So I'll take that as a nope....nobody knows.

You'd think someone that works at Mercedes would be in these forums dropping a few hints from time to time.

ML would be much better if it had a nav system like Acura. The current Command system is making the ML tecnologically obsolete.

Well, I think a lot of people have answered your question.

2009 should be the facelifted model year (?), which means it's gonna be a typical MB facelift. New head lights/tail lights/grille/bumpers/mirriors and probably that new '350 engine.

For the interior, I wouldn't expect too much. A new steering wheel and very little changes to the interior layout.

If you want COMAND III in the current ML, good luck my friend. That won't happen until the next generation M-Class (2012??). There are currently two versions of COMAND III. The one in the S/CL and the one in the new C. The other versions are the one in the new E/GLK and the facelifted SL. According to a memeber here, only the facelifted SL is getting COMAND III. I can see why they'd spend the extra dough on the SL, but no way would they retrofit COMAND III into the current ML. That would cost a whole lot of money to do.

If you like touch screen GPS, get a portable one. I don't see MB using a touch screen COMAND system any time in the future.

Still just a lot of conjecture. Since they are going to launch the ML450 Hybrid, they might do a little more to bring the ML up to date. Slapping in a different screen where the current screen is and re-kitting the armrest console to fit a knob and a couple of buttons doesn't seem like a huge step for them to gain some functionality and bring it up to date. They obviously recognize the need to update the systems, and with the new E, a new SL coming, they may not want the ML to be the only orphan using the old system for another 4-5 years.

I'll still cross my fingers for them to do something. The ML is good...but with a new higher-def screen and more functionality, it would be better.

If they do it for the SL (which is still not sure), it is true that they eventually could do it for the ML.
But I honestly don't think so.

The SL is getting a bif face-lift, because it will last longer than previewed, and much longer than a normal car; and its Comand is getting really old too.

The ML will have a normal MB-FL, meaning really small. New lights and bumpers, maybe new colours, some new options, little modifications in the interior, and that's it. No big change. (yes, new motors too).

Don't hope the Comand III, you may will be surprised... Or not. But at least you won't be deceived...

How about this for a thought. It has been rumored that Apple was working on a nav/command system with Mercedes-Benz. Rumours have it to be a touch screen similar to the new iPhone. That touch screen could easily fit in the current command system location and not require a knob placement or significant interior redesign.

Keep in mind the first iPod integration kit was launched on the 2006 M-Class so Apple and Mercedes do have a history of partnership. The rumours had it as been available for 2009 models and could possibly be in a re-designed M-Class. That being said...the rumour mill has been quiet for a while, but then agin...apple can keep a pretty tight lid on rumours.

The new E-Class doesn't appear to have a touch screen system based on spy photos of the interior, but that doesn't mean they couldn't put something in the M-Class.

I'm going to remain pessimistically optimistic.

I've just read in a German thread that the ML will get the FL in the summer 2008, and will have a new Comand APS. So I think, updated Comand, maybe the Comand III but I don't think so. I expect an upadted version of the current one.

4 more years of the current command system would simply be too painful. Even Mercedes-Benz has to realize that the user/nav technology is very important to the customer...and looking too out of date will hurt sales.

Aren't the ML, CLS, SL, SLK, and others due for a facelifts all supposed to get new uniform Comand/Nav system?

M

Yes they will, a derivate of the Comand III, and Mercedes says "more user-friendly". Don't think it will come with the Comand Controller though, but it is absolutely sure the Comand will be updated ans simplified for ML, SLK, CLS ansd SL.

So now that we've seen the SLK facelift...I am guessing this is what the new telematics for the ML will look like:

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