nope the ml is just a 5 seter the previous model had the 7 seat option but not the current one i think due to the gl it would hurt gl sales

yet i think mb should with the next gen do a 7 seater gl and ml and make the gl based on a s class and the ml on the e class

The 7 seat option just doesn't make sense in an ML or any other SUV this size. The BMW is a joke. THe old ML was a joke. It isn't exaclty huge in the GL.

The R class has the best room of the bunch, by far. You can comfortably fit 6 six foot adults in the R. It is the look that turns most off, although I love it. I like the SUV look, but I also like the modern flowing lines on the R-class.

I'm biased since I own and drive an R. If you can swing the dough the R320 is the smart choice - although they have a de-tuned diesel version (R280?) available in Europe - for the same reasons as the 7th seat - to broaden the car's appeal (improved fuel econ. and more passengers). Keep in mind it was intended originally as an executive jet with elbow room for passengers. One person commented on mine "it's like a limousine" due to it's long rear side doors. The Americans would be happy to sell you any used R class for between 30K US and 34K US - and I've noticed shipping info to Germany as well as Canada, the latter country showing the car on its "admissibility list" since this world-marketed model seems to have been over-designed to meet most (if not all) safety specs world-wide without need for significant changes to bumpers, headlights etc. There is a reason other manufacturers are now coming out with features such as a "Glass Roof" (ie. the Mustang for 2009). Mercedes leads the way!! You'll find a small and growing group of R devotees out there, especially if they alter sytling or stop manufacture in coming years.