Mercedes ML 350 CDI of 231 CV 4Matic, road test (Part I)

Today we bring you the test of a legendary vehicle in the luxury 4×4 segment, because the Mercedes ML has more 4×4 credentials than its SUV looks might suggest. The unit we tested is equipped with the 350 CDI diesel engine producing 231 CV, with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 7G-Tronic gearbox.

The new (third) generation was presented not long ago, which is precisely why we couldn’t let this opportunity pass to test the second generation, on the market since 2005 with small changes that have kept it up to date, a very interesting 4×4.

If we had to sum up this luxury 4×4 in a few words, the most important things are its build quality, good off-road capabilities and a powerful, sufficient diesel engine to move the ML. It is precisely the engine we will be discussing in this first part of the test.

Engine and performance

Its 2,987 cubic centimetre engine (designated 350) delivers 231 CV, with a generous torque of 510 Nm, but this performance is needed to move the more than two tonnes (2.1 tonnes) of this ML. That said, when we press the accelerator the car responds forcefully, making you forget the weight, dimensions and size of the vehicle, making the most of all those horses and ensuring a firm response to the throttle inputs.

This V6 engine pushes from 2,500 rpm up to 4,000 rpm, the accelerator has two zones: the first accelerates more gently, and then if we press fully down we feel a kind of stop where the car delivers maximum power while holding at 3,000 rpm and making our ML move in a very agile way.

Paired with this powertrain is a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the 7G-Tronic, which stands out for its quick operation and smoothness. It has no Sport mode, but we can operate it sequentially, and it also features paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Handling

When we set off we feel the car’s weight, pulling away under normal conditions (and as long as we don’t floor it) is calm, its V6 engine also gives the car a gentle character, and the gearbox doesn’t show gear changes, so comfort is high.

As I mentioned before, if we want a firmer response we simply need to modulate the accelerator pedal, where we feel the V6 under the bonnet start to work hard and we forget the size of the car.

The gearbox has no Sport mode, but we can change the response of the suspension and steering with a Sport mode that firms up the steering and shortens body roll, making the ML a fairly agile vehicle for its dimensions and weight.

Although undoubtedly the dominant trait inside is ride comfort, the suspension is tuned for comfort, the steering feels rather soft (although it improves in Sport mode), while the braking system does its job, stopping the Mercedes ML without problems.

Fuel consumption

Average consumption on motorways was 8.2 litres per 100 km, a reasonable figure for its power and weight, while on country roads we hovered around 9 litres per 100 km, though with calm driving.

In town is where the figure soars, since constant starting and stopping sends consumption up considerably, but driving with some care we achieved an average over 50 km of 11.5 litres per 100 km (we can expect around 12 litres per 100 km on average).

Off-road/4×4

As I mentioned at the start, this is not an SUV, but the ML surprises with its 4×4 qualities. It doesn’t reach the level of some benchmark models in this field, but it certainly keeps its distance from other luxury SUVs.

We must bear in mind that it has all-wheel drive, air suspension, hill descent control, an electronic programme acting as a low-range gearbox, and differential control (all of this is optional, Off-road pack).

We took it through some tricky sections, both in terms of traction and angles, and the ML passed with flying colours without problems, partly thanks to a good traction system and the ability to raise the car’s suspension by three levels, which improves off-road clearance.

Photos | David Taboada and the test team