Despite experiencing sales growth in the preceding years, Mercedes-Benz identified a significant gap in their vehicle lineup that had persisted since 1993. This absence stemmed from the discontinuation of all-wheel-drive (AWD) options across their sedan and wagon models for the 1994 model year. This strategic shift left Mercedes vulnerable to competitors like Audi, Subaru, and Volvo, who were actively catering to the growing demand for AWD vehicles. Recognizing this competitive disadvantage, Mercedes-Benz not only reintroduced AWD to their E-Class sedans and wagons but also boldly ventured further by developing a dedicated sport-utility vehicle. This marked the arrival of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, a vehicle designed to redefine the luxury SUV segment.
Unlike many luxury off-road vehicles of its time, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, specifically the ML320 model, was not simply a derivative of an existing truck or built upon a car platform. It was conceived and engineered from the ground up as a distinct Mercedes-Benz, designed to provide genuine off-road capability and confident handling in adverse weather conditions. Crucially, it achieved this without compromising the core tenets of the Mercedes-Benz brand: luxury, safety, and high performance that its discerning clientele had come to expect. The 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class was built to deliver on all fronts.
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 ingeniously blended technologies previously segregated between cars and trucks. Mercedes-Benz opted for a robust separate frame construction for this vehicle. This fully boxed frame provided the ML320 with exceptional torsional rigidity, a critical attribute for demanding off-road driving scenarios. To this durable, truck-inspired frame, Mercedes-Benz integrated a sophisticated four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension system. This was a groundbreaking application of double-wishbone suspension technology across all four wheels of a truck-based vehicle. The result was a remarkably refined on-road ride quality that allowed this substantial SUV to navigate slalom courses with comparable agility to the E320 sedan. This innovative engineering solidified the 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class as a leader in its class.
Stepping inside the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, occupants were greeted with the familiar hallmarks of the three-pointed star. The interior showcased high-quality materials, with the exception of the dashboard plastic. The seats were designed for exceptional comfort, even on extended drives. Practicality was also considered, with ample cupholders for both front and rear passengers. The audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and importantly, the secondary controls were user-friendly, a welcome departure from the often-complex pictographs found in some earlier Mercedes-Benz models. The interior of the 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class prioritized both luxury and usability.
Mercedes-Benz strategically priced the ML320 aggressively, positioning it as one of the most accessible vehicles within their entire model range at the time. When compared to popular trucks like the Ford Explorer Limited and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 emerged as a superior vehicle in almost every aspect, except perhaps in the most extreme off-road conditions. On paved roads, the American competitors could not match the on-road sophistication and driving dynamics of this German-engineered SUV. For those considering a four-wheel-drive vehicle, overlooking the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 would be a significant oversight, especially considering its pioneering role in the luxury SUV segment and the enduring legacy it created. The 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class set a new benchmark for luxury SUVs.
