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2009 Mercedes-Benz M Class Features Review

June 3, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons, which fail miserably at making your life easier
Edmunds

The backup camera image doesn’t automatically come up on the screen
MotherProof

Visibility in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is superb
Edmunds



The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class pours on standard equipment—and gets truly lavish with its options.

Edmunds isn’t impressed with the new design of the instrument cluster or the operation of the new COMAND system in the 2009 M-Class: “The center stack controls are a nightmare, however, as the ML320's COMAND interface lacks the control knob we've come to expect in premium vehicles, forcing you to use four directional arrow keys and an 'OK' button instead… Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons, which fail miserably at making your life easier.” Automobile.com, however, appreciates the "cellular telephone preparation with Bluetooth hands-free,” as well as some of the car's more unique features, "such as a heated steering wheel and a power tilt and sliding glass sunroof.”

MotherProof is somewhat discouraged: “The backup camera image doesn’t automatically come up on the screen if the entertainment system isn’t on. This was a disappointment because the camera should come on without any sort of precondition.”

Edmunds' frustrations are somewhat soothed with thoughtful touches such as the “nifty two-mode switch mounted on the inside lip of the tailgate—the first function closes the tailgate automatically, while the second closes it and then locks the entire vehicle. Also, the glovebox-mounted iPod interface works seamlessly, allowing song selection by artist name, track name, playlist name and so on.” In addition, “Visibility in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is superb, thanks to an elevated driving position and plenty of glass all around.”

ForbesAutos, meanwhile, notes the AMG edition gets a special add-on: “The special AMG instrument cluster has a lap timer so you can keep track of precisely how long it takes to run errands around town.” In the top-end ML63 AMG, ForbesAuto also loves that the "tremendous AMG sport seats are wrapped in Nappa leather with suede-like Alcantara inserts." The AMG edition adds a DVD navigation system, a wonderful Harman/Kardon sound system, and three-zone climate control system as standard gear.

Conclusion

The luxurious interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is what you'd expect from a vehicle in this segment, although the COMAND interface still isn’t loved by all.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons, which fail miserably at making your life easierEdmundsThe backup camera image doesn’t automatically come up on the screenMotherProofVisibility in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is superbEdmunds The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class pours on standard equipment—and gets truly lavish with its options. Edmunds isn’t impressed with the new design of the instrument cluster or the operation of the new COMAND system in the 2009 M-Class: “The center stack controls are a nightmare, however, as the ML320's COMAND interface lacks the control knob we've come to expect in premium vehicles, forcing you to use four directional arrow keys and an 'OK' button instead… Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons, which fail miserably at making your life easier.” Automobile.com, however, appreciates the "cellular telephone preparation with Bluetooth hands-free,” as well as some of the car's more unique features, "such as a heated steering wheel and a power tilt and sliding glass sunroof.” MotherProof is somewhat discouraged: “The backup camera image doesn’t automatically come up on the screen if the entertainment system isn’t on. This was a disappointment because the camera should come on without any sort of precondition.” Edmunds' frustrations are somewhat soothed with thoughtful touches such as the “nifty two-mode switch mounted on the inside lip of the tailgate—the first function closes the tailgate automatically, while the second closes it and then locks the entire vehicle. Also, the glovebox-mounted iPod interface works seamlessly, allowing song selection by artist name, track name, playlist name and so on.” In addition, “Visibility in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is superb, thanks to an elevated driving position and plenty of glass all around.” ForbesAutos, meanwhile, notes the AMG edition gets a special add-on: “The special AMG instrument cluster has a lap timer so you can keep track of precisely how long it takes to run errands around town.” In the top-end ML63 AMG, ForbesAuto also loves that the "tremendous AMG sport seats are wrapped in Nappa leather with suede-like Alcantara inserts." The AMG edition adds a DVD navigation system, a wonderful Harman/Kardon sound system, and three-zone climate control system as standard gear. ConclusionThe luxurious interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is what you'd expect from a vehicle in this segment, although the COMAND interface still isn’t loved by all. 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] MotherProof: "its hole-punched chrome makes the ML look modern and kind of aggressive" Edmunds: "interior design and quality may be its most outstanding feature" Car and Driver: " Mercedes has given its new ML550 the AMG styling ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Volkswagen Touareg sits high, feels thick and sturdy, and seats five adults. The Infiniti FX has aggressive styling and a V-8 option to match. The Lexus GX 470 has good off-road capability but a dowdy exterior shape. The BMW X5 is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class's closest competitor—in fact, just the state of Georgia separates the Mercedes factory in Alabama from the BMW factory in South Carolina. The X5 offers a third-row seat, but it has more sedate styling and lacks the performance character of BMW’s cars.

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See the Mercedes-Benz M Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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