2005 Chicago Auto Show: 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Photo Gallery
Longer, lower, and wider
By Editors of Motor Trend
Photography by the Manufacturers
"Longer, lower, and wider" was the siren song of American cars in the 1950s and 1960s, and it also applies to Mercedes' completely redone M-Class SUV. Front and rear legroom is increased considerably as a result. Mercedes removed the truck frame that underpinned the previous version and retuned the suspension for a more carlike ride. While still recognizable as an M-Class, the 2006 model is clearly sleeker-looking and more in tune with the luxury and refinement buyers expect of a Mercedes passenger car.
The five-seater will be available at its Spring 2005 launch with the company's new four-valve/cylinder DOHC 3.5-liter/268-horsepower V-6, as well as the carryover three-valve SOHC 5.0-liter/302-horse V-8. Safety improvements include active front head restraints, side curtain airbags, and the company's PreSafe system that cinches the belts down if it senses the onset of a collision. Off-roaders haven't been left out either with a two-speed four-wheel-drive transfer case being available, as well.  
 
 
 
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Posted May 5 2008 08:24 AM by Mark Williams
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Posted April 11 2008 02:33 PM by Allyson Harwood
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Posted April 11 2008 03:38 PM by thomas_voehringer
Some trucks and SUVs have huge blindspots. Here's a technology that overcomes them. more
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Posted April 18 2008 12:09 PM by Melissa
My sunny Friday mid-morning drive yielded a lot of eye candy and beater-classics on the open road. Take a look at what caught my eye this wonderful morning. more
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Has the ever-growing pain at the pump finally gotten you thinking about giving up your V-8, seven-passenger SUV for something a little more frugal? Well you might want to get to a dealership soon, because the trade-in... more
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