Mercedes ML-Class hits the road

ALABAMA: Mercedes-Benz has launched its new ML320 four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle in the United States.

Already acclaimed as a segment leader in technology, performance and versatility, the ML320 combines the traditional benefits of a sport-utility vehicle -- true off-road capability, rugged design, generous cargo room and towing capacity -- with the core attributes of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, such as performance and handling, safety, quality, comfort and luxury.

The ML-Class comes with an advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system (with low range) featuring electronic traction control; a powerful 3.2-liter, 160kW engine; driver adaptive electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel independent suspension; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a low step-in height.

The Mercedes ML320 will compete in the heart of the premium SUV segment, along with vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited models.

A "premium" package includes leather-trim (seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob), walnut dashboard and console trim, heated seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, additional instrumentation, lockable safebox and rear privacy glass.