M- Class apart
There are many formidable contenders in the premium midsize crossover SUV segment. This segment offers ultra- luxurious models that tend to be either very athletic or sit at the opposite end of the spectrum by offering the utmost in comfort.
The latter is where you will find the majority of Mercedes- Benz M- Class vehicles. Except for the sporty ML63 AMG model, the M- Class delivers a ride that is very comparable to that of a touring sedan. Themain difference, though, is that the M- Class offers a higher seating position that provides a commanding view of the road.
The M- Class offers a very plush and luxurious cabin with plenty of room for five passengers, a long list of standard and available amenities, a long list of standard and available safety technologies and four very different trim levels to accommodate a wide range of tastes.
The entry point to the 2015 Mercedes- Benz M- Class is the rear- wheel- drive ML350 priced at $ 48,300. This model features a 302- horsepower, 3.5- liter naturally-aspirated V- 6 engine and a long list of luxurious amenities and safety technologies.
For an additional $ 2,500, you can get the ML350 with Mercedes- Benz’ 4MATIC all- wheel drive system. The ML350 is the only M- Class model that allows you to choose either rearwheel drive or all- wheel drive.
All other M- Class trim levels come standard with the 4MATIC all- wheel drive system. A seven- speed automatic transmission is standard equipment across the M- Class lineup.
New for 2015 are the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC ($ 49,800) and the ML400 4MATIC ($ 62,900).
The new ML250 BlueTEC 4MATIC features a fuel- efficient 200- horsepower, 2.1- liter twinturbocharged four- cylinder diesel engine with 22/ 29 mpg city/ highway fuel economy ratings.
The new ML400 4MATIC features a 329- horsepower, 3.0- liter twin- turbocharged V- 6 engine.
For those that desire more power, the ML63 AMG ($ 98,400) features a 518- horsepower, 5.5- liter twin-turbocharged V- 8 engine. The optional AMG Performance package increases the V- 8’ s output to a whopping 550 horsepower.
For 2015, all engines now feature fuel- saving automatic stop- start technology. All 2015 M-Class models include advanced safety technologies like collision prevention assist, pre- safe, attention assist, adaptive brake technology and electronic stability program.
Available safety technologies include lane keeping assist, blind- spot assist, active curve system ( reduces body roll when cornering), active parking assist and adaptive high- beam assist.
The ultra- luxurious cabin boasts comfortable seating for five adults, rich interior treatments, excellent fit and finish and impressive infotainment systems.
Sure, there are other premium crossover SUVs that cost thousands less. But if you are looking for one with a truly luxurious cabin, loads of amenities and safety technologies, and an ultra- smooth ride, the M- Class is a standout.