2006 Future Vehicle Forecast

Suzuki SUV Concept X

Suzuki SUV Concept X
Sharing the platform with the Subaru B9 concept, the Suzuki will offer a more civilized ride for seven passengers than the Grand Vitara XL-7 does. Developed under codenames SG/X and 00X, the premium crossover wagon has already hit the consumer clinics in southern California and has received positive feedback.

Subaru insiders have commented about the vehicle's versatile and flexible interior, and it's believed that the second- and third-row seats will fold flat. Expect pricing to start at $30,000, with engine duties carried out by Subaru's 3.0-liter F-6.

On sale: Fall 2005

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350/ML500

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350/ML500
photography by Jim Reisman for Brenda Priddy & Co.
The current-generation (1998-2005) M-Class is a body-on-frame SUV that competes with the car-based Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90. The all-new 2006 M-Class has plenty of the old model's styling for instant recognition, but under the longer, lower, wider, and subtly modernized sheetmetal is an all-new unibody chassis. Mercedes will continue to build the M-Class in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and it'll share its new platform with several vehicles, including the 2007 seven-passenger G-Class, the replacement for the Gelandewagen. The M-Class remains a five-seater and launches with the four-valve 3.5-liter V-6 and the 5.0-liter V-8, both coupled to a seven-speed automatic. Height-adjustable Airmatic air suspension will be available for the first time. The M gains 5.9 inches in overall length, 3.7 inches in the wheelbase, and 2.8 inches in width, while it'll sit less than an inch lower. Safety highlights include a new active head-restraint system for rear-collision protection, adaptive two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain side bags, belt tensioners, and belt-force limiters for all seats. Expect an AMG version within a couple of years with a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-8, which we expect to have well over 400 horsepower.