Mercedes-Benz ML250 Reviews

...each one personally signed by chief Horst von Sanden. Letters like this are often about a safety recall or mechanical drama. Not these.They are a personal apology because Benz cannot supply cars to the 500 Australians on the waiting list for its A45 and CLA45 AMG. It's not good news for the frustrated buyers, but it's a reflection of the way Benz has changed from an elitist brand for the right people with no crowding to a prestige company that's running and growing close to the mainstream.Benz still does ultra-luxury and ultra-costly cars like its S-Class limousine and the SLS gull-wing supercar, but more and more people are shopping the brand against a VW Golf or a Holden Calais or something from the middle-class mainstream. So you're more likely to see a three-pointed star on the road, a giant change.There was a time when that emblem on the nose was worth about $15,000 to the group, and a similar bonus for the owner at second-hand time. That's different now, with starting prices from $35,600 for an A180."Think Mastercard. Priceless," company spokesman David McCarthy says of the current value of the Benz badge. "Luxury is not just about price. It's about how the product makes you feel, how well it's made and how well it works." He argues the company is still a prestige brand, even though Mercedes-Benz is currently ranked 12th overall among the 60-plus makes selling in Australia."We are a premium brand in every way. That means premium equipment, premium safety and premium performance. Does that justify a premium? Yes," McCarthy says. "Luxury car buyers in Australia choose Mercedes-Benz more than any other brand, and there is a reason. It's because of the product we offer and where we are positioned. I don't accept that premium and some volume don't go together."How many seats on a plane are first class? Two or three per cent. That's about where we sit, too. We're premium, not premium economy." Lots of top-end stuff technology trickles down through the range after starting life in the S-Class flagship. That's already true of the impressive E-Class, which got a major update in 2013.But it's also true someone driving an S63 AMG that cost $385,000 - before dipping into the extras - is unlikely to be totally happy about the number of three-pointed stars hitting the road in Australia. "I don't agree it's devalued. Someone buying an S-Class might not be in market for an A-Class, but there could be someone else in the family who wants one," McCarthy says.And there is one other point, which also works for the company and its customers. Back in the 1990s, the average age of a Benz buyer was 57 and many had one foot in the grave. These days the average is in the 40s and there are plenty of 20 and 30-somethings in the A-Class family. "Our customers have the choice of luxury, and the luxury of choice," McCarthy says. Price: from $74,900Star rating: 4/5Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 265kW/450NmTransmission: 7-speed twin clutch auto; AWDThirst: 6.9L/100km  THE LOWDOWN Carsguide's Prestige Car of the year is fun at every level. Though powered by the usual AMG V8, but its turbo four is hugely impressive and the go-faster division has tweaked almost everything to ensure it sits comfortably in the range with cars like the C63 and SLS gull-wing. Price: from $59,990 (C200)Star rating: 4/5Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDThirst: 6.8L/100km  THE LOWDOWN You can get a great deal on the current C-Class and it tops the 3 Series from BMW without much trouble despite hitting its run-out period. But it's the new one you really want. The new C is a condensed S-Class and that means it will easily lead its class as well as delivering more luxury than anything ever seen for its size and price. Price: from $82,900 (M250)Star rating: 3.5/5Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel; 150kW/500NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, AWDThirst: 6.4L/100km  THE LOWDOWN When Benz dropped the price of its M-Class starter into the $80,000 range it made a BMW X5 look pricey. The BlueTEC diesel engine loses nothing in performance and provides remarkable economy, while the rest of the package is exactly what you'd expect in a Benz.SECOND-HANDAUSTRALIANS love SUVs, but the best bet in a second-hand Benz is a wagon. The C-Class and E-Class haulers have been remarkably good cars for decades and the latest models bring everything from AMG go-faster ability to a seven-seater cabin in the E-Class.The choice is not as broad because fewer people buy them new, but the rise of SUVs also makes a second-hand wagon a good-value buy. Best of all, when you're driving one you would never know you were driving a wagon and not a sedan - until you reach the supermarket or go to load up the kids' bikes.

