By The Time This 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Came Along, The First Gen M-Class Had Gotten A Lot Better

This first generation M-Class was a market game-changer. The vehicle itself caused some controversy, as the earlier models showed problems in fit and finish, interior quality, and living up to the star in the grill - but it sold like wildfire, and created a much deeper market for luxury SUVs than previously existed, to the point of terrifying any soccer mom who didn't have one. Soon, every other luxury maker was in a rush to release their own luxury sport-utes, such as BMW, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, and more. Without the ML, that mad dash wouldn't have existed.

This first generation W163 was built in the very conventional way, with a body-on -frame platform, a tried and tue formula for off-road use and trailering capacity. Mercedes-Benz undoubtedly borrowed from their big truck division and experience with the G-Wagen to build the platform, and it was innovative - traditional full frame construction, but with full independent suspension, electronic lockers (using brake application), and selectable low range for tougher terrain and hill descents. All in all, a very competent off-roader.

By the time the facelifted version rolled around in 2002, Mercedes had addressed many of the fit and finish complaints, and vastly improved the look and feel of their M-Class. This 2005 model was the ultimate incarnation of the original platform, and the next M-Class went to a less rugged unibody design meant to navigate mostly through the Whole Foods parking lot.

Full review and test drive by Bill. Vehicle for sale at Auto Europa, www.AENaples.com