Good highway travel and better fuel economy

The original M-Class helped make luxury SUVs a familiar part of the automotive landscape. Completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, this second-generation M-Class is better than the original in every way. It's roomier, more comfortable and more car-like in its bearing. Its wheelbase is almost four inches longer, and its body three inches wider, all to better accommodate larger Americans inside. In the bargain, the coefficient of drag, or Cd number, has dropped from brick-grade to a sylphlike 0.34, on par with many passenger cars that are much lower to the ground. This means quieter highway travel and better fuel economy.