An efficient 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6 combines numerous advances to deliver more torque over a wider range of rpm. Its rapid-multispark ignition fires up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection microscopically tunes the fuel spray, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise. A lightweight diecast-alloy block, quicker and more widely variable valve timing, reduced friction, and clever "on-demand" ancillary components like the alternator further boost efficiency.
The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic monitors your driving style and adjusts its shift points to match, while standard paddle shifters offer manual-style enjoyment anytime you want it.
A pair of paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers.
Engineered for an ideal mix of refinement and responsiveness, AGILITY CONTROL automatically adjusts the individual shock absorbers based on the road surface and the driver's current driving style. Valving inside each shock absorber automatically firms up during stronger body motions for sharper handling feedback and stability, and reduces the damping rates during gentler motions for a smoother, more composed ride.
Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes feature a number of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier. Disclaimer
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That's why the M-Class is equipped standard with Trailer Stability Assist. The sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) monitor for trailer sway, or oscillations caused by the trailer's movement. The system then intervenes by using the front brakes of your Mercedes to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. Once the system is satisfied that the situation is under control, braking intervention is ceased. Disclaimer
The standard 19-inch alloy wheels feature five twin spokes and a luminous silver finish. They're fitted with beefy 255/50R19 all-season tires for an optimal year-round balance of surefooted handling and a quiet ride.
Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help increase the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic by illuminating front lights whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch.
LED taillamps feature a stylish fiber-optic effect for a distinctive nighttime appearance. Long-lasting, attention-getting LEDs are also employed for the rear turn signals and red rear foglamp.
From its front skid plate to numerous exterior accents, the bright chrome detailing of the ML350 underscores its quality and highlights its elegant design.
Sleek and purposeful, the roof rails accommodate a variety of available accessory attachments for carrying bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards and cargo carriers.They're crafted from elegant aluminum that adds modern style even when you're not using them.
The standard 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in supple Premium leather.
Dark brown Eucalyptus wood trim adorns the dash and all four doors. Its linear grain and deep, hand-finished gloss bring a modern style and a warm aura to the ML350 cabin.
An advanced system of 9 air bags offers 11-way occupant protection. Dual two-stage front air bags, front and rear side-impact air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and window curtain air bags for both seating rows are standard. Disclaimer
At speeds above 20 mph, this new system's radar-based technology alerts the driver if they're approaching a vehicle ahead at a speed and distance that suggest a collision is likely. It can also detect stationary objects when driving at speeds up to 40 mph. Its Adaptive Brake Assist automatically provides the ideal level of braking as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal. And if deemed necessary, the system can also activate PRE-SAFE®. Along with helping to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision, the system´s engagement of the brake lamps can help to alert the drivers behind your M-Class earlier as well. Disclaimer
The first system of its kind, ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors different parameters of driving behavior, and can automatically alert the driver with both visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. Disclaimer
Another Mercedes-Benz safety breakthrough, PRE-SAFE® is a predictive occupant-protection system that helps prepare for an accident in the critical moments before it occurs. If sensors detect certain vehicle movements that indicate that an accident is possible, PRE-SAFE takes action: Reversible electronic tensioners tighten the front seat belts. The occupied front passenger seat (on models equipped with front-seat memory) adjusts to a more favorable position for air-bag and seat-belt effectiveness, while both active front head restraints adjust for optimum protection. If severe skidding indicates that a rollover is likely, PRE-SAFE closes the sunroof and side windows. If no accident occurs, the seat-belt tensioners reverse, and you simply readjust your seat, open the sunroof and continue on your way. Disclaimer
Complementing the preparations made by the PRE-SAFE system before an impending collision, an M-Class automatically takes measures to help ensure the safety, and facilitate the rescue, of the occupants immediately after one occurs. These include shutting off the engine and fuel supply, unlocking all doors,and turning on the hazard flashers and interior lights. In models equipped with driver-seat memory, the system can also move the power steering column upward.
From your car, your computer or your compatible smartphone, mbrace2™ offers the industry's most comprehensive range of features for more connected, safe and productive drive time. From making your everyday life easier to helping out in an emergency, mbrace2 combines advanced Cloud-based and GPS technology with 24-hour support from helpful experts. The mbrace hardware is standard, and a trial period for each of the three mbrace Packages is included. Disclaimer
The exterior lights can be programmed to turn on for a preset interval when you remote-lock your vehicle in darkness, to help light a path for you as you leave.
An advanced new uni-body structure elevates the safety, comfort and performance of the M-Class to new heights. The passenger cell is made more robust via the extensive use of high and ultra-high-strength steel, triple-layer roof pillars, and multiple reinforcements of the floor, doors, side sills and even a tubular magnesium structure spanning behind the dashboard. Advanced front and rear crumple zones progressively deform to help absorb impact forces before dissipating them over, under and around the cabin. In addition, the strategic use of aluminum (such as the hood and front fenders) and acoustically optimized materials helps to manage weight and noise, for more precise handling and a quieter ride.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can automatically detect a substantial loss of tire pressure in any wheel and alert the driver via a warning message in the multifunction display. The advanced TPMS can also display the numeric tire pressure for each mounted wheel.
