2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class?
Redesigned with a clean sheet of paper, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class includes a fresh skin; a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system; a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission; a larger interior filled with higher quality materials; advanced safety features; and improved ride and handling characteristics.

Advantages of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

• Advanced safety features
• Roomy interior
• Muscular engines
• Car-like ride and handling
• Slick 4WD technology

Objections to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

• High prices
• Lackluster reputation for durability

Editor's Advice:
The original Mercedes-Benz M-Class was one of the progenitors of the luxury SUV movement, a vehicle that simultaneously offered the off-road capability of an SUV and the amenities befitting a Benz. Now completely redesigned, the 2006 Mercedes M-Class rides and handles better than the previous generation, and with a low-range transfer case, four-wheel traction control, and a downhill traction system that limits speed during descents, it may still hold its own when off-roading. Inside, upgraded materials and more passenger space make the M-Class more comfortable, while a redesign of the exterior results in a vehicle that looks more like a rugged SUV than a blobby minivan. And with an arsenal of safety technology on-board, coupled with powerful engines, the new 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a compelling choice in an increasingly crowded luxury SUV segment.