For over one hundred years, Mercedes-Benz automobiles are renowned for being over engineered—every piece exuding a tactile feel of workmanship as expected from the world’s top luxury brand.  However, with such a long and illustrious history, it’s no surprise that sometimes one or two products would receive a less than stellar reception, and one of this was the first-generation M-Class.  Don’t get it wrong, the M-Class is a huge sales success (particularly in SUV-hungry America), but people soon pointed out that it felt engineered on a scrimp budget: body-on-frame construction, poor interior materials and a lackluster drivetrain.

Mercedes-Benz seems to have acknowledged this mistake and vowed to turn things around as early as when plans for the all-new M-Class were announced.  Now that it has arrived, we are happy to announce that they’ve delivered.  Though its exterior lines pretty much stick to the first one (not too sporty, not too dreary), it manages to look modern especially with nifty styling details.  It doesn’t look particularly striking or aggressive, but it grabs attention; and it’s not just because of the huge tri-star emblem on the grille.  The sculpted shape now has better contours and rich lines such as the raising crease across the side, the pronounced bumpers and the stronger wheel arches.  The windshield has been raked sharply resulting in good aerodynamics to reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy.

The changes don’t just end with the exterior shell.  Underneath is where Mercedes-Benz placed most of their development in.  Abandoning the “good for the accounting books” body-on-frame construction for a car-like unibody, the M-Class rides on a much stronger and rigid platform.  On smooth surfaces, the ride quality is impeccable—the springs and shocks clearly tuned for comfort.  However, the damping is pretty good too, ensuing good control and maneuverability.  Mechanical grip is tremendous (better than any upscale SUV we’ve tested so far) thanks to the 235/55 R 17 and advanced four-wheel drive.  Speaking about four-wheel drive, the M-Class is decisively more for the urban jungle than the Amazon with just the basic all-wheel drive software (4ETS and hill descent control include) put in.  However, Mercedes-Benz is still offering locking differentials and low-range systems plus height-adjustable suspension and improved underbelly shielding with their off-road package.

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