Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI Luxury 2008 Review

Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI Luxury

What we liked
>> Excellent diesel V6
>> Manners on-road and on dirt
>> NVH

Not so much
>> Gear selector
>> Seats
>> It's worth the money, but still beyond the reach of most

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
The American-built M-Class in its first iteration was a vehicle that left a bit to be desired. Although it did feature many of the virtues typical of Mercedes-Benz products, it was not all that capable offroad. The latest generation (W164) M-Class, first released here in late 2005 (more here), is an altogether better machine and Mercedes-Benz has further tweaked the vehicle by adding equipment for the new model year.

Externally, the upgrade model -- which Benz markets as the 'M-Class 4MATIC' -- can be identified by revised bumpers and headlights, a larger radiator and high-contrast tail lights. For the range-topping ML 63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz has specified redesigned front and rear aprons and a chrome sump guard.

All variants of the M-Class are now trimmed in two-tone leather (a choice of black/cashmere beige or black/alpaca grey) and a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel of a new design is fitted also. Mercedes-Benz has developed a UCI system (Universal Communication Interface) to complement the upgraded telematics system in the new M-class.

And for Australian buyers who will take their vehicles offroad -- or even just those who don't trust space-saver spares -- Mercedes-Benz is now offering the M-Class with an externally-mounted spare wheel as an option.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
There's a suspicion here at the Carsales Network that the upgraded M-Class reflects the recent strength of the Aussie dollar. Rather than reducing the price, Benz has dumped more bits and pieces in each variant of the M-Class to make it more appealing, with just a relatively small price rise in each case.

Whether this tactic will be sustainable now that the local currency has taken a dive against the US Dollar is presumably an issue that will be occupying the deliberations of product planners at the Great Wall of Mulgrave (Benz's corporate HQ in Melbourne's outer southeast).

In the meantime, the revised model range is priced from $81,000 for the entry-level ML 280 CDI -- an increase of $615. That extra sum is more than offset by the following features formerly options, now fitted as standard: five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, UCI media connection for iPod integration, NTG 2.5 MP3-compatible six-disc audio system with five-inch monitor and Bluetooth connectivity.

Standard features for the ML 280 CDI (including those new for 2009) are: three 12-Volt power outlets, MP3-compatible six-disc CD audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, front cupholders, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, electrically-adjustable front seats, reach/height adjustment for steering column, climate control, Artico artificial leather trim, aluminium decorative trim pieces, leather-bound steering wheel, front and rear fog lights, auto-on/off headlights, heated/electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.

The 200kW/350Nm ML 350 now costs $94,000, an increase of $3022. A further $3000 above that is the 165kW/510Nm ML 320 CDI, which is now priced at $97,000 -- an increase of $2844 beyond the price of the previous model.

The ML 350 and ML 320 CDI are identical in specification. As with the entry-level ML, they have been upgraded with the following former options, now fitted as standard: a new five-spoke design of 19-inch alloy wheel, an electrically-adjustable front passenger seat with memory function, the NTG 2.5 audio system (as per the ML 280 CDI's, but with Comand APS, DVD navigation, SD card slot, four-gig hard disk drive, 6.5-inch colour monitor, 'Convenience Telephone' operation and Linguatronic voice activation), UCI iPod integration, reversing camera and upper dashboard trimmed in Artico synthetic leather.

Without making a song and dance about it, Benz has effectively launched two new models into the ML range with this upgrade. Most of the ML 350/320 CDI models sold here will be shipped in equipped with 'standard' Luxury and Sports Luxury packs, but Benz also offers 'stripper' versions to special order -- basically the same equipment level as the ML 280 CDi for a $9500 discount from the recommended retail pricing. That's $84,500 for the ML 350 or $87,500 for the ML 320 CDI.

So normally, both the ML 350 and ML 320 CDI are 'Luxury' grade variants sharing Luxury Package and Sports Luxury Package over the ML 280 CDI grade.

The Luxury Package comprises a compass, a memory function for the driver's seat, multi-zone climate control and the NTG 2.5 system as described above. This package also includes 19-inch alloys, electro-chromatic feature for internal and driver's-side rear view mirrors, fold-in external mirrors, burr walnut decorative trim, full leather upholstery and Artico trim for the dashboard top.

Based largely on the Luxury Package, the Sports Luxury Package adds sports pedals, sports seats, sports instruments, aluminium decorative trim in lieu of the burr walnut trim and an Artico/Alcantara trim combination in place of the full leather.