If driving a Range Rover or LandCruiser briskly through the bends is akin to pedalling a block of flats, then this is like steering a housing estate.

Britain’s Range Rover had the luxury 4WD market all to itself for many years until the Germans finally entered the arena. Led by the M-Class, Mercedes’ first luxury SUV, this market segment has become highly competitive. There are now also entrants from Mercedes’ biggest rivals, BMW and Audi.Mercedes-Benz M-Class arrived in Australia in September 1997 and has sold well since then thanks to a combination of image, price (more about this in a moment) and genuine 4WD ability. While the M-Class is used by most owners as a luxury station wagon rather than a 4WD, if you choose the right off-road packages it is pretty competent on unsealed surfaces.You wouldn't tackle Jeep’s Rubicon Trail in an M-Class, but it will cope with far tougher conditions than likely to be attempted by 99 per cent of owners. Why mention the famed ultra-tough Rubicon Trail? Because the Mercedes SUV was primarily aimed at the American market - and is made in the USA.Build quality was poor in the early days, but following some serious overhauls in the factory systems things improved greatly. Vehicles from the early 2000 update are noticeably better than the original units. The body on the original vehicle had a fair bit of movement, even squeaks and rattles in the really rough stuff, but was stiffened up for the year 2000 model.The high centre of gravity when compared to a car reduces the cornering ability of the big Mercedes 4WD on sealed roads. But electronic aids in the form of traction and stability controls make it cling to the road remarkably well. Amazingly, the big Merc M-class corners safely at speeds far higher than are likely to be attempted by the average owner.The generation-two models (W164) replaced the original W163 in October 2006 and the gen-three (W166) came to us in April 2012. Each version increased the stylishness of the vehicle, but put ever more emphasis on on-road performance. However, the Off-Road Pro packages are there for those who want to get down and dirty in the serious stuff.There's good interior space and the boot is a good size. As is the norm in the car business each model was larger than the previous, came with more a luxurious finish - and sold in greater numbers. Mercedes-Benz offers a staggering range of V6 and V8 petrol and engines. Diesels come with five or six cylinders, with the great majority featuring the V6 powerplants.Automatic transmissions are fitted to all vehicles, with five forward ratios in the early days and seven since the introduction of the W164 in 2006. At the top of the performance tree are the AMG variants of the M-Class. Improbable as they may seem, the ML 55 AMG and later the ML 63 AMG rocketships are much loved in Australia and ours is one of the world’s biggest market on a population basis.The Mercedes-Benz dealer network is very well established in Australia. Spare parts aren't overly expensive for what the vehicle is. Insurance charges are surprisingly moderate for an imported German luxury vehicle, reflecting some of the cost cutting that has gone into the manufacture of the M-class.Few vehicles are more popular on the Australian used-car market than Mercedes-Benzes with full service records. You will usually be asked to pay more, but wise men say they are well worth the additional money.If you don’t want to be seen driving a large 4WD why not consider a Mercedes-Benz R-Class. These are much more conventional-station wagon in appearance than the M-Class, but are driven by all four wheels and share many major components under the skin.WHAT TO LOOK FORVery few M-Class will have been used in serious off-road conditions; clues are light scratches to the body sides caused by squeezing past bushes and trees, scars on and/or under the bumper corners or scrapes on the underbody protection plates.Carting kids around the suburbs isn't all that easy on a 4WD, either. So have a good look over the interior, particularly at the seats, door pockets and the door controls.Make sure the engine starts easily, even the old-style turbo-diesels in the first models only take a second or two on the glow plugs.Check that the engine idles smoothly from the moment it fires up.On your road test make sure the engine pulls strongly without any initial hesitation, diesels won’t be as responsive as petrols but if you feel one is too slow to react be very careful.The automatic transmission should work almost imperceptibly, even when worked hard by the driver.Try engaging all the 4WD modes to make sure that they operate.Having done your preliminary inspections, always call on the services of a professional before committing yourself.CAR BUYING TIPAnyone buying an upmarket vehicle without a professional inspection - or a large budget on standby - is taking a major risk. 

