Mercedes-Benz ML 230/Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI/Mercedes-Benz ML 320/Mercedes-Benz ML 350/Mercedes-Benz ML 400 CDI/Mercedes-Benz ML 430/Mercedes-Benz ML 500/Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG (W163). 1997–2005 (prod. n/a). 5-door SUV. F/A, 2295 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2685 cm³ diesel (I5 OHC), 3199, 3724 cm³ (V6 DOHC), 3996 cm³ diesel (V8 OHC), 4266, 4966, 5439 cm³ (V8 DOHC). Mercedes-Benz gets into the booming SUV market. The ML programme stemmed from one to replace the G-Wagen, but wound up being something very different, targeting the US market. A new factory in Alabama was built, though there were quality niggles uncharacteristic of Mercedes at the time. A few came off the Steyr lines in Austria, with better quality, though still problematic. Promoted in the film Jurassic Park 2 at launch. Electronic stability control, a first for the luxury SUV segment. Body-on-frame construction, though not that well suited to the toughest terrain. AMG from 1999. Mid-term updates 2001.

Manufacturing locations: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Graz, Austria

Marque: Mercedes-Benz | Model: Mercedes-Benz ML | Successor: Mercedes-Benz ML (W164)