The M-Class seats five people on front buckets and a three-place split rear seat that folds to expand cargo space to 81.2 cubic feet. An optional two-place third-row seat increases passenger capacity to seven. Leather upholstery is standard in the ML500 and optional in the ML350. The traditional Mercedes dashboard layout is augmented by a 5-inch LCD display with touch controls in the center console that operate the climate, audio and telephone functions. This feature also controls the GPS-based navigation system that’s standard in the ML500.

Options include a Parktronic rear-obstacle detection system. Several special “designo” option groups that combine metallic paint, two-tone Nappa leather upholstery and Poplar wood trim for the interior have also been available. In addition to the seats, designo Nappa leather covers the door pulls, door panels, front central armrest, gear lever and steering wheel.