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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    Important safety notes
    The folding bench seat in the cargo compartment is only approved for people with a height no greater than 4.6 ft(1.40 m) and max. 110 lb(50 kg) body weight. The maximum permissible weight avail ...

    Shifting to neutral N
    •► When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal. •► Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance. If the engine has been switched off, the au ...

    Overinflated tires
    WARNING Follow recommended tire inflation pressures. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, an ...