2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI Road Test

Tightly bolted to the V6 is Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. The autobox is

2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

properly geared to make the most of the available power; it shifts crisply and smoothly. On a few occasions, I experienced some jerking and hesitating which concerned me however I am certain that this issue was electrical and not mechanical.

Other than the common-rail diesel engine, the ML has another formidable trait; its structural density is almost soothing. The cabin of the truck literally feels like a fort on wheels. Better yet, like being in your bed in the fort while it is moving. The passengers are completely isolated from that harsh reality of the air, noise and traffic pollution. The ML's suspension is primarily designed for comfort; road undulations, bumps and cracks merely annoy the truck. All this plush-poshness does have a negative effect: driving the ML does not feel like driving the ML. Everything about the steering and brakes are so removed from the pavement that I got the impression that I was remotely controlling the ML.

The other diesel factor
The only difficulty associated with diesel vehicles is actually filling up the tank. To this day, diesel pumps are few and far between and are often

2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

filthy and dirty. There is a stark contrast between getting out of the ML and grabbing a greasy nozzle and stepping in spilled fuel. Like in Europe, our diesel pumps will (hopefully) become more common, cleaner and therefore, more inviting.

More diesel
I firmly applaud Mercedes for taking the first step and introducing a real and viable alternative for those seeking the benefits of diesel without compromise. Their recently introduced Bluetec technology has already found interested parties in Volkswagen, Audi and for a short period of time, BMW, which has since backed out of the association. Right now and in the near future, the R320, GL320 and E320 will be at dealerships. It appears that a S420, featuring a 320 hp 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, could also be added to the line-up in the next little while.

The ML's pricing begins at $58,300 and climbs to over $105,000. The ML320 CDI starts at $59,800. My tester retailed for approximately $67,000.

Good stuff:
Fuel consumption
Feel the TORQUE!
Impressive structure

Not so good stuff:
For the moment, filling it up
Zero feedback from pedals and steering wheel

Competitors:
Infiniti FX
Lexus RX / GX
Porsche Cayenne
Land Rover LR3
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Audi Q7
Cadillac SRX

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)