2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is one of the most prestigious sport-utility vehicles. But it gets revised styling and a larger V-8 for 2002 because a convoy of new competitors have been introduced since the M-Class arrived in 1998. People stared at the first M-Class not because it was a thing of beauty, but because it was the first mass-produced Mercedes-Benz sport-utility vehicle. It's also the first American-made Mercedes, built at a new Alabama plant, and more than 320,000 have been sold worldwide. The chunky looking M-Class is a genuine sport-ute with rugged body on frame construction--not a car-based vehicle such as the rival Lexus RX 300. Unlike car-based competitors, the M-Class has good off-road prowess.

However, it feels more trucky than car-based sport-utes despite a supple all-independent suspension, which is unusual in this market segment. There are no major styling changes, so the M-Class still looks typically conservative. Buyers can't expect a racy looking Mercedes sport-ute, but new bumpers, restyled tailgate panel, more aerodynamic mirror casings and different headlights and taillights give the 2002 M-Class a more assertive look. There also are newly designed 17-inch wheels. Mercedes long has been very safety conscious, so the new M-Class adds side curtain air bags that span both sides of the vehicle to protect head and shoulders in a side collision. The updated interior contains new console controls, framed by walnut trim.

There are new automatic climate controls and redesigned second-row ventilation controls. And the center console conceals an extra compartment beneath its roll-top cover. The base $36,300 ML320 has a 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower V-6 that provides decent acceleration. You can go a lot faster with the new $44,950 ML500, which has a 5-liter, 288-horsepower V-8 that replaces last year's smaller 268-horsepower V-8. At the top of the heap is the $65,900 ML55, which has 342 horsepower and was developed by Mercedes' AMG high-performance unit. All are fuel-thirsty. The ML320 delivers an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, while the two V-8 models provide 14 city, 17 highway. The ML320 should be fine for most buyers, although the ML500 has much stronger acceleration.

The ML500 also features such items as leather upholstery and shaper handling, but its stiffer suspension and owner-profile tires result in a less comfortable ride. The ML55 has a more high-performance suspension and lower profile tires; it's for the hot rod set--or persons who simply must have one of the fastest sport-utes on the planet (0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds). The M-Class has a fairly compact body that doesn't require its driver to search for a long parking space. And this sport-ute is fun to drive. Steering is rather heavy, but quick with a reassuring feel. Handling is good, and there is good brake-pedal feel. Mercedes' Brake Assist feature reduces stopping distances in emergency situations.

No M-Class model is cheap, but all are well equipped. They have a good all-wheel-drive system that doesn't demand driver involvement and can propel the vehicle even if three wheels have entirely lost traction. Mercedes is a fan of advanced technology, so even the M-Class' five-speed automatic transmission gets new software to allow better manual shifting for those who don't want to leave it in the Drive position all the time. All M-Class models also have an advanced stability control/anti-skid system. They also have a Tele Aid telematics communications package with emergency aid and Concierge services that include arranging travel reservations and getting tee times for more than 300 U.S. golf courses. It's doubtful that many M-Class owners take their costly sport-ute off road.

But, for serious off-roaders, a downhill traction control feature helps maintain grip during steep downhill off-road driving where surfaces are uneven, loose, rutty and slick. The M-Class generally is easy to enter, but it lacks a decent grab handle for an elderly right front passenger to grasp when getting in or out. And rear door openings are rather narrow. This truck is generally roomy, although a tall person behind a tall driver will want more leg room. An optional two-passenger third-row seat is offered except for the ML55.

The interior has easily read gauges and good controls, but front seats of the ML320 and ML500 need more side and thigh support, and there's noticeable road noise in all models. The large cargo area has a low, wide opening, but folding the second-row seat forward to get more cargo space is a chore. While expensive, the M-Class has high resale value and lots of snob appeal.