As the first M-Class came off the assembly line for the 1998 model year, Road & Track was there to try it out (November 1997 issue). And we were impressed with the powertrain, the all-wheel-drive system and the overall driving character of the Mercedes. We were not as enamored of the styling, finding it a bit too much like a minivan in looks, especially from the doors back. And the interior appointments were not up to what we considered Mercedes-Benz standards. But M-Class sales heated right up, and we've all been seeing them on the roads ever since.
Now it's time for the second-generation model to make its debut, and it is a better vehicle in virtually every way. Notably, the styling is much improved, with a definitely modern SUV look that puts it at the top of its class, which includes the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and the Volkswagen Touareg. The Mercedes features pronounced fender flares front and rear, a wedge-shape front end that enhances driver vision, and a much sleeker profile. It's still instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but with considerably more flair and less boxiness.
The 2006 M-Class is larger than its predecessor: nearly 6 in. longer, almost 3 in. wider and marginally lower. Also, the wheelbase is 3.7 in. longer, which adds to the ride quality that we found excellent. With the increase in dimensions, there is a concomitant growth in interior roominess, which is most notable in greater rear leg room and an overall feeling of plenty of space, with head room increased more than an inch as well. It's no surprise that the weight of the vehicle has also increased by some 500 lb.
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