The 2009 Mercedes Benz M-Class enters its second generation with a major makeover from the inside out. Perhaps the biggest news is the addition of a new BlueTEC diesel model that’s clean enough to meet emissions standards in all 50 states.
Spotting the 2009 M-Class should be easy. A newly restyled front-end design with prominent horizontal lines frames a radiator grille with three black louvers and chrome highlights (also available in sterling silver-look with chrome highlights as an option in the Exterior Sports Package). The new-look projection-beam headlamps and larger exterior mirrors are standout touches. New roof rails spiff up the top. From the rear, a new bumper, smoked LED taillamps and a twin exhaust system with oval pipes freshen up the M-Class look.
Inside the M-Class cabin, materials are higher grade. The dashboard is trimmed with ARTICO manmade leather or genuine Napa leather. The doors are lined with ARTICO material, too. Standard wood trim is genuine burl walnut.
For 2009, the ML320 BlueTEC is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s all-new, clean diesel engine, which uses AdBlue exhaust injection liquid to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 80%. The ML320 lists for $49,475 (MSRP).
Beneath the hood, the ML320’s 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 operates remarkably smoothly and quietly. It is remarkably efficient as well, achieving up to 24 mpg (which, with its 25 gallon fuel tank, ensures a single-tank range of up to 600 miles). Since its engine is a diesel, there’s lots of low-down torque – nearly 400 lb/ft of it – enabling the ML320 to move out smartly. It’s equipped with a seven-speed automatic, one of the most advanced on the market. For those who judge things by the numbers, Mercedes-Benz says the ML320 can go from zero-to-60 mph in 8.0 seconds. All that torque is married to a greatly improved towing capacity, up to 7,200 pounds.
As Don Sherman, technical editor of Automobile magazine noted, “Most folks will never know what's humming under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. The characteristic diesel rattle, smoke and smells are gone. There's no starting hesitation in frigid weather, and the tailpipe residue is gray ash instead of black soot. From idle to the 4,500-rpm redline, the BlueTEC V6 sounds more like an electric motor than an internal-combustion engine. A seven-speed automatic restricts the engine to its torque-rich 2,000-to-3,000-rpm band with rare excursions beyond 4,000 rpm.”
Holding down the middle range in the M-Class, Mercedes’ ML350 features an impressive 3.5-liter V6, capable of 268 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque, as well as fuel efficiency ratings up to 20 mpg. The ML350 is available in rear-drive or the AWD 4MATIC configuration.
All M-Class vehicles use a seven-speed automatic transmission that manages to save 1.5 mpg on average on each model. New wheel designs in 19-inch sizes are standard on all models except the ML63 AMG, which gets 20-inchers.
The five-passenger M-Class offers a very luxurious and comfortable cabin. It’s quite a hauler, too, with a generous 29.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use. Flip the rear seat forward and the M-Class cargo hold swells to 72.4 cubic feet.
Standard equipment on all models includes power driver and passenger’s seats, 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and burl wood interior trim. The ML63 AMG adds an automatic-dimming rearview mirror and memory-adjustable exterior mirrors, as well as 20-inch wheels. The newly incorporated multimedia interface includes Bluetooth wireless capability and as well as an auxiliary mobile music connection.
Major options included in the Premium 1 Package include a 40GB hard drive-based navigation system, harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround-sound stereo with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power liftgate and rearview camera. An additional Premium 2 Package adds auto-dimming rearview and driver’s side mirrors, PARKTRONIC audiovisual parking assist and KEYLESS-GO for easier unlocking and starting of the vehicle.
New high-end options include a rear-seat entertainment system with two eight-inch screens, DVD player, two wireless headphones and two remote controls.
Mercedes-Benz also upgraded the M-Class occupant protection systems with Pre-Safe, the anticipatory system that senses danger, tightens seatbelts and stages other safety equipment for deployment. To help avoid whiplash injuries in a crash, Neck-Pro head restraints are now fitted on all M-Class models. As always, the M-Class provides full advanced airbag protective coverage and LATCH System anchors for children’s car seats.
To fully appreciate the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class models, you must drive one. We invite you to schedule an inspection and test drive at your earliest convenience.
