The successor to the cross-country and recreational ML model, produced since 1997, was presented in Detroit at the beginning of 2005. The new model is larger than its predecessor, yet similar styling and usability have been retained. In the ML 280 CDI and 320 CDI versions, the car comes with a new 3.0-liter diesel of 190 or 224 hp; in the ML 350 version, it is a new 3.5-liter 272 hp V6 unit; and in the ML 500 – the well-known 5.0-liter 306 hp V8 plant. All the power plants work with a new, 7-speed automatic gearbox. To the numerous buyers who value space and safety above all else, the ML model may constitute an interesting alternative to luxurious passenger limousines.