The ML350 ($45,700) and ML350 4MATIC ($48,200) are powered by a 3.5-liter V6, generating 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.   They come with cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, eight-way power seats, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, Tele-Aid emergency communication, COMAND control interface, an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer, and 19-inch wheels with 255/50R19 all-season tires.  

The ML350 BlueTEC ($49,700) is equipped similarly but powered by a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with a full 400 pound-feet of torque available from 1600 rpm.  

The ML450 Hybrid ($549 for 60 months or $659 for 36 months) uses a modified Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6, 275-hp gasoline engine and 288-volt nickel-metal battery pack powered electric motors for a combined system output of 335 hp and 381 lb-ft of torque.  

The ML550 ($56,750) gets a 382-hp, 391 lb-ft 5.5-liter V8, more aggressive front end, moonroof.  

Options include the Premium 1 package ($3,950) with a navigation system with voice-control, a rearview camera, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio with Real-Time Traffic, iPod/MP3 media interface cable, power liftgate, auto-dimming inside mirror, power folding outside mirrors, memory for driver's seat and mirrors, power adjustable steering column, and a 115v power outlet.   Premium 2 ($5,950) combines all of the above with harman/kardon Logic7 surround-sound with 12 speakers and Keyless Go.  

The leather package ($1,750) includes burl walnut wood trim and ambient interior lighting.   Heated seats and steering wheel, illuminated door sills, park sensors, trailer hitch, and a wood and leather are all available.   A Lighting Package ($970) adds bi-Xenon headlamps that shine around curves, a headlamp washing system, and fog lamps.   Rear-seat DVD entertainment ($1,880) is also available.   Three-zone climate control ($780) and 20-inch AMG wheels ($770) are available for the ML550, and an Appearance package ($970) is offered for gasoline ML350s.  

The ML63 AMG ($91,050) features a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 503 hp, along with an AMG SpeedShift transmission, AMG suspension, high-performance P295/40ZR20 tires on 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, AMG instruments, premium leather upholstery, and the contents of the Premium 1 and 2 Packages.   Options are fewer, and include the trailer hitch, illuminated door sills, 21-inch wheels ($1580), rear-seat entertainment, and heated rear seats.  

Safety features on all models includes two-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags front and rear torso protection, and curtain-style head protection airbags.   A rollover sensor can activate both the seat-belt tensioners and curtain airbags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover, and Pre-Safe automatically tightens the front seat belts and moves the front passenger seat to a position that can provide better protection.   Side windows close to provide better support for the curtain air bags.   If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.   An Electronic Stability Program comes standard along with advanced anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.   A tire pressure warning system is also standard.