The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class gets a considerable makeover for the new model year. There are changes inside and out for what has become the best selling SUV in the Mercedes lineup. The new design should help the M-Class take a step ahead of its competitors, which include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and the Land Rover LR3. The M-Class starts at around $47,000, and depending on which of the four trim levels you choose, the price goes up dramatically from there. The lineup consists of the ML350, ML550, ML63, and the ML320 Bluetec.

Many of the changes to this year's M-Class are in the exterior design. The grille is now lower and its fog lights have been placed farther apart; giving the vehicle a lower, broader appearance. Also attracting attention are the skid plates, made of stainless steel, that grace both the front and the rear of this Mercedes. They have also changed the shape of the headlights and included roof racks as a standard feature. Wheel sizes (19, 20, and 21) and exhaust pipe shapes will vary according to the different trim levels.

This year's redesign has also reached the inside of the vehicle. The seats and interior styling have received the bulk of the upgrades. The power front seats include 4-way lumbar adjustment. The 60/40 split folding rear seats allow for considerable cargo space in various configurations. Among the styling enhancements this year are the leather and wood trim accents. The M-Class also comes equipped with what they are calling Command interface, which basically controls all of the technological features. Available options include parking assist and DVD navigation system.

Four different engine options are available, depending on the trim level. The ML350 is powered by a 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V6. There are two eight-cylinder engines available as well. The ML550 gets a 382 horsepower V8, and the ML63 AMG has a 503 horsepower 6.3 liter V8. The diesel offering in the group is the ML320 Bluetec, which has a 210 horsepower 3.0 liter V6. This engine has been cleaned up enough this year to meet the emission standards in all fifty states. All of these engines are paired with a seven speed automatic transmission that can be operated manually from the steering column. Mercedes claims to have improved fuel economy this year, but you can expect to get 11/18 around town and 15/24 on the highway.

Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, and side impact and curtain airbags. Also standard, is the Pre Safe system, which adjusts seatbelts and seats automatically in the event of a collision.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class handles very well for a vehicle in this class, and it is becoming quite popular with environmentalists due to the clean diesel engine. These innovations could keep Mercedes ahead of the competition for some time to come.