subject: Chicago Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Perfection through the Years [print this page] Chicago Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Perfection through the Years
When the M-Class first hit the market, it might have felt like kids do on the first day of school: not knowing the correct lunch table to sit at or who to associate themselves with. Well, over the years, as a mid-sized SUV with a perfect blend of on-road civility and off-road capability, the M-Class has certainly formed a niche all its own!
It's a niche in which the M-Class leads, due to its stunning updates between its release in 2005 and the newest edition in 2009.
However, it was in 2006 that the M-Class really stood out as aMercedes.Chicago Mercedes owners, like many drivers, were overjoyed to see the automaker drastically upgrade it and address any shortcomings the original might have had. It took the M-Class to a whole new level.
The 2006 model was slightly longer, about 150 millimeters to be exact. Also, it had a more stylized appearance, and the facelift transformed drivers' opinions about the vehicle. In Chicago,Mercedes fans noticed the shift immediately, as more M-Class models started appearing on the roadways.
The interior also received a makeover. Most notably, a large navigation screen was integrated into the center stack. The instrumentation was brightened to increase visibility. Besides the control systems, the M-Class seats were luxurious, and thanks to newly added power controls, they were easy to adjust for maximum comfort.
The M-Class produced 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In 2008, the ML500 replaced the ML550, which paid off big. The ML550 pushed the horsepower to 382 with 391 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the changes, the M-Class has remained true to its mid-sized SUV roots, and above all, to a dedication to high performance and luxury.
