There's just no stopping the Mercedes- Benz expansion program.

Each year the luxury car maker adds a few new models, and 2006 is no different.

For starters, there's Mercedes' new ML Class SUVs, which debuted earlier this year. The old series was often criticized for having poor quality materials and an interior design unworthy of Mercedes products.

They won't be making that criticism of the new model. Rich, textured surfaces abound everywhere, replacing the hard plastic surfaces of the old model. The leather is both richer and more comfortable. The dashboard has been tastefully redesigned with lots of accents that add to the glitter and glamour of it all.

	mbusa
	The Mercedes ML500 SUV was remade after the earlier model was criticized for poor quality control and a so-so interior.

The only drawback I found to the interior is the presence of a confusing new shift lever on the steering column, which places the gear stops at points that most drivers will find unfamiliar. I found myself engaged in Reverse when I really thought I was in Park. Park is engaged by pressing in a button on the lever.

The ride is much nicer and the performance and handling livelier on the new ML class. That's partly because instead of the trucky body on chassis style of construction, it now has a more rigid and quiet unibody construction. An optional "Airmatic" suspension and more horsepower adds to the fun.

There is a 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 on the ML350 model, and a 302 horsepower V-8 on the ML500, and both get a new seven speed automatic transmission for more performance, efficiency and fuel economy.

A potential drawback for the new ML class is that it does not offer a third row seat -- a feature that growing numbers of consumers want. That could mean the ML will be at a competitive disadvantage with such makes as Acura MDX and the two Lexus larger SUVs.

But the ML has the advantage now of more class and charisma, and that may well save the day for this model.

The other new model for Mercedes -- at least at the beginning of this sales season -- is the new and racy looking Mercedes R class. It's a three-row, six-seat sports tourer with a plush, futuristic interior that has some eye popping features. They include such items as a seatback video system and second row seats that can slide back and forward at your pleasure.

Its styling is a bit more avant garde for Mercedes, with an aggressive roof lines, diving character lines along its flanks that make it look racier still and unusually shaped taillights.

Prices weren't available for the R Class, but I suspect they will start at just under $50,000. But with a normal complement of luxury items, you may find yourself paying quite a pretty penny for this one.