Barely registering on the retail pricing Richter scale, the 285kW/530Nm V8-engined ML 500 moves up just $126 and is now priced at $127,500. Added features comprise a new five-spoke design of 20-inch alloy wheel, wood/leather combination steering wheel, Artico trim for upper dash, glass/electric sunroof with tilt/slide function, NTG 2.5 Comand APS entertainment/information system as described for the ML 350/320 CDI and UCI iPod integration.

Over the ML 350/ML 320 CDI Luxury grade, the ML 500 gains a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system, multi-contour backrests for front seats, aluminium-look roof rails, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, semi-active air suspension with active damping, blue-tinted glass, exterior chrome highlights, radiator grille finished in sterling silver colour, front and rear simulated underbody protection finished in stainless steel and the upgrade features already mentioned above.

At the very tip of the M-Class hierarchy, the 375kW/630Nm ML 63 AMG's price picks up $255 (now $167,500). As for the ML 500, the ML 63 gains a new five-spoke design of 20-inch alloy wheel, although this one is supplied by AMG. Other new features include the NTG 2.5 Comand APS system, UCI iPod integration, Nappa leather trim for the upper dash and a digital/analogue TV tuner.

Other standard features over the ML 500 specification include ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel with remote buttons for gearshifting, AMG instruments, AMG heated front sports seats trimmed in Nappa leather, anthracite poplar wood decorative trim, stainless steel decorative trim for front door panels, alarm with tow-away protection and interior motion sensor, AMG braking system, sports exhaust, sports suspension, powered tailgate, brushed aluminium side steps, unique badging, radiator grille in gloss black finish with chrome highlights, AMG body kit and metallic paint.

[Ed: The Sarah Palin-branded baby seal skin driving slippers are optional...]

Benz offers several option packages for the M-Class, including the 'Offroad Pro Engineering' package which comprises adjustable air suspension, an automatic locking front diff, centre- and rear-differential operation modes (two-mode locking for the centre differential, manually lockable rear differential), underbody protection, selectable dual-mode transmission (Standard/Manual) and a dual-range transfer with a 2.93:1 low-range ratio. This option is not available for the ML 63 AMG, but can be specified for the ML 500 at a price of $3100. For the lower-spec models, the option pack costs $6400.

In addition to this option pack, the M-Class can be upgraded with the Vision Package ($4800, but not available for ML 500/63 AMG), the Premium Package ($4400 for the ML 63 AMG, $5300 for all other variants) and the Exterior Sports Package (not available for ML 63 AMG, standard for the ML 500 and $2000 for all other variants).

The Vision Package comprises a Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround-sound audio system, bi-xenon adaptive headlights and a glass/electric sunroof. For the Premium Package, the additional features are heated and ventilated luxury front seats, Distronic adaptive cruise control and Keyless-Go. Features bundled into the Exterior Sports Package include aluminium-look roof rails, 20-inch alloys in a five-spoke design, blue-tinted glass, stainless steel front and rear underguards, the radiator grille in Sterling Silver colour and extra chrome highlights for grille, rubbing strips, exhaust tips, window sill strips and luggage compartment loading sill.

MECHANICAL
The W164 generation is not by any means an unknown quantity. All the different engines -- two V6 diesels, a petrol V6 and two V8 petrol engines -- are mounted longitudinally ('north/south') and drive through seven-speed automatic transmissions to a permanent all-wheel drive system.

Focusing specifically on the 3.0-litre diesel V6 in the ML 320 CDI driven, peak power is 165kW, occurring at 3800rpm, and maximum torque of 510Nm is developed between 1600 and 2800rpm. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, based on ADR 81/01 combined-cycle testing, are respectively 9.6L/100km and 254g/km.

The M-Class is underpinned by independent suspension all-around. Steering is a conventional hydraulically-assisted rack-and-pinion system and brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid rotors at the rear.

PACKAGING
The ML 320 CDI's interior was attractive and airy. There was no shortage of room in the vehicle for adults, but we were surprised to note from MB's specs that the luggage capacity was just 500 litres with the rear seat raised.

Lowered, the rear seat provided a further 1500 litres of luggage volume (2050 litres in full). Plainly, the 'Big M' is carrying a lot of gear under the floor...

Among that gear is a space-saver spare. You can upgrade to a full-size spare with an external wheel carrier if you like -- but it will cost you $4500 extra and you can forget about the reversing camera that's almost de rigeur for those who intend to drive the M-Class in suburbia.

Alternatively, buyers can opt for a full-size spare that sits under the floor, but that requires a raised floor. Benz tells us that the price for this dealer-fit accessory, which may vary, will be roughly $2800 -- including the wheel and tyre. This option will further diminish the available luggage capacity, so that needs to be taken into consideration by prospective M-Class buyers.

Check out our abovementioned launch review for more information.

