Mercedes-Benz W163
The Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class SUV was introduced in 1998. It is a midsized body-on-frame truck with seating for 5 or 7 with an optional third-row seat. The W163 was replaced by the unibody W164 M-Class for 2005.
External Links
- ML320 Gallery - FamilyCar.com
The Original ML Class SUV was released in the US as a 1998 model as the ML320. Though the G-class Later, in 1999 a V8 option became available with the familiar Mercedes-Benz 4.3 Liter V8 under the hood, the ML430 which added more punch and pulling to the Mid-Size SUV.
Many believed that this vehicle had sub-par quality and fit and finish, and many argued that it felt much more trucklike than its BMW competitor, the X5.
Navigation was added as an option in the model year 2001
Later an AMG version, the ML55 was released, using the corporate 5.4 Liter, 349 Horsepower V8, bringing the 0-60 Time below 7 seconds, best of any SUV in its time.
One can identify 1998 ML320s very quickly as they do not have color-keyed bumpers.
Though a 3rd row seating option was offered, anyone who has sat in one could tell you that is practically zero leg room in the third row, though headroom is somewhat plentiful. Also entry/exit are nearly impossible, and when you want to use the cargo area, the 3rd row seats "flip" up and stow by the rear windows, a rather unusual way of stowing the seats when not in use.
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