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:

    Transmission positions
    Park position Do not shift the transmission into position P() unless the vehicle is stationary. The parking lock should not be used as a brake when parking. In addition to engaging the parking lo ...

    Safety
    Typical of full-size luxury cars, the CL-Class hasn't been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it does have a boatload of safety features. There are nine airbags, inclu ...

    Changing a wheel
    Flat tire The "Roadside Assistance" section contains information and notes on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides instructions on changing a wheel or mounting the spare wheel/ ...