Mercedes ML 350 BlueTec 258 hp test drive (Equipment, overall assessment and price)

We have reached the end of the test that has kept us busy this week. Specifically, we have driven a Mercedes ML 350 BlueTec 258 hp. Besides driving it, we told you about our impressions of the engine, handling and consumption in the first part of the test.

In the second part we focused on styling, well, on styling and interior space, analysing the design of the new Mercedes ML and assessing the space it offers its occupants, one of its strengths. In the third part we turn to the equipment, the prices of the Mercedes ML and our overall assessment of the car.

>Engine, performance, handling and consumption >Exterior design, interior and practicality

Equipment

Within the equipment, going through the standard safety features, we have multiple airbags (front, side and curtain), including a knee airbag for the driver, stability control, the PRE-Safe system, which anticipates a possible collision and prepares the car for it, adaptive brake lights that detect when we brake hard and flash, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (collision warning with adaptive emergency brake assist included), or the drowsiness detection system.

As standard, every Mercedes ML comes with: dual-zone automatic climate control, Audio CD 20 with Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights, cruise control, seven-speed automatic gearbox, electric mirrors, tyre pressure sensor, LED rear lights, among other features.

Although the most extensive part is the list of options, since, as befits a premium car, you can equip the Mercedes ML with whatever you want. Some of these options we have already mentioned, such as the off-road technical package with air suspension, but there is still a long list to cover.

In terms of safety, the equipment already mentioned can be complemented with the blind-spot warning system or the unintentional lane-change assistant, as well as adaptive cruise control that maintains speed relative to the car ahead, braking if necessary. We must not forget the bi-xenon lights -2,284 euros-, which offer excellent illumination; they also incorporate automatic high beams and cornering lights that respond to steering input.

The navigation system on our unit was the most complete and expensive -3,887 euros-, and comes packed with features (hard drive, application support, internet connection via mobile phone, voice control, auxiliary connections and USB port…), but the speakers were the standard ones (8 speakers), which sound correct until we turn the volume up, where they show a bit less power than you’d want for a vehicle like this, at least in my opinion, since I am someone who places considerable importance on the sound system. That said, for an extra cost everything is solved, as there are two optional sound systems (the most expensive of which is signed by Bang & Olufsen).

An extra also included on our unit was the four-zone climate control, which increases comfort in the rear seats, but it is dispensable since the standard equipment is complete. The front seats on our unit were electric (AMG PACK), but they were not heated -498 euros-, nor did they have memory -1,303 euros-; both features have to be paid for separately, which is undoubtedly something to improve on an off-roader that starts at 61,000 euros.

Price

• ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC 204 hp 61,149 euros
• ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 258 hp 66,674 euros
• ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY 306 hp Petrol 66,300 euros
• ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY 408 hp Petrol 88,100 euros
• ML 63 AMG 525 hp 126,500 euros

The price of our unit, including the various optional extras, came to around 93,000 euros, although it came fully equipped.

Overall Assessment

On getting behind the wheel of the new Mercedes ML the first thing we noticed is the generational change, in the engine, performance and handling, the changes are significant, and it is now a much more dynamic vehicle than the previous generation, and it is one of the most versatile premium 4x4s I know. I mean versatility, because of this SUV’s different abilities, from enjoying driving on the road to taking it off the tarmac with complete confidence (the latter is an ability in danger of extinction among SUVs).

The design has changed and been updated, and that is where personal tastes come in. What we did notice is that the quality remains at a high level and the interior space is ample for five occupants. Some details of the equipment surprised us, on one hand, it optionally incorporates the latest technologies in comfort and safety, but there are still gaps in the standard equipment and you have to go through the long and costly list of options for elements that should be standard.

And for those who do not plan to take it off the tarmac, the Mercedes ML is a very comfortable vehicle on the road, for covering miles without barely noticing, isolating the driver and occupants from what happens outside the car. In terms of dynamics, it still has a rival that slightly outperforms it -BMW X5- but this new generation of the ML closes the gap with the Bavarian.

Photos | R.R. and Diego G. Moreira