The just launched all-new Mercedes-Benz M-Class demonstrates just how good the concept was when launched 15 years ago. No more so than in the styling.In profile the new Mercedes M-Class is instantly recognisable by the shape of the swept C-pillar and the way the D-pillar is blacked out to make it seem all but invisible. At the front the changes are more noticeable, with the new, very bold face being closely allied to the sporting look of the latest range of Benz sedans.Aimed at the American market right from the start, the German SUV is actually built in that country, the factory being situated in an area once struggling economically, but now doing very well thanks to the foresight of Mercedes. Being aimed at the Americans means the Mercedes M-Class is very much suited to Australians as well.Though similar in external size to the outgoing second generation M-Class - it’s marginally longer and wider and slightly lower - the gen-three vehicle is noticeably more spacious inside than before. Even better, it has a light and airy feel that makes it appear larger again. Again, the dash area follows the latest Mercedes’ style, with large, easy-to-read speedo and tacho directly in front of the driver and a good-sized multifunction central display screen sitting high to minimise driver distraction.A new range of control stalks gradually being introduced throughout the Mercedes range are a feature of the new M-Class. To our fingers they don’t have the same solid feel as the long-standing older units, but we will probably become used to them with practice. Another change that will be noticed by longtime drivers of M-Class, is the replacement of the somewhat awkward foot-operated parking brake with a finger operated unit near the bottom right of the steering wheel. That is, in the same position occupied by the release lever for many years - a sensible move.The complete 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is priced between $81,400 and $177,900. Pricing of the all-new Mercedes-Benz M-Class is impressive, with drops of several thousand dollars compared with the outgoing model, and that despite the new M-Class having significantly more equipment than its predecessors.A full range of connectivity is offered in the new Mercedes SUV, with Bluetooth streaming, USB and even an SD card. A total of 40 Gb is used in the complex information and entertainment system that, among other things, provides Suna traffic management. Around 10 Gb is available for storage of music and similar files. At this stage only two engines are being imported to Australia due to high demand in other countries stretching the factory’s production output. These are both turbo-diesel units; a four-cylinder 2.1-litre producing up to 150 kilowatts of power and a stunning 500 Newton metres of torque; and a 3.0-litre V6 with an even more impressive 190 kW and 620 Nm. Fuel consumption figures of 6.4 and 7.3 litres per hundred kilometres, respectively, are quoted for the two diesel engines described below. Driven carefully on country trips the ML 250 could cover 1500 kilometres between fills. These new-design diesels, working with a stop-start system, seven-speed automatic, low rolling resistance tyres, clever body aerodynamics and numerous smaller changes have pulled the fuel consumption down by an average of 25 per cent across the new model range.These are astonishing improvements that would have been considered all-but impossible as recently as 10 years ago. These engines, called BlueTec by Mercedes, meet the tough Euro 6 emission control requirements. Making them about five to six years ahead of Australian regulations. Well done, Mercedes. Petrol powerplants with six and eight cylinders are scheduled to arrive as soon as the Australian importer can get hold of stock from the American factory. Also in the pipeline is a red-hot AMG model, we were fortunate enough to test one in the USA earlier this year - and can’t wait to see it downunder...Primary safety is provided by a host of electronic systems, many of them pioneered by Mercedes in the topline S-Class models, as well as daytime running lights (DRLs). Secondary safety sees the fitment of no fewer than nine airbags (including side units front and rear and a driver’s knee bag).Over a two-day period we sampled both new turbo-diesels - the ML 250 and ML 350 - on an extended drive program set by Mercedes-Benz out of Melbourne, along the famed Great Ocean Road and in the hills behind the coast. Even the 2.1-litre engine is likely to provide enough performance for the average owner, with strong torque, and good response from both the engine and transmission. The 3.0 is there for those who like a bit of sport from their diesels. The vehicles are smooth and quiet to ride in, though we did find the ride on vehicle fitted