For years, Mercedes-Benz stood as a beacon of luxury and performance, yet a crucial segment remained unaddressed in their vehicle lineup. By 1993, Mercedes had discontinued its all-wheel-drive offerings, leaving a void that competitors like Audi, Subaru, and Volvo eagerly exploited. Recognizing this gap in the market, Mercedes-Benz strategically reintroduced all-wheel drive to its E-Class sedans and wagons. This pivotal move paved the way for the 1997 debut of the ML320 sport-utility vehicle, marking Mercedes’ serious entry into the burgeoning SUV market. Continuing this momentum, 1999 saw the arrival of an even more potent and refined SUV, the ML430, further solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to all-wheel-drive luxury and performance.
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 was meticulously engineered as a distinct Mercedes, designed to confidently navigate diverse terrains and challenging weather conditions. Crucially, it achieved this without compromising the hallmark luxury, safety, and performance that Mercedes-Benz clientele had come to expect. For the 1999 model year, the ML320 received notable upgrades, incorporating the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, the BabySmart child safety system, and the convenience of the Homelink programmable garage door opener as standard features. Remarkably, these enhancements were introduced with only a modest $1,000 increase to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), making the 1999 ML320 an even more compelling value proposition.
Stepping up in both price and prestige, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 built upon the foundation laid by the ML320, offering an elevated experience with a more sophisticated interior and robust V8 engine performance. In addition to the already impressive standard equipment of the ML320, the ML430 boasted standard leather-trimmed seating, luxurious burl walnut interior accents, heated eight-way power-adjustable seats for enhanced comfort, an automatic dimming rearview mirror for added safety, a lockable safety box for security, a convenient trip computer, and privacy glass for enhanced passenger comfort and discretion. The exterior of the ML430 was visually distinguished by its unique design elements, featuring body-colored bumpers, rocker panels, rub strips, and rearview mirror housings. Completing the powerful stance were substantial 275/55R17 tires mounted on distinctive seven-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, projecting an image of refined capability.
These 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML models ingeniously blended technologies previously segregated between cars and trucks. Employing a fully boxed frame, the M-Class achieved exceptional torsional rigidity, a critical attribute for demanding off-road maneuvers. To this robust truck-like frame, Mercedes-Benz skillfully integrated a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension system. The result was a remarkably smooth and refined on-road ride, allowing these SUVs to navigate slalom courses at speeds comparable to the E320 sedan, showcasing their surprising agility. While possessing respectable off-road capabilities, it’s important to acknowledge that pitting the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML against dedicated off-road vehicles like a Land Rover Discovery might reveal the limits of its off-road prowess. However, for a luxury SUV designed for both on-road comfort and light off-road adventures, the M-Class struck an excellent balance.
The interior of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML models upheld the high standards synonymous with the three-pointed star. Interior materials were generally of premium quality, with the dashboard plastic being a notable exception. The seats were designed for exceptional comfort, even on extended drives. Thoughtful touches included ample cupholders for both front and rear passengers, a high-quality stereo system for enjoyable audio, and user-friendly secondary controls, a welcome departure from the sometimes perplexing layouts of earlier Mercedes-Benz models.
When placed in direct comparison with American SUVs such as the GMC Yukon Denali and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class emerged as a superior choice in most scenarios, with the exception of the most extreme off-road challenges. On paved roads, the on-road dynamics and refinement of these American competitors simply could not match the Teutonic trail-blazing capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz. For discerning buyers prioritizing a blend of luxury, all-wheel drive capability, and refined on-road performance in their next vehicle purchase, overlooking the 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class would be a significant oversight. This vehicle successfully bridged the gap between luxury car refinement and SUV versatility, establishing a new benchmark in the market.
