Under the Hood

The ML350 carries a 232-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, while the ML500 comes with a 288-hp, 5.0-liter V-8. Both models use a five-speed-automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The permanently engaged four-wheel-drive system has a Low-range gear setting, and it distributes power among the four wheels as needed to maintain traction. Unlike its X5 and RX 330 rivals, Mercedes insists that the M-Class is a true offroad vehicle.

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    Restricting the shift range
    Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter. The automatic transmission shifts down one gear and restricts the shift range to the relevant gear. If the engine exceeds the maximum engi ...

    Opening/closing automatically from inside
    WARNING Maintain sight of the area around the rear of the vehicle while operating the tailgate with the door-mounted remote tailgate switch. Monitor the opening procedure carefully to make s ...

    General notes
    WARNING If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow, ensure that snow is kept away from the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poisonous carbon ...