with the 19-inch wheels and 45-series tyres a little on the jiggly side on broken bitumen roads. The front seats are large and support well and there’s a feeling of quality and refinement in the interior that will impress all who travel within it. The thick windscreen pillars - to make the M-Class safer during a crash - blocked our view on some bends, particularly when the roads were dropping downhill and sweeping to the right. Steering is by a new electrically assisted system (part of the fuel reduction package) provides good feel and has the added advantage that the big SUV can parallel park itself should the driver so desire. Road grip is well above that likely to be demanded by the typical owner, thus providing huge levels of safety.The complete 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class range is:ML 250 BlueTEC 2.2-litre turbodiesel five-door wagonML 250 BlueTEC Exclusive 2.2-litre turbodiesel five-door wagonML 350 BlueTEC 3.0-litre turbodiesel five-door wagonML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY 3.5-litre Biturbo petrol five-door wagonML 500 4.7-litre Biturbo petrol five-door wagonML63 AMG 5.5-litre Biturbo petrol five-door wagon

Good news. It’s game on among the German luxury brands, with a fierce contest for hearts, wallets and top global position.Mercedes-Benz is determined to reverse its slide from global second to third spot in 2011, overtaken by Audi – who have their eyes on the top spot BMW stole from Benz a few years back. That’s great for buyers, as the battle plans means prices will be sharpened and models stacked with equipment until the seams start to bulge.The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class launched this week is a textbook strategy – revised, refitted, re-engined and repriced to undercut the competition in the large SUV class.The opening salvo is the ML250 BlueTEC at $81,400, with a 150kW/500Nm 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to the standard seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. The big news is fuel economy improvements across the range, with the ML250’s official figure of 6.4L/100km startling for a large SUV. It also has a 3000kg braked tow capacity (the rest are 3265kg).And the base model is no stripped-out package either. Standard goodies include voice-control for the 17.8cm colour-screen satnav and 40GB hard-drive infotainment system, reversing camera, park guidance, selective suspension damping, 19-in alloy wheels (18-in are optional for those who want to go offroad) and – finally – an electric parking brake instead of the clunky foot one.The ML350 BlueTEC has a 190kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 and returns fuel economy of 7.3L/100km. Priced at $99,900, it scatters extra power, heat and lighting systems around the cabin, but possibly more importantly adds extra safety equipment.The rivals for the two BlueTECs are the BMW X5 30d and Audi Q7 3.0TDI. The BMW is priced from $92,100 with a 180kW/540Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel and eight-speed auto, delivering fuel economy of 7.4L/100km. The Audi is $90,500 with a 176kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel – again with eight-speed auto and 7.4L/100km.With the same spec and price as the 350BlueTEC, the ML350 BlueEfficency gets a 225kW/370Nm 3.5-litre direct-injection petrol V6 with stop-start system, and gives you 8.9L/100km. Against that, Audi has a $95,700 tag on its 245kW/440Nm 3.0-litre petrol Q7 and BMW wants $103,900 for the 225kW/400Nm 3.0-litre petrol X5.The ML500 has a 300kW/600Nm 4.7-litre direct-injected bi-turbo V8 that returns 12.3L/100km. At $119,000 it adds keyless start, powered tailgate and air suspension and adaptive damping. Audi drops out of the game here, but the BMW has the X5 50i at $134,000 with a 300kW/475Nm 4.4-litre eight-cylinder.The ML63 AMG carries the larger V8, a 386kW/700Nm 5.5-litre direct-injected bi-turbo unit with stop-start that helps it get 11.8L/100km. At $178,500 it gets a complete AMG fit-out, including sports transmission, top-shelf everything and premium audio system. Up against that, BMW offers the X5 M at $178,200 with a 408kW/680Nm 4.4-litre eight-cylinder.The designers haven’t gone all-out, but the restrained changes here and there result in a sleeker overall style, with less boxiness – camouflaging the ML’s taller, longer and wider measurements. The size has grown but the weight has dropped, with the help of aluminium front fenders and bonnet. Rear design gets a more cohesive look, with a new wide taillight cluster and metal-look undertray the main changes.The cabin gives plenty of elbow and legroom with the test vehicles’ two seat rows, and a larger colour screen now also sits higher in the dash, making it easier to see. But the cruise control