Mercedes-Benz ML500 Reviews

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

You have just paid something over $120,000 for your new toy and you are feeling like the cat's whiskers. It's big, it's luxurious and crammed under that stubby little bonnet is a big V8 that can launch you and your 2-tonne plus plaything from standstill to 100km/h in under six seconds.Do you care about the price of petrol? Do you give a passing thought to fuel economy? Do you need to be flung at the horizon at that sort of velocity? Not a chance — but this is still a free society and you do have the right to offend the sensibilities of a greenie at any turn of the road.And, if you choose to exercise your rights to conspicuous consumption there seems little reason to do so in anything but comfort.Well, do Mercedes-Benz have a car for you — the latest ML500. Large, luxurious, comfortable and powerful — the 5.5-litre V8 with 285kW and 530Nm guarantees that — the ML500 is everything that gets the hackles up on those who love to hate SUVs.From it's 2.2-tonne bulk — well disguised under a stylish (in that size 16 way) body — to its 19-inch wheels the ML is a poster child for urban assault vehicles. Mercedes boffins have worked diligently to make the big V8 as fuel efficient as possible.They should be commended on squeezing an additional 60kW and 60Nm over the outing 5.0-litre unit; while reducing fuel use to an ADR rated 13.4litresper 100km.Not that you are ever going to see that figure in the real world. Settle for around the 15-litre mark and don't be surprised when it gets a few points higher. This is, after all, an engine that demands enthusiastic application bolted to a very substantial vehicle with a permanent four-wheel-drive.The fact that the figures that can be achieved are achieved is a credit to the ML's no-nonsense seven-speed automatic. It is smooth and well sorted with enough of a ratio spread to deal with some low-gear crawling or highway cruising. Where the ML500 truly surprised was when it was out of what most would consider its comfort zone — real offroading.Most of the ML500s sold in Australia will never see anything more than a dusty road or a muddy polo field, yet, despite its luxury, the big Benz is a labourer at heart.Shod with low profile road tyres and without locking diffs or low range gearing (available as an option pack for those who really want to bash their luxury 4WD around) the ML was unfazed by some relatively serious free-ranging. Up and down steep loose-rock slopes, through moderately deep wading and across shifting surfaces the ML500 gave not a moment's cause for concern.The standard-fit air suspension helped with an elevated ride height at low speeds, defaulting back to the highway setting as the speed increased. The ML500 has the 4Matic all-wheel-drive electronic transfer system as standard, including traction and stability control.The package includes anti-lock brakes, eight airbags, active head restraints and the brand's award-winning Pre-Safe occupant protection system, which ABS and stability control sensors detect an imminent impact before it occurs.The car then prepares all of its passive safety features, primes the airbags and seat belts, and closes windows and the sunroof to maximise the level of occupant protection.It would be too kind to say that the big off-roader — it earned the right not to be lumped in with the soft-roader brigade — was an outstanding highway experience. Competent, certainly, but a little fidgety off freeway-smooth surfaces. While it soaks up the more undulating road imperfections, the active damping does struggle with sharper bumps such as corrugations and allows a fair degree of body roll through the twisty stuff.However, all of this can be tolerated while you are cocooned within the ML cabin. The seating position is excellent, the seats themselves trimmed in good leather and well styled for comfort and support.Throughout, the sense of space is never compromised, except maybe behind the passenger seats where the short rear styling of the rear does give the luggage area a truncated look.If you are not travelling with the full complement of souls then longer loads can be accommodated by folding the split rear seat.There are some special touches in the ML that don't always make their way into the top-end vehicles. Mercedes have taken the sensible — it should be compulsory — step of running a reversing camera through the dash-mounted satellite navigation and DVD screen. The cost is minimal and the safety benefits enormous.More on a feel-good level is the Harman Kardon Logic7 entertainment system. The 440W surround sound system runs 12 high-performance speakers (including a sub-woofer).Self-cleaning Bi-Xenon headlights with the ALS (active light system) cornering technology and dynamic range adjustment light up great swathes of the road ahead.Try as it might, the ML500 is never going to be invited to a Save the Planet rally. Its stablemate, the somewhat greener ML320CDi diesel may make the cut but not the Big Fella. Those that own it probably don't care. The bottom lineIt's everything you expect ... and a few things you don't.  Snapshot Mercedes-Benz ML500Price: $120,874Engine: 5.5L/V8; 285kw/530NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, all-wheel driveEconomy: claimed 13.4L/100km; 14.9L/100km as tested The rivalsBMW X5 4.8iPrice: $118,300Engine: 4.8L/V8; 261kW/475NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, all wheel driveEconomy: claimed 12.5L/100km  Jeep Commander LimitedPrice: $71,990Engine: 5.7L/V8; 240kW/500NmTranmission: Multi-speed (CVT) automatic, all-wheel driveEconomy: claimed 15.5L/100km  Audi Q7 4.2 FSI QuattroPrice: $118,900Engine: 4.2L/V8; 257kW/440NmTransmission: 6-speed tiptronic; all-wheel driveEconomy: claimed 13.6L/100km 

