New Car Review of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 and ML500 Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle.

Description: Mid-Size SUV
Base MSRP Range: $37,300 - $45,750
Invoice Price Range: $34,689 - $42,548

Mercedes builds mid-size SUV wagons that drive like a fine sedan and feel as comfortable, but there's also ample cargo space in the back plus go-anywhere attributes of a four-wheel-drive (4WD) wagon.

New issues offer an optional DVD-based navigation system as a factory option. Entry to the series comes from the ML350 with V6 power, but the ML500 stocks the 5.0-liter Mercedes V8. A full-time 4WD system on both models does not lock axles to maintain traction in slippery situations, but senses a slipping wheel electronically, then brakes the slippage and redirects power to wheels with better grip.