The 'Wow Factor' inherent in the Mercedes-Benz DNA transcends all models. Car Showroom has just spent a week behind the wheel of a mid-range ML320 CDI SUV and the standout quality and technological mastery that highlights the entire 'Benz range was obvious from the get-go.
Now well down the model life of its second generation, the ML-Class has been a global phenomenon for the German company - with good reason.
What You Get
One of two diesel-powered ML models (the other is the entry-level ML 280 CDI), the 320 enjoys the usual 'Benz luxury appointments, on-road dynamics, safety equipment and performance features, with the bonus of fuel consumption below 10.0l/100kms and a range between refueling approaching 1,000kms.
The ML 320 CDI is a luxury SUV for both city and rural buyers, superb on-road and extremely capable off-road…plus of course, you get that unmistakable on-road 'presence' and 'street cred' that comes with this elegant design and it's three-pointed star badges.
Under The Hood
'Benz claimed a world-first with the 320 - the debut of a diesel engine with an aluminium crankcase and cast-in grey iron cylinder liners. Why is this important? Because its lightweight (41kgs) contributes to reduced fuel consumption and improves overall balance for enhanced ride/handling.
The German company is one of the global leaders in diesel engine development and this third generation V6 common-rail direct-injection unit provides 165kW of power and stamps-out a massive 510Nm of torque from as low as 1,600 rpm.
Technology abounds with fuel injected via piezo injectors at very high pressure - up to 180 bar - for maximum efficiency, reduced emissions and fuel consumption. The turbocharger features electrically adjustable turbine blades.
This is an ingenious 'one-box' design, which means it's compact - the engine is a single entity complete with its components and ancillary units (for example the entire air filter system is directly attached to the engine and thus doesn't occupy any additional installation space). The V6 is actually dimensionally smaller than 'Benz's previous five-cylinder diesels.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is 9.3l/100kms.
Drive is through the glorious Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with intelligent shift management and the DIRECT SELECT steering column-mounted lever for fingertip gear selection.
The Interior
Our test car was fitted with the Luxury Package which includes full leather seats (fronts with electronic adjustment), multi-zone climate control air-conditioning and a sunroof.
The Harman Kardon sound system has 12 speakers and an amplifier plus comprehensive Bluetooth phone connectivity. We particularly liked the easy-to-reach number keypad on the center console.
Instrumentation and controls are typically 'Benz high standard - easy to read and operate. The electronic seat and steering column adjustment plus the thick, leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel provide a superb driving position.
Second-row passengers also enjoy nicely sculptured seats and the current-generation M-Class affords improved rear seat space over previous models - leg (+15mm), knee (+35mm) and elbow (+32mm).
Luggage space is surprisingly voluminous - up to 2050 litres with the 60:40 split rear seat folded.
Exterior & Styling
The dynamic look of the current M-Class is stylish but certainly more substantial, athletic and muscular than its predecessor. It's wider, longer and lower and, to our eyes, a completely new approach that isn't really an evolution of the previous generation.
At the front, the three horizontal lines of the grille and the headlight design add to the impression of width while the side view is highlighted by lines and contours running to the pronounced curves and shaped glass at the rear.
One design element that was carried-over from the original M-Class is the forward-slanting C-pillar.
Overall the M-Class presents a unique, contemporary and purposeful look.
On The Road
Its impressive torque dominates driving impressions of the ML 320 CDI. The 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel is a seriously competent piece of engineering and its lusty pulling power translates into strong acceleration (zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds) accompanied by a purposeful exhaust growl that is worth muting the sound system to hear.
We liked the steering column-mounted DIRECT SELECT gear lever, which permits light, finger-tip selection of the gears with a simple push-button to select 'Park'. Benz has used the space freed on the center console to provide substantial cup-holders with inbuilt lights.
And while the previous M-Class was criticized for its less-than-dynamic on-road handling, the current generation is a beauty.
Front suspension is a new double wishbone design with raised aluminium wishbones while the rear employs another new version of Benz's trademark four-link design. Even though it tips the scales at 2270kgs, the ML 320 CDI made mincemeat of our twisty mountain roads test loop.
Refinement levels are extremely high, even over Melbourne's tram and train track crossings. Around town, the ML 320 CDI is as simple to maneuver as any SUV.
As you would expect, driver-assist technology abounds including 'Start-Off Assist' which prevents the M-Class rolling backwards when starting on a steep hill. We were very impressed with 'Tunnel Closing' - if you have any windows or the sunroof open when entering a tunnel or closed car park, simply hit the air re-circulation switch and they all automatically close.
For those venturing off-road, 'Benz has developed the M-Class technology even further and its Off-Road ABS system is a winner. Activated at speeds below 30 km/h it automatically locks the front wheels at regular intervals, causing them into dig into loose surfaces for more rapid stops.
And it wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz without the very best in safety technology including PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control (including a low tyre pressure warning function), belt tensioners and force limiters for all seats, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front and rear sidebags and windowbags.
Challenges
It's minor but the slim, stalk-mounted cruise control operation remains a Mercedes-Benz standard. We reckon steering-wheel buttons for cruise are a better way to go.
Verdict
The ML 320 CDI stamps its mark with a superb diesel powerplant, trademark Mercedes-Benz luxury, quality and engineering. In direct comparisons with its opposition, it also represents good value.
The Competition
Comparisons with BMW's X5 30d are obvious and the ML320 CDI just shades its German rival on power, torque and price.
Volkswagen's Touareg V6 TDI has an edge in power and torque and is cheaper but not quite so sumptuously equipped.
Audi's Q7 3.0-TDI has a tad more power and torque, is dimensionally larger and requires a bit more coin.
Thumbs-up:
Great engine; superb quality and refinement; value
Thumbs-down:
Stalk-mounted cruise control is fiddly
