2008 Mercedes-Benz M Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 45 M reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class receives good scores for its exterior. Car and Driver says, "The 2006 M-class is no longer a stubby, high-riding box on wheels. This new version is a much more graceful truck with longer and wider proportions, a flowing roofline, and prominent wheel housings."
U.S. News' Rick Newman deemed the 2007 M-Class "Hot. The ML is chiseled, sturdy, and just a bit mean-looking." With the 2006 model, overall length increased by 5.9 inches to 188.5 inches, giving the M-Class "a vastly sleeker profile than its predecessor," Car and Driver says. In addition, the 2008 model is more aerodynamic than ever before thanks to the exterior redesign. "Its drag coefficient, or Cd, measures 0.34. That's closer to the average sedan than the typical slab-sided SUV. The lower the number, the less noise generated as air flows over the vehicle, and the less power required to move the ML at a given speed," says Auto Mall USA.
Though most reviewers see the new styling as a great improvement, some remain a bit disappointed. Autoweb notes that styling "looks stale when parked side-by-side to the upcoming R-Class." And USA Today comments that the M-Class is "Still a bit chunky, but [with] far more flair than the previous M had."
Exterior Trims
ML350 V6 base model
Standard exterior highlights include sweeping front fenders, 17-inch wheels, a sharply angled windshield, rear spoiler, twin tailpipes, and ventilated grille bars. In addition, the 2008 M-Class boasts a new scratch resistant paint, perfect for off-roading and mischievous children. For a sportier feel, buyers can add the 333 M-Class Sport Package, which includes chrome accents, blue-tinted glass, 19-inch six-twin spoke wheels or 19-inch five-spoke wheels, front and rear chrome skid plates, and running boards.
ML550 V8
Adds a silver-colored grille with chrome ribs, chrome door handles, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
ML63 AMG V8
Adds 20-inch spoke rims, more aggressive front and rear aprons, tinted taillights, and two sets of twin-chrome exhaust tips.