and indicator stalks behind the left side of the steering wheel are still annoying so close together, and the column shift on the right is an unsatisfying way to change gears.Saddle-stitched ‘pleather’ and metal accents everywhere add a hint of business-class, while the second row shares some of the pampering with adjustable backrests.No prizes for guessing it gets the top rating, with nine airbags, high-tech anti-lock brakes with all the electronic helpers - including one that coordinates with the transmission for driving up and down slopes - active bonnet pedestrian impact protection and a host of the best safety technology around, including a drowsiness alert.Weight loss and well-sorted engines are a winning combination. Both the ML250 and ML350 BlueTECs we tested felt lighter than most SUVs could ever hope, and there was never any sense the engines were straining to cope with the load.We would have noticed, because both the engine and cabin are so quiet you could easily hear approaching traffic, even on the highway. They move well from standstill, and there’s more than enough torque for extra acceleration in the 80-110km/h overtaking stints - or to lug a horse float, which is going to be on the cards in view of both the tow rating and the target market.And those buyers won’t be concerned by the steering’s light touch and lack of feedback, which will serve them well in city traffic and the inevitable parking battle of school drop-offs and carparks. They’ll possibly also enjoy the firm suspension’s handling of smooth corners, where the system keeps things on the level.But the penalty is the lack of composure over rough and undulating surfaces, particularly noticeable on the 20-in wheels of the ML350. Hitting rough patches in corners unsettles it, and even in straight stretches there’s still enough movement to mean you’ll be banning food - and food-stuffed kids -- from the cabin.   

It’s bigger, more powerful, more economical and more capable than ever on and off the bitumen, but the toughest job the new Mercedes-Benz M-class SUV will have when it arrives in Australia is convincing customers that a small-car engine is acceptable in a 2.1-tonne SUV.The third-generation ML’s headline act is the very efficient 2.1-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine in its most affordable model, the ML250CDI BlueTEC. It’s an engine familiar to Australians in the C and E-class passenger car range, but this diminutive donk is going to challenge perceptions in a 2.1-tonne SUV in a country where only small cars are supposed to have such small enginesAn expected entry price around $80,000 will no doubt attract attention, as will the ML250’s anticipated fuel economy rating of just 6.3-litres/100km. But still… a 2.1-litre four doesn’t sound very prestigious or impressive, does it? The new M-class will launch March 2012 in three mechanical guises, with most attention focused on the ML250CDI BlueTEC thanks to its leading fuel economy figure teamed with an emission rating of just 167g/km — better than Corolla and Mazda3.The second diesel model is the ML350CDI which employs a more powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine, while petrol duties will initially be left to the ML350CGI and its 3.5-litre V6. In April 2012 a new 4.7-litre V8 model is tipped to join the fray, and will be followed by an ML63 AMG powered by a 5.5-litre turbocharged V8.VALUEMercedes-Benz Australia has not settled on pricing for the third-generation M-class, but we’re told to expect the ML250CDI to come in below the $83,500 ML300 that it replaces.The 350CDI diesel and 350CGI petrol models should carry similar price tags to their superseded namesakes ($90k and $87k respectively), thus representing improved value because of the new equipment and efficiency improvements. All models have a 7-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and a plethora of active safety systems like ESC and brake assist.Many of the systems Mercedes-Benz is trumpeting at the launch will be optional extras in Australia. Active Curve System uses an hydraulic stabiliser bar to keep the vehicle flatter and more stable in corners, but is only available with the optional Airmatic suspension. The On&Offroad package is similar to Land Rover’s Terrain Response, which has six settings that adapt the vehicle’s ride height, 4WD system, electronic stability control and air suspension to suit different terrain types. But it is also optional, and Benz expects less than 10 percent of buyers to pay the extra.TECHNOLOGYBenz has coined the term ‘transparent efficiency’ for the third-gen ML, and it’s easy to see the changes focused on improving fuel economy. For example, Benz replaced the hydraulic steering system with a new electric system which is claimed to save around 3 percent fuel