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What's New: The TeleAid emergency calling system is now standard, and smart, dual-stage front airbags know when to deploy with partial or full force. The ML55 also gets expanded off-road capabilities with new downhill traction control and a new crawling mode for very slow and steep off-roading. Type: Sport Utility Pros: Advanced safety features, comfortable seats, can beat up on performance cars…if no curves are involved. Cons: Backward center stack ergonomics, harsh ride, mediocre handling, costs too much. Review Do we really need a 342-horsepower sport utility that rides on 50-series 18-inch tires, goes from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed estimated around 145 mph? Evidently, the bean counters in Stuttgart told M-Class engineers and super-tuner AMG to go for it, and the result of their collaboration is what appears to be a lowered minivan on steroids with a chrome three-pointed star sitting front and center. Most SUV buyers at least try to convince themselves they'll be going off-road sooner or later and will need the utility such a vehicle provides. Not ML55 buyers. Wanna bump along two-track trails in luxury? Get a Lexus LX 470. This puppy's made for stoplight shenanigans and moving five people in comfort. Still, it has four-wheel drive and 8.4 inches of ground clearance, so if necessary, it could perform the same tasks as a standard M-Class. A new downhill traction control system (no doubt inspired by Hill Descent Control, already available on certain other premium SUVs), which maintains a low vehicle speed when descending steep grades with loose footing, is accompanied by a new "two-foot" crawling mode that has the same effect as applying the brake while climbing a steep hill. This mode can be engaged when the M-Class is in low range and is traveling under 3 mph to maximize traction. Contributing to these new off-road maneuverability improvements, an active brake booster builds pressure assistance faster, allowing spinning wheels to be slowed with quicker response. The ML55 is infused with all the power and technologies that Mercedes-Benz could ladle on and still keep the price feasible. Unique styling cues like a power-domed hood, red brake calipers, chrome-accented grille and muscular five-spoke wheels communicate the proper "don't mess with me" attitude to onlookers. Traction control, stability control and ABS with Brake Assist keep the top-heavy SUV under your command rather than fate's. Sport seats, burled walnut wood trim and supple charcoal leather beckon from the interior. A standard Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) center does not. COMAND controls the navigation, audio, integrated telephone and trip-computer systems, and there's a steep learning curve. Even if you do master the functions, commanding them while driving is not recommended due to their disastrous design. Chrome rings around white-faced gauges and AMG embroidered floor mats are an exclusive touch, but ML55 shares other accoutrements with the lower-line ML320 and 430 models. Side airbags are standard in front and rear doors, and dual-stage, "smart" front airbags debut this year, as does Mercedes' TeleAid emergency communication system. So go ahead and try to climb that mountain - help is just a push-button away. Just don't expect the ML55 to handle like any other AMG product - it's still an SUV. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
