The ML350, available in 2WD ($45,475) or 4WD ($47,975), is powered by the latest-generation Mercedes 3.5-liter V6, generating 268 horsepower. It comes 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 P255/50R19 all-season tires.

The ML320 BlueTEC ($49,475) is equipped similarly but powered by a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 rated at 398 pound-feet of torque.

The ML550 ($56,675) gets the latest four-valve 382-hp V8 and shares the more aggressive front end styling of the ML63 AMG.

Option package Premium 1 ($3,850) adds a rearview camera, voice-control navigation, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio with Real-Time Traffic, iPod/MP3 media interface cable (in glovebox), 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 ($6,600) combines all of the above with harman/kardon Logic7 surround-sound with 12 speakers, Parktronic parking assist, passenger seat memory, and Keyless Go.

The leather package ($1,995) includes burl walnut wood trim, a wood and leather steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting; and a Heating Package ($1,390) that warms the steering wheel as well as the front and rear seats. A Lighting Package ($950) adds bi-xenon headlamps that shine around curves, a headlamp washing system, and fog lamps. Rear-seat DVD entertainment ($1,850) is also available. Airmatic suspension is offered on the ML320 Bluetec and ML550 ($1,600).

The ML63 AMG ($90,975) features a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 503 hp, along with an AMG SpeedShift transmission, Airmatic suspension with AMG tuning, 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.

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. 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.

New for 2009 is Pre-Safe, a system which can actually sense an impending collision. Introduced previously on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, 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.