Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first official photo of the new ML-class SUV that should be on sale in Canada by the spring of 2005 as a 2006 model.

The ML350 and ML500 will debut at the Detroit auto show in January and should appear shortly thereafter at auto shows in Montreal and Toronto.

According to the German firm, the new and larger M-class is ''characterized by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines, and a sharply angled windshield'' and has ''stepped up another gear.'' It's a lot smoother than the boxy model it will replace, which is evidenced by a drag-coefficient of 0.34 for the new model instead of 0.37 for the current model.

It comes with a bunch of new equipment, including three new and more powerful six-cylinder engines and a more powerful version of the current V-8, though we'll only get two of them to start, and a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

The ML was a huge hit right out of the gate seven years ago, winning the coveted North America Truck of the Year Award and going on to strong sales. But since then the market's been flooded by better looking competition with higher quality and much superior interiors in its price range, and below.

So Mercedes is hoping that the new model can regain some of the buzz of the original model, which, like the new one, is built in a plant in Alabama.

To that end, the new ML is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider, 9 mm lower and sits on a wheelbase that's 95 mm longer than its predecessor, which should have an impact on its interior room and provide it with a more hunkered-down, less truck-like attitude.

According to the office in Stuttgart, ''you need look no further than the design of the new M-Class, with its beguiling blend of heavily contoured surfaces and taut lines to admire the majestic character of the second-generation SUV. The swept-back windscreen, striking front wings and rising shoulder line set the unashamedly sporting tone, a theme developed by the proportions of the body.''

The new M-Class is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 9 mm lower on the road than its predecessor and its wheelbase has grown by 95 mm to 2915 mm.

This model uses and all-new unibody platform as well as a redesigned suspension that is said to ''deliver more on-road driving performance and comfort.''

According to Mercedes-Benz North America, ''new and useful technology abounds in the 2006 ML, including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective full-time four-wheel-drive system, and such optional features as height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension.''

The revised four-wheel traction control now incorporates such functions as a downhill driving aid and Hill-Start Assist.

The ML350 uses an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 268 hp, and the ML500 comes with a 302-hp 5.0-liter V-8. As yet, there are no plans to import either of the diesel engines, though that could certainly change.