Enjoy the strong, controlled stopping power of dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, backed by an Antilock Braking System (ABS). ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together. This intelligent system can pump the brakes as needed up to 30 times per second, to prevent lockup and preserve the driver's steering ability. Disclaimer
Brake Assist senses emergency braking via the speed at which the driver presses the brake pedal and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist can potentially reduce the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough. Letting up on the brake pedal releases Brake Assist. Disclaimer
Adaptive braking technology integrates a suite of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier Disclaimer
This safety breakthrough first introduced by Mercedes-Benz (and an SUV first for the M-Class) continually monitors your driving inputs and the vehicle's motion to help keep it going in your intended direction, especially in corners and during evasive maneuvers. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing), or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle under control. Disclaimer
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That's why the M-Class is equipped standard with Trailer Stability Assist. The sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) monitor for trailer sway, or oscillations caused by the trailer's movement. The system then intervenes by using the front brakes of your Mercedes to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. Once the system is satisfied that the situation is under control, braking intervention is ceased. Disclaimer
The SmartKey remote control integrates remote door locks, a removable valet key, and a remote panic alarm. You may selectively unlock only the driver's door and fuel filler, or all four doors plus the liftgate and fuel filler.
The standard antitheft alarm system is armed automatically when you lock your Mercedes from the outside. It sounds the horn and flashes the exterior lights if a door, the trunk or the hood is opened without first unlocking the vehicle. You can also sound the alarm by pressing the red "panic" button on your SmartKey remote when you're within range of your vehicle.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers automatically adjust the intermittent wiper frequency based on the amount of rainfall.
Equipped with Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and belt force limiters, 3-point seat belts are arguably our most important passive safety feature. If a collision exceeds a preset threshold, the ETDs instantly remove slack from the front and rear outboard seat belts. Belt force limiters allow a slight amount of give in the ETD-equipped seat belts, to reduce the peak seat-belt forces on the occupant. Disclaimer
MB-Tex upholstery offers a rich appearance and supple leather-like feel, even in cold weather. It also offers legendary durability and easy care.
Wrapped in supple Premium leather, the M-Class steering wheel includes tilt and telescopic adjustment. For fingertip access to some of the vehicle functions you use most often, convenient buttons on the steering wheel let you control the audio volume and selection, send and end calls on your Bluetooth-enabled phone, and scroll through the features of the illustrated color multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and front passenger to enjoy personalized comfort. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes both a dust/pollen filter plus an charcoal filter that helps remove odors from the cabin air.
Both front seats power-adjust for reach, height, tilt and recline. Convenient, intuitive controls on each front door make it easy to find your ideal driving position. For long-term comfort and lower-back support, the driver seat features a 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support.
Electrically heated front seats quickly take the chill out of even the coldest day. Three levels of warming automatically step down after several minutes to the lowest setting.
60/40 split-folding rear seat backs with flip-forward seat cushions allow for a truly flat cargo floor while maximizing the cargo capacity to 80.3 cubic feet.
At the touch of a button, the tinted glass sunroof tilts up at the rear for ventilation, or slides open for a breezy view of the sky. An express feature fully opens or closes the roof with a single touch, and a manual sliding sunshade helps block out unwanted sunlight.
For added convenience in the rain or with an armful of packages, you can fully open and close the liftgate via a switch on the driver's interior door panel or a button on the SmartKey remote. Press a button on the underside of the liftgate and it powers itself closed. A sensor automatically stops the liftgate if it detects an obstruction, and you can set the system to limit the opening height, useful under low ceilings.
Deep-tinted windows for the rear doors, rear quarters and liftgate affords added privacy and warm-weather comfort to rear-cabin passengers.
Three buttons on the rear view mirror can be programmed to operate many types of garage door openers, security gates and other HomeLink-compatible features. Disclaimer
Efficient, low-intensity LEDs help illuminate the center console, front footwells and interior door handles, to help make nighttime driving more convenient and passengers feel more secure.
Whether you're stuck traversing hills or merely waiting in traffic, the Mercedes-Benz HOLD Function keeps your vehicle stationary without requiring any interaction with the brake pedal. Much like conventional cruise control, the HOLD function cleverly integrates into your natural interaction with the brake pedal, activating when you press beyond the brake pedal's range, and deactivating with a simple press of the accelerator.
Featuring a large high-resolution color-LCD display mounted high in the dash and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system gives you convenient control of audio, video, hands-free calling and optional navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls.
The in-dash player can play audio CDs and DVDs. You can even watch a DVD movie while the vehicle is in Park.
Place and answer calls, and even access select phonebooks without taking your hands off the steering wheel with standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. Pairing your Bluetooth-compatible phone with the vehicle is simpler than ever. Then, just leave your phone in your pocket and enjoy hands-free conversations over the audio system. Visit http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/us/en/ to learn more about Bluetooth connectivity. Disclaimer
Bluetooth audio streaming makes it even easier to enjoy your digital music player. It allows you to connect your Bluetooth-equipped iPod® or other MP3 player wirelessly to your vehicle's audio system for convenient, cable-free playback.
An in-dash SD memory card reader enables you to enjoy your music through the stereo system of your Mercedes-Benz without having to bring along a media player. It supports MP3, MP4 and WMA audio files.
Both an auxiliary audio input jack and USB connector allow plug-and-play enjoyment from your iPod® or other MP3 player.
Delivering remarkably clear audio that gives AM stations the crispness of FM radio, and FM stations CD-grade sound, HD Radio™ technology also offers a larger bandwidth that can actually increase the number of stations available to you. Disclaimer