For all you people who thought of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (aka SUVs) as luxury vehicles for moms who wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan, think again. Yes, this is vehicle made for packing it in, but it also now happens to be a lot faster and sexier than it used to be. Have I got your attention? Especially you men out there? This is a vehicle that is fast and looks good, which is pretty much what you all want, right? Yes, this week's test vehicle has undergone quite a transition from its ML500 days. For 2008, it's equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine (hence a new "ML550" designation) that has increased its power by more than 26 percent. It's also undergone the styling knife of AMG, Mercedes' performance arm, so it has never looked so good either. Meet the Mercedes-Benz ML550, gentlemen. And though saying the ML550 has undergone a 26-plus percent power increase might sound a little prosaic, in translation that means this particular ML model now shoots from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

That's right: 5.6 seconds. And it's not just fast, it's super-fast. What's more, this big ole SUV shoots off-the-line with no hesitation. I was amazed at how fast and easily the ML550 accelerated. As trite as it sounds, it felt like it was on rails, which is considerable praise for a vehicle of this size. That's what 382 horses and 391 pound-feet of torque will do for a vehicle. And though there's some torque steer, you'll soon forget that when you feel the unbelievably smooth shifting of the ML550's 7-speed automatic transmission, the only such production gearshift in the world. Mercedes dropped that into place because it's a transmission that allows the driver to skip up to three gear ratios when downshifting if necessary. More importantly, the company did so because it helps save gas, thanks to a torque converter and special lock-up clutch that provide a more direct connection for better fuel efficiency.

And just so you know: Unlike most Mercedes vehicles, this transmission isn't controlled by a center console shift. It's now a steering column stalk. But it still has "Touch Shift" buttons for manual gear shifts. Basically what that all adds up to is a vehicle that is not at all basic-looking. AMG has made the whole vehicle more dynamic-looking from its new grille and steeply angled windshield to its wide wheel wells, dual exhausts and rear spoiler. Even the running boards are interesting. Inside, there aren't a lot of changes, though a power sunroof is now standard equipment. Here's what else you need to know about this vehicle. For one thing, the brakes have been upgraded to match the vehicle's new speed and I thought the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist did an excellent job of bringing it to a halt. The ML550 has big 19-inch wheels and tires. And they are yet another reason why this SUV feels so stable and planted on the road. It's grown. The unibody M-Class is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and the wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer for a total wheelbase length of 114 inches. Those extra inches also provide the ML550 added presence and stability to the road . The test vehicle featured the Airmatic air suspension, which features three height-adjustable suspensions: comfort, normal and sport. The difference from comfort to sport is, not surprisingly, the most noticeable and the most fun. The ML550's nice, big carpeted cargo area can hold up to 72.4 cubic feet of stuff. 86,425 and you should also know that the M-Class earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has 5-star frontal crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Listed below are the Shocks and Struts that are designed to work with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML550. Please review the vehicle options and installation notes, to ensure you select the correct product for your Mercedes-Benz ML550. Need assistance selecting the right Arnott or Bilstein product? Bilstein B3 OE Replacement coil springs are designed to replace your vehicle's original springs. Bilstein B4 OE Replacement air dampers are designed to replace the original air suspension systems on many European brand vehicles. Bilstein B1 OE Replacement air suspension compressors are designed to replace the original suspension air compressors on select European vehicles. Bilstein B1 OE Replacement components are direct replacement suspension parts for your vehicle. Bilstein B6 Performance dampers are a performance upgrade to OE dampers designed to be paired with the OE factory spring. Bilstein B6 Performance dampers are a performance upgrade to OE dampers designed to be paired with the OE factory spring. Bilstein B4 OE replacement air dampers are designed to replace the original air suspension systems on many European brand vehicles. Bilstein B3 OE Replacement coil springs are designed to replace your vehicle's original springs. Bilstein B3 OE Replacement coil springs are designed to replace your vehicle's original springs. Bilstein B3 OE Replacement coil springs are designed to replace your vehicle's original springs. Bilstein B3 OE Replacement air suspension air bags are designed to replace the original suspension air bags on select European brand vehicles. Bilstein Steering Racks are OE replacements designed for European passenger cars and vans. Bilstein Steering Racks are OE replacements designed for European passenger cars and vans. Instructions: Arnott AS-2450 Installation Instructions. 100.00 Core charge, refundable with return of core. Instructions: Arnott AS-2792 Installation Instructions. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML550Installation Notes: Fits models with AIRMATIC, without ADS. Instructions: Arnott AS-3058 Installation Instructions. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML550Installation Notes: Fits W164 chassis models with AIRMATIC, with ADS. Note:Single shock. This shock should be replaced in pairs.

Pricing shown includes all applicable dealer fees including Freight/PDI, Admin, EHF Tires, Filters and Batteries, and applicable provincial fees. Prices do not include taxes, insurance and license fees, as well as any other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change without notice. Dealer may sell for less. Please contact the dealership directly for exact pricing details and total prices. Note: Vehicle may not be exactly as shown. Some vehicles may be shown with optional equipment or equipment not available in Canada based on the Government of Canada-approved testing method and as published in Natural Resources Canada鈥檚 Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Regarding towing capacity listed: Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer, if the trailer is equipped with a separate functional braking system. Please make sure to comply with local trailer load regulations.