Few if any other European manufacturers have been bold enough to put forward a diesel as their range topper in the small/medium class. But taking a drive in the C320 vindicates Mercedes' decision because the car is simply superb to drive and uses minimal fuel into the bargain.A C350, 3.5-litre V6 petrol variant is available overseas but realistically, it is unnecessary in the face of the smooth and powerful diesel V6 model. We have seen this engine before in other Mercedes vehicles and it works well in all. That's partly due to a prodigious 510Nm torque output, which is on par with a large capacity V8 petrol engine. Even better is the fact that all this grunt is available in the Benz from just off idle speed.Maximum power is a creditable 165kW and along the way to delivering this hefty whack of power and torque, the 3.0-litre turbo diesel sips a frugal 7.4-litres/100km.In pure performance terms, the C320 is no slouch putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in 6.9 seconds.Drive is to the rear wheels via a seven speed automatic transmission that offers sequential change mode side-to-side on the gearstick. A button shift on the steering wheel is optional.Priced from $92,800, the C320 is well specified for the money offering Pre-safe crash protection, eight air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), three zone climate control and variable suspension called Agility Control as standard.A comprehensive list of options is available including an exceptional audio system with a four gigabyte music server on which owners can save a large selection of music.On the road, the C320 shines in all environments but especially when touring country backroads where the bumps and rough stuff are ironed out like they don't exist. Long distance touring is enhanced due to the smooth, silent engine and superb throttle response.Overtaking is achieved in a blink and cruising at high speed registers a mere 2000rpm on the tachometer.In practical terms, the C320 has the same tight turning circle as all C-Class models, a large boot with full size spare underfloor, seats for five in the roomy interior and easy to operate controls housed in a stylish dash.Mercedes offers the C320 in the sporty Avantgarde spec' as well as the Elegance model. Avantgarde has been a runaway hit with new C-Class buyers.Coinciding with the C320's arrival is the new ML500, a brutally quick luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) powered by a 285kW/530Nm, 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. The previous ML500 had a 'mere' 5.0-litre V8.Weighing in at a well-grounded 2310kg, which doesn't affect the ML's performance out of the blocks where it puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in 5.8 seconds. And this is without gobbling large amounts of fuel. It will deliver an average of 12.9 litres /100km with normal steady driving.Transmission is a seven speed auto with sequential shift. A permanent all wheel drive 4Matic system apportions power to the wheels with most traction. Air suspension controls ride and handling and the ML500 is equipped with a wide range of practical and luxury goodies. And  in case you were wondering, yes, it will comfortably go off road; though why you'd want to take a $120,874 SUV bush bashing is beyond us.

