As
Mercedes-Benz prepares to launch a brand new (all U.S.-built)
M-Class sport utility for next year, it faces the phase-out
dilemma of any auto maker on the verge of introducing a
new, improved successor. The question: What to do with 2005s?
The answer, in typical Teutonic style, is to add something
so special that it won't go unnoticed.
M-B's
solution for its waning 2005 M-Class days comes in Special
Edition wrapping, the newest in a stable of five- or seven-seater
M model variations that have spiced up the scene periodically.
The newly-badged version gets minor interior and exterior
tweaks, including body-colored running boards, "unique"
17-inch wheels, a power dome hood, silver painted chrome
grille and polished aluminum roof rails. Add smoked/darkened
tail lamp lenses, door handle chrome tips and Pewter Metallic
as a new color, and the appearance becomes downright spiffy.
Inside,
are luxurious burled birch and walnut wood trims. Sports
seats have thick side bolsters (a rally car in disguise
here?), and chrome-ringed instrument cluster. It retains
safety and performance features: Four-wheel electronic traction
control with electronic stability as standard, optional
low-range downhill traction control, available DVD nav system.
V-6 or V-8 power kicks in 232 or 288 horses, respectively.
A five-speed auto trans features Touch Shift for manual
override. And standard Tele-Aid communications provides
emergency help, vehicle diagnostics, internet access and
concierge services.
The
original M-class was a shift toward a midsize sport truck
for the European auto luxury brand, and M-B tested the waters
in a rather unorthodox way during planning. Visitors at
auto shows filled out Mercedes-Benz SUV wish-lists, then
subsequently saw a teaser silhouette on a wall.
The
Special Edition won't peel one's face back, as suspected
with the previous racing tradition ML55 AMG. And some critics
might challenge Mercedes-Benz's claim that the current body-on-frame
model is "part luxury car, part mountain goat,"
and hint true off-road capabilities will improve with the
redesigned '06. (But we found even the pre-facelift '90s
original amazingly capable during torturous washboard tests.
And the door opened and closed snugly with the vehicle hanging
precariously at an angle.) That's nothing-to-be-sniffed-at
character for a classic with an outgoing price range from
the high 30s to mid-40s.
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