• Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the ML450 Hybrid model to the M-Class lineup in 2010, offering what it says is the power of a V-8 coupled with 60-percent better fuel economy and a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating while getting 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

• Mercedes says the front cupholders in the 2009 M-Class will hold two 32-ounce beverages or a single 44-ounce beverage.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class comes standard with blue-tinted glass.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be equipped with an SD card reader slot and four gigabytes of music storage capability with Gracenote artist and title information when the optional COMAND navigation system is ordered.

• Mercedes-Benz offers Search and Send technology on the 2009 M-Class, which allows the owners to email destinations to the optional navigation system for subsequent route calculation and guidance.

• The optional voice-recognition technology aboard the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is so sophisticated that, according to the automaker, it can screen out “umms” and “ahhs” and understand that “yeah” means “yes.”

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be equipped with a single-slot, in-dash CD changer that can play DVD video and audio.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be equipped with an iPod/MP3 interface that integrates play lists with the vehicle’s audio system and steering wheel control buttons, and charges the device while music is playing.

• When equipped with Sirius satellite radio, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class includes a free six-month subscription to the service.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be equipped with a rear seat entertainment system including dual 8-inch video screens, headphones, and jacks for connecting video games.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec’s turbodiesel engine redlines at 4,500 rpm.

• Mercedes-Benz says the 2009 ML320 BlueTec can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 131 mph.

• Mercedes-Benz says the 2009 ML350 can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 131 mph.

• Mercedes-Benz says the 2009 ML550 can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 131 mph.

• Mercedes-Benz says the 2009 ML63 AMG can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has 29.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.34Cd.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG weighs more than 5,000 pounds.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has a standard ground clearance value of 8.3 inches (7.1 inches for the ML63 AMG).

• When equipped with the Airmatic suspension, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be raised up to three inches over its standard ride height to achieve a maximum of 10.5 inches of ground clearance.

• When equipped with the Airmatic suspension, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class automatically lowers itself half an inch when vehicle speed exceeds 77 mph for better stability, less aerodynamic drag and improved fuel economy.

• The standard tire size for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is 295/40R20.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has a turning radius as tight as 37.9 feet, depending on model and equipment.

• When equipped with the optional cornering fog lights, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class automatically illuminates the area to the forward side of the SUV’s intended direction of travel whenever the driver uses the turn signal or turns the steering wheel.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is equipped with an on-board lap timer.

• The 4Matic all-wheel drive system on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class splits torque 40:60 between the front and rear wheels.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available with an Off-Road Driving Program that electronically modifies and optimizes drivetrain and traction systems for traveling off the pavement.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available with Downhill Speed Regulation that limits the SUV to a pre-determined crawl speed for descending steep hills when traveling off-road.

• The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.