Mercedes-Benz, a name synonymous with luxury and innovation, recognized a shift in the automotive landscape in the late 90s. Despite enjoying sales growth, they identified a significant gap in their lineup, a void that had been present since 1993. That year marked the last time Mercedes offered an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, leaving them vulnerable as competitors like Audi, Subaru, and Volvo surged ahead with their AWD offerings. Acknowledging this weakness, Mercedes first introduced AWD to their E-Class sedans and wagons. However, they went a step further, boldly venturing into the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market with a truly unique creation: the 1998 Mercedes Suv, known as the ML320.
Unlike many luxury off-road vehicles of the time, the 98 Mercedes SUV, or ML320, wasn’t a derivative of an existing SUV, nor was it built upon a car platform. It stood apart from vehicles like the redesigned Lincoln Navigator or the Lexus RX300, which utilized hybrid car platforms. Instead, the ML320 was meticulously engineered from the ground up as a distinct Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Its purpose was clear: to provide occupants with genuine off-road capability and confident handling in adverse weather conditions, all while upholding the standards of luxury, safety, and performance that Mercedes-Benz owners had come to expect.
This groundbreaking approach meant that the 1998 Mercedes SUV seamlessly integrated technologies traditionally found in either cars or trucks, creating a harmonious blend of both worlds. For instance, Mercedes opted for a robust separate frame construction for the ML320. This fully boxed frame provided the vehicle with exceptional torsional rigidity, a crucial attribute for tackling demanding off-road situations. To this truck-like foundation, Mercedes ingeniously attached a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension system. This marked the first time double-wishbone suspension technology had been implemented on all four wheels of a truck, resulting in an incredibly smooth and refined on-road driving experience. Remarkably, this tall SUV could navigate a slalom course at speeds comparable to the E320 sedan, showcasing its impressive handling and agility.
Stepping inside the 98 Mercedes SUV, occupants were greeted with the familiar touches of Mercedes-Benz luxury. The interior materials were of high quality, with the exception of the dashboard plastic. The seats provided exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. Practicality was also considered, with ample cupholders for both front and rear passengers. The sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the secondary controls were intuitively designed, a welcome departure from the sometimes-confusing pictograms found in previous Mercedes-Benz models.
Mercedes-Benz strategically priced the ML320 to be competitive, positioning it as the second most affordable vehicle in their entire lineup at the time. When compared to popular trucks like the Ford Explorer Limited and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the 1998 Mercedes SUV ML320 emerged as a superior vehicle in almost every aspect, save for the most extreme off-road challenges. On paved roads, the ML320 outshone its American rivals. For those considering a four-wheel-drive vehicle, overlooking the Mercedes-Benz ML320 would be a significant oversight. This 98 Mercedes SUV truly marked the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz in the SUV market, setting a high bar for luxury, performance, and capability.
