Mercedes-Benz ML320

When it came time to design its "light truck" known as the ML320, Mercedes-Benz started from scratch, building the vehicle from the ground up. The automaker included features such as a four-wheel double-wishbone suspension system that was a first in a vehicle of its type. It also included a wide range of luxury amenties, including interior walnut trim and velour carpeting, and safety features such as a reinforced steel body, anti-intrusion bars on all doors, front and rear crumple zones, and front- and side-impact airbags. Power was provided by a 3.2-liter, 215-hp V6 engine linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock disc brakes and traction control were also part of the package.

Despite the automaker's efforts, though, the ML320 soon gained a reputation with some drivers that was not completely positive. Some complained about quality and reliability issues. Parts often failed quickly and had be replaced too soon, some said, and others noted that the fit and finish of the vehicle was not what they expected. Others praised the vehicle for its roominess, safety features, affordability, and off-road capabilities.

Mercedes discontinued the ML320 in 2003, but reintroduced the SUV in 2007 with a new fuel-efficient diesel engine, officially known as officially known as a Common-rail Direct Injection (CDI) diesel. The 3.0-liter, double-overhead-cam, 24-valve V6 engine produced 215 horsepower and used ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. It was linked to a seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a Direct Select shifter mounted on the steering wheel.

The ML320 was also equipped with a number of new features, including driver-activated Downhill Speed Regulation feature that automatically adjusts the brakes and throttle to maintain a safe crawl speed when descending steep hills; a Hill-Start assist that prevents roll-back when starting from a stop on steep grades; and an off-road driving program, which enables the driver to automatically recalibrate the engine, transmission, traction system, and anti-lock brakes for off-road driving, all at the press of a single button.