M-Class Achieves Five Stars In Front and Side Impact Tests

The all-new 2006 M-Class joins a select group of SUVs that have earned the highest possible rating in both the frontal and side impact crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The results, five stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger, were achieved when NHTSA tested the SUV under its New Car Assessment Program.

What is the NCAP?
In the NCAP tests, crash-test dummies representing average-sized adults are placed in the vehicle and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. The side crash test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. The frontal crash test involves a head on collision into a fixed barrier at 35 mph. Five stars, the highest governmental crash test rating, translates into a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury for the driver and (driver's side) rear passenger in the side impact test and a 10 percent chance of serious injury for the driver and passenger in the frontal crash test.

Mercedes-Benz Takes a Holistic Approach to Safety
Continuing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to occupant safety, the 2006 M-Class comes standard with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side impact air bags in front, window curtain air bags that stretch from front to rear, belt tensioners, and belt force limiters for front and rear seating positions. A rollover sensor activates the belt tensioners and window curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover. The vehicle tested was equipped as described.

A Choice of Two High-Torque Engines
The new generation M-Class is available with a choice of V6 or V8 power. Under the hood of the ML350 is a new generation 3.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque. The ML500 is powered by a five-liter V8 engine with 302-horsepower and 339-lb.ft. of torque.

New and useful technology abounds in the 2006 M-Class, including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an effective full-time four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable air suspension. A revised four-wheel traction control system now incorporates functions such as downhill speed regulation and off-road performance optimization.

The M-Class is characterized by an aggressive wedge shape complemented by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a sharply angled windshield. The interior is completely redesigned to provide more comfort, more features and more user-friendly space.

First M-Class Started an Industry Trend
When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived eight years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more luxurious car-like SUVs. Launched as the only sport utility in its class with four-wheel independent suspension, the original M-Class was one of the first to be designed from the ground up, rather than being based on an existing truck platform. The first-generation M-Class also won a number of automotive awards, including the prestigious North American Truck of the Year.