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Mercedes ML350

By Rita Cook

Okay, so I’m all over this Mercedes because it’s got all the bells and whistles that anyone could ask for.  I mean how many times have you stopped to consider the importance of a windshield wiper monitoring its own speed depending on the amount of rain falling and how close the car in front of you is  - as in kicking up all that dirt and grim from the wet road.  My point exactly, this baby thinks for you.  The GPS devise did have a minor problem because I couldn’t get the “okay” button to register my requests, potential hazard if you are driving and doing the GPS thing at the same time.  Oh yeah, you’re not supposed to be doing that are you?

The M series has undergone some overhauls lately and in the 2006 rendition you will find an updated exterior and interior and, better yet, everything underneath has also changed.  Changed in that it’s all slightly larger from the interior space (read: more room for piling in kids and friends) to the cargo space (read: more room for luggage for those necessary road trips you will want to make in this car).

Another unusual twist on this model is the gear shift, but don’t despair, you will get used to it.  The shifter is actually on the steering column behind the wheel and it’s electronic – in a real gear head sort of way.  Also, the buttons on the back of the steering wheel spokes allocate for the manual shifting maneuvers – all seven of them.

What to Know: The ML 350 has a V6 engine and a 3.5-liter capacity – that’s up 36 horsepower. Oh, and another selling point is that the ML350 has the new 7G-tronics seven-speed automatic transmission, good for fuel economy – good for the environment.

Seat comfort couldn’t get better and the rear seat is a 60/40 split that also has flip-up cushions for a flat load floor.  Of course, you get the DVD-navigation system, six-CD changer, sunroof, heated front seats and power-folding mirrors so there is definitely something for everyone.

Miles Per Gallon: City driving will get you about 16 miles per gallon and the highway clocks in around 20, not bad.  I drove the wheels off this SUV and it didn’t seem I was stopping every day to gas up.

Price Tag: You can start at $39,750 and depending on how cushy you want the ride extras can run you up to $49,220, you be the judge.

Female Factor: Big, Bold and Beautiful.  Okay, you want more?  Well, it’s fast and has seven gears.  It really thinks for you so you can think about more important things like where you’re going and what time you’re picking up the kids and well, you know….

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