The new Mercedes ML pics and details from Detroit-Part two

OK the ML looks better than the current model (marginally), it has allegedly better build quality and materials than the current model, and its a refreshed model so we can expect US sales to rise.

Big questions are (i.) can the ML compete against a rapidly growing list of competitors and (2.) what's a reasonable sales forecast

Well the competition is fierce and set to get tougher (BMW X3 and X5, Lexus RX and GX, Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne S, VW Toureg, Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport, Infiniti FX and QX, Acura MDX, Cadillac Escalade and SRX, Mercedes' own soon to be introduced R class Sports Tourer)

Take a look at the list again, seven years ago almost of these vehicles types did not exist from their manufacturers. The ML was introduced, I think, in the US 1998 model year. At that time the only real import competitor was the Land Rover Discovery. Sure Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Ford and GM, Toyota had SUVs but they were generally not positioned as premium models.

So what's the point - the point is the competition is dramatically tougher, the market is segmenting and unless this Merc ML has stellar reliability and class leading abilities (luxury, vehicle dynamics) its not going to excite the marketplace.

I predict dramatically higher ML sales in the US in calendar 2005 and 2006 (because its new and will get some press) and then an abnormally fast drop-off in sales in the US starting in the 2007 model year. Presumably with a weak dollar / strong Euro the German buyers will take up the slack and ML production will be ok for the next three or four years. However Merc will probably regret they didn't take more chances with the redesign.

I've already said what I wanted to say
except that could have been the next murano