The Mercedes-Benz ML500 4MATIC was a variant of the W164 M-Class that was introduced for the 2006 model year. The ML 500 4MATIC was initially powered by Mercedes' M113.964 engine, which was a 5.0L V8 with an output of 306hp and 339 lb ft of torque. Drive was sent to all four wheels through a 7 speed automatic transmission that was paired to Mercedes' 4MATIC all wheel drive system. For the 2008 model year, Mercedes began fitting the ML500 4MATIC with their new 5.5L M273.963 V8 engine, leading to North American variants being renamed ML550 4MATIC, although the ML500 4MATIC remained in use for other foreign markets. Production of the W164 Mercedes-Benz ML500 4MATIC lasted until 2011 ended in 2011, when it was replaced by the next generation W166 Mercedes-Benz ML500 4MATIC.