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:

    Engaging reverse gear R
    Only shift the automatic transmission to R when the vehicle is stationary. - When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal. - Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first poin ...

    ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
    A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the alarm system is armed and you open: - a door - the vehicle with the mechanical key - the trunk lid/tailgate - the hood The alarm is not s ...

    Speedometer with segments
    The segments in the speedometer indicate which speed range is available. DISTRONIC activated: One or two segments in the set speed range light up. DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in front: T ...