use. The standard seven-speed transmission and various drivetrain components have been revised to reduce friction which in turn reduces fuel use by another 5 percent. But by far the biggest contributors to the ML’s impressive fuel economy figures are the new engines.The ML250’s 2.1-litre turbodiesel four produces more power and torque than the old ML300, and Benz claims it accelerates to 100km/h almost a second quicker, yet carries a significantly lower fuel economy rating (6.0 v 9.8) on the European combined cycle. Australians can expect a figure closer to 6.3L/100km, but that saving still adds up to a 550 litres ($750) in a 15,000km year of driving.The 350CDI also make impressive strides in performance and economy, though not as dramatically as the 250CDI. This 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel has 190kW and 620Nm, up from 165 and 510 respectively. It has the performance to sprint from rest to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds. In real world driving it accelerates effortlessly and can even surge like a robust V8 when pressed.Those preferring petrol engines will have just one option initially, the  350CGI. This direct injection 3.5-litre V6 does not employ turbochargers like its diesel brethren, so its outputs look anaemic by comparison - 225kW and 370Nm - and with a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds, is not as quick as the 350CDI. It’s also more thirsty, consuming 8.8 L/100km according to its European fuel rating. Based on that it’s easy to see why more Australian buyers are expected to pick diesel over petrol, even if it will cost a few grand more.SAFETYMercedes-Benz is confident the new M-Class will earn a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. All models are fitted with front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and brake assist and as well as Benz’s drowsiness detection system, Attention Assist. Active safety systems like Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist will be optional on some models.DRIVINGThere’s no arguing the comfort or the technology in the well-equipped M-class models we drove at the European launch. None of these luxury features like Airmatic suspension and the offroad package will be standard in Australia, but the M-class’s impressive refinement and quietness will. The biggest surprise for us is how capable the small 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine really is.On paper such a small capacity motor should struggle to move a 2.1-tonne wagon, but in reality its 500Nm of torque teams well with the seven-speed automatic to give this most affordable model performance that should cope well with Australian driving conditions. It’s no firebrand, but it has enough acceleration when called on, and doesn’t struggle on hills or freeway situations.We couldn’t get near the European economy rating of 6.0-litres/100km, nor the expected Australian figure of 6.3, but our result of 7.9L/100km after a day of driving in cities and on autobahns is still impressive for a car capable of carrying five adults and luggage in comfort. The interior has been updated for a more contemporary feel while retaining the levels of quality and refinement typical of Benz.The seats are supple and comfortable, there are plenty of storage options throughout the cabin, and the rear seats have legroom to cope with adults without needing compromise from the front seats. Luggage space is generous. We drove MLs fitted with the steel spring suspension that all models will have as standard in Australia, and the optional Airmatic air suspension. And, while it’s easy to feel the difference — the Airmatic has more suppleness and bump soaking and also feel a touch more dynamic — the steel-sprung model is no slouch, though it does feel busier over the bumps.VERDICTThe third generation Mercedes-Benz M-class is nicer to drive, more comfortable and more powerful. It’s also significantly more economical, so Benz has ticked the right boxes. It’s a shame Aussies have to pay extra for some of the headline technology systems, but it’s also hard to dispute the value in a luxury five-seat four-wheel drive wagon with lots of trimmings for around $80,000. The real question is: Are Australians ready for a future where cubes are no longer king? A tiny 2.1-litre engine will challenge perceptions, but it has more torque than a petrol V8 and sips fuel with a small-car thirst. As car companies continue to exploit the potential of turbocharging, cubes are becoming less and less relevant.MERCEDES-BENZ ML250CDIPrice: from $80,000 (est.)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmSafety: 5 stars (est)Engine: 2.1-litre, 150kW, 500NmdBody: 5-door wagonWeight: 2150kgTransmission: 7sp auto, all-wheel driveThirst: 6.3L/100km, diesel, CO2 175g/km