| Week at the Wheel | Mercedes-Benz ML 350 CDI |
Key Facts
Model tested: Mercedes-Benz ML 350 CDI BlueTec 4MATIC Sport
Pricing: £46,355 (£65,720 as tested)
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
Combined economy: 39.2mpg
Top speed: 139mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Power: 258hp at 3,600rpm
Torque: 620Nm at 1,600- to 2,400rpm
Inside & Out:
We'll make no bones about it; compared to the previous model this latest edition of the Mercedes ML is something of a disappointment. Indistinct lines, a rather bloated silhouette and bland detailing are only lifted by the subtle bright-work and imposing Mercedes grille on the nose.
Thankfully the criticism can't be extended to the interior, which is, in contrast, leagues ahead of the old car's. It's not exciting to look at, with a simple dashboard layout and little in the way of flair, but the plastics are high quality and the switchgear solid too. There are masses of space as well, both front and back, along with a 690-litre boot.
Ride & Handling:
The ML is big and heavy, and it matters not what technology is employed there is no ignoring the laws of physics. And as such the ML 350 CDI drives very much like the large SUV that it is - even though our example was fitted with Airmatic suspension and Active Curve control.
To be fair the latter does help resist body roll, and even under hard acceleration and braking both pitch and dive are well contained. There's also plenty of grip, and bends can often be tackled at a speed far higher than your brain would expect such a car to handle. And once the corners are dispensed with the soft and supple suspension proves relaxing and comforting at speed, the ML seemingly soaking up everything that is thrown at it.
Admittedly the steering could do with some more feel; you find yourself adjusting your angle too often when entering an apex or even traversing a motorway. The weighting around the dead ahead is decidedly odd as well, though this does improve as you add some lock. Of course that doesn't matter too much off-road, where the height adjustable suspension and off-road switch (which primes systems like the downhill speed regulation, traction system and hill start assist) mean the ML is actually more capable than its suburban image would have you believe.
Engine & Transmission:
The 2.1-litre diesel engine in the ML 250 CDI might make the most sense on paper, but in reality it's this larger 3.0-litre V6 diesel found in the ML 350 CDI that hits the sweet spot. Not only is it economical (nearly achieving 40mpg) but its 258hp and 620Nm make for impressive performance - the 0-62mph dash is dispensed with in only 7.4 seconds.
It certainly feels quick from behind the wheel, with masses of torque and quick response to any accelerator input. Refinement is another feather in its cap, with little to no noise or vibration making their way into the cabin. It's all made possible thanks to the seven-speed automatic gearbox, the top ratio of which allows for relaxed motorway cruising speeds especially.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
The ML 350 CDI may not be the lightest SUV at just over two tonnes, but it is one of the more efficient options out there. Official economy is just a shade below 40mpg and CO
2 emissions only 189g/km - the resulting £250 road tax considerably less than that of a Land Rover Discovery. However, despite the standard-fit stop-start system it's worth noting that the real-life economy figures are likely to be closer to 30mpg.
And of course it's not cheap to buy; our test example featured a further £19,385 of options to the already considerable £46,335 list price. To be fair the standard car is actually quite well equipped, though the leather is artificial and the Becker satnav rather aftermarket.
