Seen here is the cut away of the ML400 CDI, the only major difference with the ML320 being the powerplant. This model year 2002 car shows the double wishbone type suspension, both front and rear and the new bumper with fog lamps.

Package designed for exceptional on-road performance.

Keeping in tune with research findings that less than five per cent of vehicles of its class ever go off-road, Mercedes-Benz has striven to give the M-class a chassis and suspension package that excels on the road while at the same time harbouring the ability to tackle the scenery.

Thus we have double wishbone suspension on all four wheels to give it poise on tarmac. But added to that is a beefy anti-roll bar both in the front and the rear in keeping with its off-roader status. With rack and pinion steering, we have an exceptional (for an SUV) on-road package especially with the 16-inch high profile all terrain wheels providing great cushioning. The 16-inch wheels give way to 17-inch ones shod with lower profile rubber.

Driving the car on Indian roads is a dream - as it takes on and soaks up any and everything the road can come up with. Designed for good on-road performance and some off-road ability, the suspension is ideally suited to the ruts, ripples and the numerous off-camber obstacles that are plentiful on Indian roads. The only worrying factor is that the M-class has a propensity to kiss the unusually high speedbreakers that are abundant in Pune.