2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Trims and Specs

For the 2002 model year, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 received more than 1,000 improvements, according to the automaker. Some of the more noticeable upgrades were made to the exterior, with the ML320 getting new bumpers, headlights, side mirrors, front fog lights, and grille accents. Inside, the vehicle received additional vents for the climate control system and additional walnut trim.

Beyond that, Mercedes ensured that its relatively new "light truck" was equipped with a wide array of standard features, including power windows with express up/down, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, velour carpeting, an in-dash Modular Control System with a 5-inch color screen for controlling the audio and optional avigation systems, dual power mirrors, an automatic anti-theft security system, and a Tele Aid emergency call system that uses GPS satellites to pinpoint the location of the vehicle in an emergency. Power was provided by a 3.2-liter 215-hp V6 engine coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which enabled drivers to shift up or down by holding the lever to the left or right.

Despite the vehicle's extensive improvements, many drivers still complained about the ML320's power capabilities, reliability and quality, though others raved about its roominess, safety features, and off-road capabilities.

The Mercedes-Benz ML500, one of three models available in the automaker's M-Class lineup for 2002, replaced the ML430, which was offered from 1999 to 2001. Following the established link between the engine size and the nomenclature for each of the carmaker's models, the ML500 came with a 5.0-liter, single-overhead-cam, 24-valve V8 engine that generated 288 hp. It was linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift (new for the 2002 model year), which enabled the driver to manually upshift or downshift by holding the shift lever to the left or right.

Overall, the M-Class models for 2002 received more than 1,000 improvements, according to the automaker. Some of the more noticeable upgrades were made to the exterior, with the vehicles getting new bumpers, headlights, side mirrors, front fog lights, and grille accents. Inside, upgrades included additional vents for the climate control system and three new interior design packages.

Standard features for the 2002 ML500 included leather seats (heated in the front), front and side airbags, leather steering-wheel trim, privacy glass, a navigation system, an anti-theft alarm system, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

Drivers were generally impressed with the improvements made to the M-Class, as well as the additional power provided by the 5.0-liter V8, although some drivers noted reliablity and quality issues that had plagued the M-Class, especially in its early years.

The 2002 ML55 AMG delivers power, grace, and beauty. It has the engine of a finely tuned race car combined with the beauty, stability, and safety of a Mercedes. Oh, and the gas mileage of a jet plane (okay, it's not that bad).

The 2002 ML55 kept its powerful 5.4-liter V8 rated at 342 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of torque for another year. The engine makes the ML55 feel as though it weighs significantly less than its nearly two-ton curb weight.

Soft leather seats and burled walnut trim enhance the feel of the interior, reminding drivers that they are, in fact, driving a luxurious Mercedes. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps to control the ride, especially in bad weather.

The exterior was once again the area receiving the most complaints from drivers and owners. The comparison to a minivan pops up again and again, and the low ground clearance and fragile tires make some drivers yearn for a stronger-feeling SUV. Ironically, a couple of other drivers noted that the ride was trucklike.