The big, no-nonsense vehicle has survived in times which have seen lesser rivals struggle. In fact, the ML presses on with strong demand from those who appreciate its virtues and can stand the running costs.
The range on sale in the UK today comprises eight versions, two petrol and six diesels in three levels of trim and are priced from a little over pounds 42,200 to almost pounds 59,000.
I tried the latest 231bhp 3.0 V6 with BlueEfficiency diesel engine and in the high-specification Grand Edition trim.
In common with the rest of the range this comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shift selection available, permanent fourwheel-drive incorporating electronic traction control and hill descent, multi-media info-tainment system and this Grand Edition was fitted with optional air suspension at pounds 1,360, memory package for seats and also a surround sound and entertainment system for the rear seats which added a further pounds 3,100 to the price.
It is not cheap with a total price of pounds 57,855 for this model, but it is extremely comfortable, very well built, very capable both on and off road and it scores very highly in occupant safety.
You sit high and commanding in the ML 350 with good sight-lines all round and you have a reversing camera and sensors to help with parking and turning, very big and effective wipers and bright far reaching headlights.
Performance is respectable and it feels responsive and eager from rest and overtaking. It also steers with confidence and slows very quickly and with utter control and no drama.
With the air suspension it automatically adjusts to load and driving characteristics and it takes road shocks in its stride, although you can hear the wheels riding up or down without upsetting the occupants.
I averaged almost 30mpg, a little way below the official combined consumption, but that is remarkable for a vehicle weighing almost 2.2 tonnes, and shows how effective the latest diesel is when it comes to stretching the gallon.
Facts and figures Mercedes-Benz ML350 CDI BlueEfficiency Grand Edition Price: pounds 57,855 Mechanical: 231ps, 2,998cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via seven-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 137mph 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds Combined mpg: 30 Insurance group: 18 CO emissions: 240g/km BIK rating: 35% Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited mileage
CAPTION(S):
STRONG DEMAND - The Mercedes ML is a big beast in all respects, with excellent roadholding
COPYRIGHT 2011 MGN Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2011 Gale, Cengage Learning
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