2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

New diesel and high-performance models highlight 2007 for the smaller of Mercedes' two midsize SUVs. The M-Class seats five and comes in four models. The ML350 has a 268-hp V6. The ML500 has a 302-hp V8. Added for '07 are the ML320 CDI with a 215-hp turbodiesel V6, and the high-performance ML63 with a 503-hp V8. A 7-speed automatic is the sole transmission. All MLs have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front and rear side airbags and curtain side airbags. All MLs have a 60/40 split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, and Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance system. Leather upholstery is standard on the ML63, optional on the other models. A navigation system and steering-linked xenon headlamps are available.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.
News
The ML63 replaces the former high-performance ML55 model. Look for the ML500 to adopt Mercedes' newer 5.4-liter V8 and ML550 badges for 2008. Otherwise, this basic design should continue with no major near-term change. The ML's next full redesign is 4-5 years away.

2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

A diesel-engine model is a midyear addition to the 2007 GL-Class lineup. This premium large SUV is essentially a stretched version of Mercedes-Benz's midsize five-passenger ML-Class wagon. Both have car-type construction, but the GL seats seven, has more towing capacity, and more available off-road equipment. The new GL320 CDI has a 215-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. It joins the GL450, which has a 335-hp 4.7-liter gasoline V8. Both GLs have a 7-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel controls for manual operation. All-wheel drive is standard. An optional off-road package adds low-range gearing, locking center and rear differentials, and allows up to 2 inches of additional ground clearance. ABS, traction/antiskid control, hill ascent/descent control, and height-adjustable suspension are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. Options include leather upholstery, navigation system, DVD entertainment, front/rear obstacle detection, and keyless ignition. Also available are steering-linked xenon headlights, and Mercedes' Adaptive Damping suspension that includes driver-selectable firmness settings.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
News
The GL has just been introduced, so no big news is likely near-term. But don't be surprised to see a diesel V6 GL320 CDI added to the lineup if Mercedes decides $3-a-gallon gasoline is hurting GL sales.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class lineup gains a new flagship model with a larger engine and exclusive styling touches. This premium large SUV is a stretched version of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class premium midsize SUV. Compared to the smaller ML-Class, the GL-Class seats seven instead of five, weighs some 500 lb more, has a higher towing capacity, and is available with more off-road equipment. Three models are offered. The GL320 CDI has a 215-horsepower turbodiesel V6. The GL450 has a 335-horsepower V8. The new GL550 has a 382-horsepower V8, along with unique front-end appearance, flared fenders, 21-inch wheels, and chrome exterior accents. All have a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Maximum towing capacity is 7500 lb. Optional is an off-road package that includes low-range gearing, locking center and rear differentials, and driver-adjustable air suspension. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid control, front- and 2nd-row side airbags, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. Wood interior trim, heated front seats, and a power folding 3rd-row seat are also standard. Standard on the GL550 and optional on other models are leather upholstery, a navigation system, rearview camera, and steering-linked xenon headlights. DVD entertainment is optional on all models.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Sneak Peek

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is unchanged. This premium midsize car is essentially a reskinned version of the company's E-Class sedan. CLS seats four vs. the E-Class's five and does not offer all-wheel drive or a wagon body style. Two CLS-Class models are available. The CLS550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine. The high-performance CLS63 AMG has a 507-hp 6.2-liter V8. Both use a 7-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel shift buttons are optional on the CLS550, standard on the CLS63. Both have an air-spring suspension that adjusts firmness within three driver-selectable modes. The CLS63 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS550 includes wider tires and aero body trim. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Standard is a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Available are steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and keyless locking and engine-start with pocket transmitter. We have not yet tested a 2008 CLS.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
News
No basic design changes will occur for a few years yet. One source, however, says a freshening is in store for 2009.

2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Mercedes-Benz's smallest sedan is largely unchanged for 2007, pending a 2008 redesign due in calendar '07. C-Class models are defined by their engines and by Sport or Luxury designations. Sports include a sport suspension, specific appearance details, and aluminum vs. wood interior trim. The C230 Sport has a 201-hp V6. The C280 Luxury has a 228-hp V6. The C350 Sport and Luxury have a 268-hp V6. Discontinued is the 362-hp V8 C55. The C280 and C350 Luxury are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. C230 and C350 Sports are available with a 6-speed manual transmission. AWD versions have a 5-speed automatic, all other models use a 7-speed automatic. Standard are ABS, traction/antiskid control, and curtain side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. Options include a navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps, and 60/40 split folding rear seat.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.
News
We hear redesigned 2008 C-Class sedans will bow in the second half of calendar '07, followed by updated wagons 6-8 months later. Reports indicate styling patterned on that of the big new S-Class sedans, with wheelbase and overall length stretched about three inches each. Models and associated powertrains should carry over from '07. A hot rod AMG version will return at some point, likely a C63 with AMG's new 6.2-liter V8 and around 475 hp.Mercedes is finishing up a compact SUV based on the upcoming C-Class architecture. Sources are uncertain about Australia sales plans, but we'd guess this so-called X-Class will indeed come in to answer rival BMW's Australia-built X3. Look for a base 3.5-liter V6, standard AWD and overall length of around 177 inches. A V8 version is likely, perhaps sooner rather than later.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a complete redesign that leaves it slightly longer in wheelbase and overall length compared to the 2001-2007 version. Three models are offered. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport have a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The C350 Sport has a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. All come with a 7-speed automatic transmission except the C300 Sport, which comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers the automatic as an option. Automatic-transmission C300s can run on E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, and are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. Sport models have a sport suspension and unique interior and exterior styling. Standard are ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include a navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps, and 60/40 split folding rear seat.

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