Video: 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550

The ML has been redesigned this year, most noticeably around the front end with a large grill, large Mercedes emblem. It's really striking on the road, very menacing looking. And it's a look we're seeing on the other Mercedes, like the new C class as well. The ML 550 that we have here has a V8 engine with 382 horsepower. It's really fast, heavy on the performance. There's also an ML 350 which has a V6. So if you just want the Mercedes SUV without the big V8 engine, you can go that way too. Besides an impressive V8 engine, the ML comes with a ton of technology features, some good like it's keyless entry system, some bad like the nav system. Mercedes ML has a keyless entry like a lot of other luxury cars, but this one is extremely sensitive. One of the most sensitive we've ever tested, which is a good thing. If you just put the fob in your pocket and you kind of forget about it, you literally just put your hand around the handle (lock clicks) and it senses you're there and unlocks. Other cars, you actually have to pull once and then it unlocks before it allows you to open the door. So this one's really sensitive and it's just one motion then. The ML comes with an optional suspension package. With the touch of a button, you can put it into a sport mode or a comfort setting. The default isn't automatic. We're not quite sure why you wouldn't just default to comfort if you have something like this. You can also really tell the difference between the sport and the comfort settings. Not so much the, the default, but when you put in comfort, the ride is a little cushier, a little softer. And when you put it into sport, you do take corners a little more sharply. So it does actually work, but it is an extra option. The suspension package also comes with a rising feature so you can actually lift the suspension of the car. The car actually lifts up on it's suspension so you can go off-roading. But you can't go at high speeds, it only goes at slow speeds so you have to be a serious off-roader to take that package. These days, everyone has a nav system or an LCD screen system even if you just have an entertainment package. This Mercedes one is not one of our favorites. Some of the other Mercedes out there like the C class and the S class have really nice ones. We're not quite sure what happened here. It's really hard to use the navigation knob here. All of the screen has buttons on the side to select different features instead of being a touchscreen. It is so laborious to put in a destination I just gave up. So, (laughs) I just used an old map. It is by far one of the worst features in the car. The MLS new exterior and redesigned interior are very impressive, very elegant. The ride is soft, It's comfortable. Plus, there's a sporty nature as well with the V8. So you really can't look past those things even if some stuff like the nav system get in the way. <v Announcer>For additional information on this car or any other go to cars.com and our blog KickingTires.