It's funny when you think about it: luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is selling expensive vehicles that rely on a diesel engine to help drivers save a few dollars on fuel...
It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, but maybe the German manufacturer is onto something: some consumers are willing to pay more for the look and prestige, but for everything else, they want to save every penny they can. The ML320 CDI -- not to mention other diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz products -- directly targets these people.
Hard-working V6
Don't let the 215 horsepower fool you. It might not seem much for this type of vehicle, but it's all backed by 398 lb-ft of torque available at a ridiculous 1,600 rpm. As a result, performance is very entertaining to say the least. What's more, the engine is quiet and pretty responsive during passing maneuvers.
Average fuel economy at the end of my road test amounted to 11.6 L/100 km, which is quite good for an all-wheel drive SUV weighing more than 2,200 kg (4,800 lbs). A trip from Montreal to Windsor cost me $70 of fuel.
The 7-speed automatic transmission makes good use of the available power, although it seems to have a hard time downshifting smoothly at very low speed. When you're coming to a full stop, the autobox relies a bit too much on engine braking, which produces jerky downshifts that some drivers will find annoying.
Great driving dynamics
The seats are very comfortable and the suspension is firm yet relatively compliant. The ML320 CDI is easy to drive, with pleasant handling and confidence-inspiring braking performance.
With the AWD system, you feel like you could take on anything Mother Nature throws at you. The noise level inside is so low that occupants have no problems hearing each other even when whispering. My only complaints are the wide turning radius and the small, ill-positioned outside mirrors.
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| The ML320 is capable, fuel-efficient and easy to drive. |
It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, but maybe the German manufacturer is onto something: some consumers are willing to pay more for the look and prestige, but for everything else, they want to save every penny they can. The ML320 CDI -- not to mention other diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz products -- directly targets these people.
Hard-working V6
Don't let the 215 horsepower fool you. It might not seem much for this type of vehicle, but it's all backed by 398 lb-ft of torque available at a ridiculous 1,600 rpm. As a result, performance is very entertaining to say the least. What's more, the engine is quiet and pretty responsive during passing maneuvers.
Average fuel economy at the end of my road test amounted to 11.6 L/100 km, which is quite good for an all-wheel drive SUV weighing more than 2,200 kg (4,800 lbs). A trip from Montreal to Windsor cost me $70 of fuel.
The 7-speed automatic transmission makes good use of the available power, although it seems to have a hard time downshifting smoothly at very low speed. When you're coming to a full stop, the autobox relies a bit too much on engine braking, which produces jerky downshifts that some drivers will find annoying.
Great driving dynamics
The seats are very comfortable and the suspension is firm yet relatively compliant. The ML320 CDI is easy to drive, with pleasant handling and confidence-inspiring braking performance.
With the AWD system, you feel like you could take on anything Mother Nature throws at you. The noise level inside is so low that occupants have no problems hearing each other even when whispering. My only complaints are the wide turning radius and the small, ill-positioned outside mirrors.
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| The engine's performance is very entertaining to say the least. |