SAFETY
Active safety in the ML 320 CDI is something we can confirm from personal experience (see 'ON THE ROAD' below). The vehicle tested -- as with all M-Class variants -- was fitted with ABS, Brake Assist, a speed limiter, stability control, traction control, rain-sensing wipers and auto-on/off headlights.

On the passive safety front, the ML boasted two-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (for the thorax) in front and rear, side curtains for head protection, 'Neck-Pro' active head restraints and Benz's 'Pre-Safe' pre-emptive crash safety system.

In Euro NCAP testing, the latest M-Class scored five stars for safety, three for child safety and just one for pedestrian safety, the last reflecting the fact it's a large SUV and there's only so much that can be done to safeguard pedestrians from such a vehicle -- one that has to be raised high for offroad ground clearance.

COMPETITORS
Somewhat surprisingly, there are quite a few competitors to the ML 320 CDI. For a start, there's the BMW X5 xDrive30d, Audi's Q7, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Range Rover Sport, Volkswagen Touareg -- and even the Benz's own sibling, the GL 320 CDI.

At a pinch too, if offroading is as much your reasoning for buying the ML in the first place, you might also consider the Toyota LandCruiser 200 series, also available with a diesel, although the Toyota -- in top-spec Sahara trim -- is the one vehicle in this crowd that's actually more expensive than the ML 320 (other than the GL with the same engine).

What are the respective merits and pitfalls of these competitors? With the Jeep, you get the same engine as in the ML 320 CDI Mercedes, but for about $30,000 less. The Jeep is the only vehicle in this group that gets by with a five-speed automatic. All the rest offer six speeds and the two Mercedes models are right up to scratch with seven-speed units.

The LandCruiser (Sahara) costs over $10,000 more than the ML 320 CDI, but develops more torque from its diesel V8 and would be one vehicle in this company with resale potential approaching that of the Mercedes. Not to take anything much away from the Toyota, but if safety's a consideration, the ML 320 CDI is probably ahead on points.

If we consider the ML 63 for a moment, the competitor set takes on a whole, more accelerative bent. Look at the above list, tick the box for performance variants, add the Porsche Cayenne GTS and you'll be close.

ON THE ROAD
Unfortunately, our exposure to the M-Class was limited, both in the sense of time spent with the vehicle and the test environment. Mercedes-Benz had organised a drive program around Mount Macedon, to the west of Melbourne, and back to the airport. There were some dirt roads tackled, but other than giving us a taste of the ML 320's composure on faster 'rally roads', there was no opportunity to apply offroad testing for the SUV.

On the road, the ML 320's diesel V6 proved to be both refined and muscular, with a purposeful engine note. When required to be quieter, it was, and the seven-speed automatic was a good match for the engine. With the paddle-shift facility, it was highly responsive but without jarring shifts or any other untoward vices. The paddles also compensated for the transmission selector, positioned on the right side of the steering column.

The transmission selector is the same as used in the S, CL and R-Class models and is not unlike the lever BMW used in its E65 7 Series. Although it worked adequately during our time in the vehicle, another journalist on the launch found neutral when least expecting it -- with the car still on the move.

The ML was very quiet over a broad range of road surfaces and isolated the vehicle occupants from much of the worst thrown at the vehicle by corrugations and loose gravel on unsealed roads.

As already mentioned, the drive program didn't provide much of an opportunity to test the M-Class offroad, but we can state categorically that its grip on a dry dirt road was impressive.

We discovered this almost by accident, as we approached a blind left-hander on dirt, to find a Corolla travelling from the opposite direction was occupying about 1.8 metres of road width, but unfortunately, it was the 1.8-metre section of the road straddling the centreline. The ML pulled further left and braked without even tripping the ABS and avoided the other 'king-of-the-road' Toyota.

Our co-driver for the program was also impressed that we could avoid the oncoming car without scuffing the alloy wheel on the inside of the corner -- such was the precise control the M-Class could muster in the situation.

The ML's steering was well modulated and the vehicle was neutral, with a tendency to oversteer predictably on dirt -- a handling trait quickly reined back in by the stability control, but not too quickly.

There was, for this reviewer, one particular issue that let down the ML 320 CDI, Generally, the driving position was good -- with instruments easily read and controls placed in the appropriate position, notwithstanding previous comments concerning the automatic transmission selector -- but the seats weren't that well contoured.

They were, in fact, rather flat and lacked much in the way of support for offroad excursions or even faster cornering on-road -- cornering that the ML is quite capable of achieving.

That's a shame, because the ML 320 CDI is a very good package, taking everything else into account. It's like one of those blemishes that buyers might choose to ignore or suffer in silence, because the rest of the vehicle represents good value and acquits itself very well in a range of situations.

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