Choosing is the hardest thing to do. Really, it is – and it is an affliction unique to the richer classes. Poor people don’t get to choose – just look around the next time you fly coach. As for cars, the Great Unwashed get air conditioning, cloth interiors and whatever safety equipment the government forces automakers to put into their little tin boxes.

Or they can buy Korean, and get the airbags for free. It’s always better to have the cash – then you can buy everything – but there’s a lot of everything from which to choose. Mercedes-Benz understands this, and has built two simple M-Class models to soothe the agony of choice: the ML 350, at a sticker price of $39,750, and the ML 500, for almost 10 grand more at $48,500. Either are solid choices with long standard feature lists. From a driving enjoyment perspective, it’s hard to argue with the ML 500 and its 5.0-liter V8 engine. Plus you get chrome exhaust pipes – those have got to be worth a few thou on their own.

Powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 horsepower, the ML 350 is a nice ride – but it pales in comparison to the 5.0-liter V8 engine, which rates 306 horsepower. The real difference, however – the one you pay for – is an astonishing 339 lb.-ft of torque at 2,700 rpm, about 80 lb.-ft more than the V6 at 2,400 rpm. Thanks mainly to that torque boost, the ML 500 feels as though it fits, hand in glove and driver’s expectations to car. And while the ML 350 has a fine V6 powertrain, there is a slight feeling of compromise in the way it drives. Both vehicles have the new Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard features on the ML 350 include a new full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring downhill speed regulation; start-off assist; off-road four-wheel-disc antilock brakes; a new four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+); Hill Start Control; and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Safety equipment includes side and curtain airbags for all rows; seatbelt tensioners and force limiters; and a tire pressure warning system.

Inside, one-touch up and down power windows, a tilt/telescoping power steering wheel, PETA-mandated standard cloth upholstery in lieu of leather, eight-way power front seats with power driver lumbar, and a rear 60/40 split folding bench seat with fold-down center armrest and adjustable headrests come standard. There's also an eight-speaker sound system with speed sensitive volume and a CD player, automatic dual-zone climate control, an interior pollen and dust air filter, rear heating and air conditioning ducts, and aluminum interior trim. Exterior standard features include 17-inch, all-season performance tires mounted to alloy wheels, and an intermittent rear wiper/washer. Mechanical highlights include power rack and pinion steering, independent double wishbone front suspension, independent multi-link rear suspension, and a rear stabilizer bar. Additional features included in the sticker price are a latching power liftgate and a full-size spare tire under the cargo floor – a needed change from the previous version, which kept the spare under the car where it was hard to reach and got dirty.

Moving up to the ML 500 brings you the larger V8 engine, and more standard features. A full spate of standard telematics includes automatic collision notification, concierge services, emergency response, roadside assistance, security system notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote unlocking, and a Tele Aid vehicle location system. The ML 500 also comes standard with burl walnut genuine wood trim, a non-PETA inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a chrome grille.

Select options include a fully automatic power liftgate ($520), a navigation system ($1,240), Sirius satellite radio ($500), Thermatronic triple-zone climate control ($750), and front heated seats ($690). A slew of option packages include the Trim Package ($2,200), AMG Sport Package ($4,500), Appearance Package ($2,550), Appearance with Chrome Wheels Package ($3,350), Premium Package ($6,150), Comfort Package ($1,450), Lighting Package ($890), Entertainment Package ($1,080), and a rear cargo management system.

The most significant package, however, is the Air Suspension Package ($1,775). The Air Suspension Package, dubbed AirTronic, offers different suspension settings: sport, normal and comfort. The difference between the settings is noticeable; sport mode takes a soft and boaty ride and turns it into a more road-tuned driving experience.

If you want a performance freak on the road with all the comforts of home, get the chrome grille, V8 engine and go torque-swimming with the ML 500 for around $50,000. If you’re not so interested in burning off your eyebrows with sudden bursts of speed, opt for the $40,000 ML 350. Either way, you will be happy with the standard equipment. The most critical options are the Air Suspension Package, power liftgate, and rear cargo management system. Also consider the Off-Road Pro Package with its upgraded four-wheel-drive transfer case, but only if you think you may actually get your M-Class dirty.