2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

NEW FOR 2009:

- Exterior and interior facelift with new wheel designs

- New-generation audio and communications systems, including standard Bluetooth connectivity, DVD changer, MP3 capability and SD card slot, plus available COMAND APS with hard-drive navigation, media interface, and new Harman/Kardon Logic7 Sound System

- New rear-seat entertainment system

- Standard PRE-SAFE, driver's side power four-way lumbar support

- Optional two-tone leather upholstery

- ML350 and ML320 receive standard active bi-Xenon headlamps

- ML320 receives standard run-flat tires

- ML550 receives standard Airmatic air suspension, adaptive damping system and new 20-inch wheels

- BlueTec technology for ML320 CDI, including AdBlue

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class receives a facelift, including a larger grille, new headlamps, larger rearview mirrors, new bumpers, new steering wheel with shift paddles, tinted LED taillights, undercarriage protection, and on the V8 models, chrome roof rails and beltline moulding. Each model's wheels move up one inch.

The ML350 and ML320 also receive a new available sport package of 20-inch alloy wheels with performance or all-season tires, Airmatic air suspension, adaptive damping system, and aluminum roof rails. The ML350 and ML320 have a new optional COMAND APS with navigation, while the ML550 now has standard COMAND with MP3, Bluetooth, DVD changer and SD card slot (the navigation system is optional), and the ML63 AMG has standard COMAND APS with hard-drive nagivation, MP3, Bluetooth, DVD changer and SD card slot.

The rear-seat entertainment system has also been revised for 2009, with the screen size increased to eight inches, wireless headphones are included, and the radio and COMAND can be operated from the rear seats.

The ML320 CDI now has BlueTEC technology to reduce nitrogen oxides and meet stringent new emissions standards. It requires the addition of AdBlue injection, an aqueous urea solution that is stored in the rear compartment that previously held the spare tire, necessitating the need to go to run-flat tires. The additive is intended to be primarily replenished during normal dealership maintenance procedures.

The M-Class consists of the ML320 BlueTEC, ML350, ML550 and ML63 AMG; all use the company's 4Matic all-wheel drive system that uses a single-speed transfer case and centre differential to split the torque 50/50 front to rear. The ML320 uses a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine; the ML350 uses a 3.5-litre V6; the ML 550 uses a 5.5-litre V8; and the ML63 AMG uses a 6.2-litre V8. All use a seven-speed automatic transmission that's an AMG Speedshift version in the ML63 AMG.

The ML320 BlueTEC and ML350 are similarly-equipped, and include 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, COMAND with six-CD/MP3 stereo and single SD card slot, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, heated washer system, roof rails, tinted glass, active bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, Artico leather upholstery, leather-wrapped heated multifunction steering wheel, power-adjustable heated front seats, high-gloss Burl Walnut wood trim, power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, auto up/down windows, garage door opener, Smart Key keyless entry, tire pressure loss warning system, and first-aid kit.

The ML550 adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Thermatronic automatic climate control, Airmatic air suspension, adaptive damping system, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, media interface, power tilt and telescopic column, 115-volt power outlet, power liftgate, Parktronic parking sensor, TeleAid emergency calling system, leather upholstery, and interior lighting package.

The ML63 AMG adds 21-inch alloy wheels, COMAND APS with hard-drive-based navigation, DVD changer, 4GB Music Register and SD memory slot, aluminum running boards, AMG Nappa leather upholstery, and heated rear seats.

The M-Class shares its platform with the seven-passenger GL-Class and R-Class, but without the third row of seats. Beautifully finished inside and out, it benefits from its facelift and from the new list of features. The diesel is very quiet, returns good mileage and now has improved emissions thanks to its BlueTEC technology; at the other end of the scale, the ML63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in five seconds, with a governed top speed of 250 km/h.