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.

    See also:

    Front air bags
    The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest. Driver's air bag 1 deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air ba ...

    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 ...

    On-board diagnostic interface
    WARNING If you connect equipment to the on-board diagnostics interface, it can affect the operation of the vehicle systems. This can impair the operating safety of your vehicle while driving ...