NEW YORK, New York -- The new-generation M-Class sport utility vehicle is going on sale this week at more than 300 Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country, starting at $39,750 for the V6-powered ML350 and $48,500 for the V8 ML500, plus a $720 destination fee. Both new models are rated at more than 11 percent better gas mileage on the highway while being classified as SULEV super ultra-low emission vehicles, but at the same time, offer more power and interior space.

The new 2006 M-Class has sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a sharply angled windshield. Beneath its sleek exterior is an all-new unit body platform as well as a newly-developed suspension, double-wishbone up front and four-link at the rear. New, useful technology includes a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective full-time four- wheel-drive system and optional features such as a height-adjustable air suspension.

When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived eight years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire industry to shift toward more car-like SUVs. Virtually the only sport utility at the time with four-wheel independent suspension, the original M-Class was one of the first to be designed from the ground up, rather than being based on an existing truck platform. The first-generation M-Class also won an impressive number of awards, including the prestigious North American Truck of the Year.

The second-generation M-Class is available with two powerful engines that both earn SULEV super ultra-low-emission vehicle certification. The ML350 comes with a 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6 engine that gets 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The ML500 is fitted with a 5.0-liter 302-hp V8 that also betters its predecessor - 14 city / 19 hwy.

The new M-Class has over two inches of additional front leg room, and rear-passenger leg room has been increased by 1.3 inches. There's up to 72.4 cubic feet of flexible cargo room, including a 60:40 split fold-down rear seat that allows passengers to ride in back even when the vehicle is loaded with long objects.

All 2006 M-Class vehicles come with Mercedes-Benz safety innovations such as ESP stability control and ABS anti-lock brakes as well as two-stage front air bags and curtain side air bags.