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
    WARNING When expanding the cargo volume, always fold the seat backrests fully forward. Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat backrests must remain properly locked in the upright posi ...

    Trailer towing
    - Drive in the middle of the engine speed range on uphill gradients. - Depending on the uphill or downhill gradient, shift down into shift range 3 or 2, even if cruise control or DISTRONIC PL ...

    Storing settings
    With the memory function, you can store up to three different settings, e.g. for three different people. The following settings are stored as a single memory preset: • position of the seat, back ...