That's because the new M-Class is a considerably more capable 4WD than its predecessor, as we discovered in the muddy backlots of Victoria.The kit which adds a whacking $10,000 to the cost (unless it's the V8) gets you low range, a locking diff, active dampers and adjustable air suspension which boost's the wagon's ground clearance to a whopping 291mm.If you feel an overwhelming desire to get your shiny new Mercedes dirty then the model to go for is the new ML 320 CDI diesel with off-road pack fitted.We always been big advocates of diesel for 4WDs because it produces better fuel economy and because diesel engines are better suited to the demands of off road driving.The new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel replaces the previous five-cylinder ML 270 CDI.It features third-generation common-rail direct injection and the latest in piezo injectors.The lightweight V6 features an aluminium crankcase and delivers 165kW of power at 3800rpm and maximum torque of 510Nm from 1600rpm.Fuel consumption is rated at a combined 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.The diesel is hooked up to the a standard seven-speed 7G-TRONIC sequential auto, with a column mounted gear change ever and steering wheel mounted buttons for changing gears manually.The new M-Class is a much sharper looking car with plenty of eye candy designed to create a decidedly sporty image.Physically it's 150mm longer (now 4780mm), 71mm wider (now 1911mm) and 5mm lower (now 1815mm with roof rails) than its predecessor.The wheelbase has also grown by 95mm to 2915mm.We were able to put the new ML 320 CDI through its paces in a variety of conditions, including some rough off roading.The car acquits itself well on road as a smooth, powerful performer with plenty in reserve for overtaking.It's very quiet with none of the rattle normally associated with oil burners, thanks to the new piezo injection system.The seven-speed auto is exceptionally good, although we can't say we're fans of the column mounted shift, nor for that matter the change buttons.Two buttons are located either side at the rear of the wheel and changing up or down can be accomplished by both.However, we found ourselves losing track of their location and continually chasing them around the wheel.The off road section of the drive route was designed to show the car's four-wheel drive prowess.The air suspension provides little cushioning fully pumped up and although we needed a tow from one of the heavy duty Japanese 4WDs to get up one particularly steep and slippery hill, the M-Class showed it could mix it with the best.The rigid rear mudflaps, however, are prone to damage.The ML 320 CDI is priced from $82,900 before on-road costs.Standard equipment includes permanent all- wheel drive, 17-inch light-alloys, 7-speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), and 4ETS electronic traction control.Parking sensors are also part of the package as well as rain sensor for the windscreen wipers, airbags for driver and front passenger, sidebags in front and rear, windowbags, 6-disc CD changer, cruise control with variable speed limiter, multi-function steering wheel, newly developed crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints, off-road ABS and ASR, anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, auto- matic climate control and tyre pressure loss warning system.

From the cockpit, the new M-Class is opulent and classy.I drove the genteel V6 ML350 and V8 ML500 and found both engines more refined, with less noise or vibration intrusion.And I was surprised by the fuel economy of 11.3 litres/100km in city traffic for the six, and even more surprised about 12 litres for the eight. A honey-smooth 7G-TRONIC seven-speed transmission is largely responsible for the economy.The ride is all about conquering shopping centre speed humps, city street potholes and suburban driveways, rather than rocky hills, slippery creek banks or Moreton Island sands.If you do want to crush some rocks, an off-road pro pack with two-speed high-low range transfer case is available as a $10,150 option on the 350, and only $4900 on the the V8 because it already has the Airmatic suspension.Yet with that air suspension, you can almost forget you are in a big all-wheel-drive wagon.The old ML was in dire need of outside styling changes to the rigid and square lines.While the new ML has much the same dimensions and silhouette, the styling lines, especially around the rear, give the impression of a much softer-looking vehicle.The back almost looks like a Dakar dune buggy, yet it's really an illusion brought on by the shape of the thick C pillar and rear windows.While that C pillar and a thickish A pillar may cause some concern about blind spots, I didn't find them a problem, especially if you set your mirrors correctly.What did cause me some bother was the gear shift lever.Mercedes-Benz has moved it over to the right of the steering wheel like an indicator stalk.The idea was to clean up the centre console and provide more storage space, but it seems Mercedes couldn't help itself and needed to "fussy it up" a bit, so they have placed what can only be described as grab handles on either side.My concern was not about the centre console, but that I would flick the gear shift lever from drive into reverse when I meant to indicate a left-hand turn.And this is possible if you are travelling at parking speed or stopped.So if you absent-mindedly pull up at the lights, put your foot on the brake and flick the indicator left, when the lights turn green . . . womp! Right into the car sitting in the queue behind you.It never happened in the couple of weeks I had the ML350 and ML500, but it constantly nagged my mind.What did happen was that I kept flicking the car into neutral instead of indicating left.Perhaps you would grow used to it if you owned it, just as you do interchanging left and right indicators, and wipers.However, if you own a couple of cars and change between them, there is a margin for error that is greater than just accidentally switching on the wipers.One advantage is that you don't have to slot it into park when you stop; just turn off the ignition and it does it itself.Another cute little feature is that if you don't have the muscle to properly close the heavy rear door, it electronically sucks it in tight. However, it's still way short of the Lexus RX330 which automatically closes at the touch of a button on the rear door or the key fob remote.Unfortunately, lurking inside the ML back door, under a cavernous cargo space with a flat floor and handy tidy storage bins is a space-saver tyre.Genteel it may be, but that's still impractical for Australia. Mercedes says a full-size spare will be coming in the third quarter next year.That's good news for those who want to venture further than the city limits and these cars can certainly take you just about anywhere.