There is a multitude of SUVs and crossovers available to serve the needs of the motoring public. They range vastly in price, performance and efficiency. At the upper end of the price range sits the mid-size ML from Mercedes-Benz, which was launched in 1998; the present generation of this upscale all-wheel-drive (AWD) rig greeted us in 2006. This week's example is diesel-powered, making it fairly unique within the broader SUV/crossover segment.
Can I live with a diesel?
Likely this fundamental question floats through the mind of many a prospective diesel purchaser. How it's answered undoubtedly guides the decision to buy an oil burner or not. Some quick comment: today's diesel technology is immensely better than it was only five years ago; gone in most cases is the incessant clatter and the smoke and fumes.
During my test period, the only annoyance that crept into my divine motoring was determining where the most convenient dealers of diesel stood within my typical range of driving. As diesel gain popularity, diesel-equipped service stations will likely keep pace. At this juncture in history, I had to deviate from my normal routing to fill the ML's tank at a single diesel pump among a plethora of gasoline pumps.
I was dismayed to find that a fraction of my outstanding fuel economy was eroded by the higher price of diesel over that of regular unleaded- it seems to average 5-6 cents more per litre. So the "living with diesel" dilemma isn't so much about the vehicle anymore as it is about the cost and convenience of diesel. Nevertheless, for the right vehicle with the right diesel technology, I could tolerate the secondary annoyances.
What makes the ML320 CDI so special that I would go out of my way to fill it, and pay more in doing so you ask?
The easiest way to answer that question is to flippantly reply, "go drive it," but of course that's my job, so I better get to work. In short, the turbocharged 3.0-litre DOHC V6 diesel at work in the ML320 produces a torque rating that any V8 engine would be proud of while delivering fuel economy consistent with an efficient V6 or even a four-cylinder engine.
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| The ML320 CDI is in every way a premium-level SUV. |
Can I live with a diesel?
Likely this fundamental question floats through the mind of many a prospective diesel purchaser. How it's answered undoubtedly guides the decision to buy an oil burner or not. Some quick comment: today's diesel technology is immensely better than it was only five years ago; gone in most cases is the incessant clatter and the smoke and fumes.
During my test period, the only annoyance that crept into my divine motoring was determining where the most convenient dealers of diesel stood within my typical range of driving. As diesel gain popularity, diesel-equipped service stations will likely keep pace. At this juncture in history, I had to deviate from my normal routing to fill the ML's tank at a single diesel pump among a plethora of gasoline pumps.
I was dismayed to find that a fraction of my outstanding fuel economy was eroded by the higher price of diesel over that of regular unleaded- it seems to average 5-6 cents more per litre. So the "living with diesel" dilemma isn't so much about the vehicle anymore as it is about the cost and convenience of diesel. Nevertheless, for the right vehicle with the right diesel technology, I could tolerate the secondary annoyances.
What makes the ML320 CDI so special that I would go out of my way to fill it, and pay more in doing so you ask?
The easiest way to answer that question is to flippantly reply, "go drive it," but of course that's my job, so I better get to work. In short, the turbocharged 3.0-litre DOHC V6 diesel at work in the ML320 produces a torque rating that any V8 engine would be proud of while delivering fuel economy consistent with an efficient V6 or even a four-cylinder engine.
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| If you think the diesel burner is a slug when it comes to acceleration, think again. |