Ride & Handling
The M-Class evokes the S-Class' driving experience in a few ways. For one, it feels especially substantial and planted when cruising on the highway, enhancing driver confidence and lowering driving effort. In tighter confines, like when pulling into a parking garage, the M-Class feels wide, and I found myself creeping forward gingerly.
Then there's the steering: The optional wood and leather steering wheel spins with a well-oiled smoothness and enough power assistance to kill any hopes of steering feedback. This kind of isolating driving experience is something Mercedes has perfected, so if this is what you're looking for, the M-Class delivers.
Our test car had Mercedes' optional Airmatic air suspension, which offers Comfort and Sport modes. The difference between the two is subtle. Sport lowers the SUV and firms up the ride, which makes it feel like someone stole the gel inserts out of your shoes; you feel small bumps in the road that the Comfort setting had soaked up.
The M-Class' brake-pedal feel is not as direct and linear as it should be. At times, it feels like there's a giant block of foam between the bottom of your foot and the brake pedal.
See also:
PRE-SAFE® Brake
PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section.
PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal colli ...
General notes
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, either the battery in the
SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is
faulty or the starter battery is discharged.
•► Check the bat ...
Running the Numbers
Thanks to diesel engines' higher efficiency, the Bluetec achieves nearly the
same EPA ratings as a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. The figures are 27 percent
better overall than those of the gas GL450, ...