Ride and drive
The ML320 BlueTEC is bound to impress even the staunchest anti-diesel campaigners when it comes to operational refinement. The engine is quiet, and non-diesel-like in its harmonics and sound track. That's not to say that the diesel-wise won't detect its subtle diesel characteristics but for the most part, this diesel's more creampuff than oat bread.
Consistent with ML-Class attributes, the ML320 BlueTEC delivers a well-controlled, pleasant ride that's secure and quiet. Forward visibility is outstanding although head restraints and side-glass contouring tend to impede side and rearward visibility. Fortunately, large side-view mirrors are in place to assist.
To diesel or not?
Diesel engines have been revolutionized of late, and from the exposure I've had to iterations from various manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz is leading the way in the passenger car field with their BlueTEC version. It delivers a serious wallop of torque while returning impressive fuel economy and spewing remarkably low levels of toxic emissions; this is all good.
The on-board computer in my tester hovered in the range of 10-11 litres per 100K of city driving once the vehicle was up to proper operating temperature. Yes, I've become a diesel convert. Too bad diesel is so expensive.
Much of the credit for today's clean diesel engines goes to the development of low sulfur diesel fuel. Sadly, the cost of diesel fuel is presently running at 20-cents or so a litre above unleaded. We're told that's due in part to the extra refining expense incurred in the manufacture of clean diesel....hmmm. Hopefully the pricing imbalance will soon find equilibrium with gasoline, and clean, efficient diesels will gain popularity in all segments of the automotive industry.
photo:Rob Rothwell
The ML320 BlueTEC is bound to impress even the staunchest anti-diesel campaigners when it comes to operational refinement. The engine is quiet, and non-diesel-like in its harmonics and sound track. That's not to say that the diesel-wise won't detect its subtle diesel characteristics but for the most part, this diesel's more creampuff than oat bread.
Consistent with ML-Class attributes, the ML320 BlueTEC delivers a well-controlled, pleasant ride that's secure and quiet. Forward visibility is outstanding although head restraints and side-glass contouring tend to impede side and rearward visibility. Fortunately, large side-view mirrors are in place to assist.
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| The ML320 BlueTEC is bound to impress even the staunchest anti-diesel campaigners. |
To diesel or not?
Diesel engines have been revolutionized of late, and from the exposure I've had to iterations from various manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz is leading the way in the passenger car field with their BlueTEC version. It delivers a serious wallop of torque while returning impressive fuel economy and spewing remarkably low levels of toxic emissions; this is all good.
The on-board computer in my tester hovered in the range of 10-11 litres per 100K of city driving once the vehicle was up to proper operating temperature. Yes, I've become a diesel convert. Too bad diesel is so expensive.
Much of the credit for today's clean diesel engines goes to the development of low sulfur diesel fuel. Sadly, the cost of diesel fuel is presently running at 20-cents or so a litre above unleaded. We're told that's due in part to the extra refining expense incurred in the manufacture of clean diesel....hmmm. Hopefully the pricing imbalance will soon find equilibrium with gasoline, and clean, efficient diesels will gain popularity in all segments of the automotive industry.
photo:Rob Rothwell
2009 Mercedes M-Class ML320 BlueTEC 4MATIC
2009 Mercedes M-Class ML320 BlueTEC 4MATIC
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