Mercedes-Benz, despite enjoying increasing sales, identified a significant gap in their vehicle lineup that had persisted since 1993. Having discontinued their All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offerings in 1993, by 1994, they were vulnerable to competitors like Audi, Subaru, and Volvo in the burgeoning AWD market. Mercedes responded by reintroducing AWD to their E-Class sedans and wagons, and in 1997, they launched the Mercedes Benz ML320 sport-utility vehicle. In 1999, they expanded the range with the more powerful ML430, but it was the 1999 Mercedes Benz Ml320 that truly marked their entry into the luxury SUV segment.
The 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 was meticulously engineered as a distinctive Mercedes, designed to confidently handle off-road terrains and adverse weather conditions without compromising the luxury, safety, and performance expected by Mercedes-Benz clientele. For the 1999 model year, the ML320 enhanced its standard equipment with the inclusion of Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, BabySmart child seat recognition system, and the Homelink programmable garage door opener. Remarkably, this upgrade in features was accompanied by only a modest $1,000 increase in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), making the 1999 ML320 an even more compelling value proposition.
While the ML430 offered a step up in power and luxury, the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 stood out for its blend of capability and refinement right from the start. It incorporated technologies that bridged the gap between traditional cars and trucks. Utilizing a robust frame boxed at both ends, the M-Class achieved torsional rigidity crucial for demanding off-road driving. To this durable truck-like frame, Mercedes expertly integrated a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension system. This innovative combination resulted in exceptional on-road ride quality, enabling the vehicle to navigate slaloms with agility comparable to the E320 sedan. While its off-road prowess was certainly competent, comparisons to specialized off-road vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery highlighted the ML320’s focus on a balance of on and off-road performance.
The interior of the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 exemplified the premium experience synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz marque. Interior materials were of high quality, with the exception of the dashboard plastic. The seats were designed for long-distance comfort, and practical features like multiple cupholders for both front and rear passengers were thoughtfully included. The audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the vehicle’s controls were intuitively designed, a welcome departure from the sometimes confusing interfaces of previous Mercedes-Benz models.
When placed against competitors such as the GMC Yukon Denali and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 emerged as a superior choice for most drivers, excelling in nearly all areas except for the most extreme off-road scenarios. On paved roads, the handling and ride quality of the Mercedes Benz ML320 surpassed these American contenders. For buyers considering a foray into the four-wheel-drive vehicle market without sacrificing luxury or on-road dynamics, overlooking the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 would be a significant oversight. It represented Mercedes-Benz’s successful foray into the SUV market, setting a new standard for luxury and capability in the 1999 model year and beyond.
