Mercedes ML320 first road test review

Mercedes-Benz had the world media drive for the ML320 in Vermont, USA. One would wonder why they would select the state of Vermont. The reason is not only for its beautiful countryside but also because Vermont has the strictest emission norms in the ‘lJS along with California.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Bem introduced the BLUETEC technology for passenger cars. This also coincided with the introduction of low sulphur diesel in America. The E320 BLUETEC was voted as the World Green Car of the Year 2007. The new ML320 BLUETEC meets the demanding criteria of the American BINS emission standard and also has the potential to fulfill the stringent EU6 norms.

The new face-lifted ML320 to be launched in the US will have the BLUETEC which is an AdBlue system that uses an aqueous urea solution injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter. This innovative emission control technology optimizes the engine and the combustion process to reduce untreated emissions as far as possible. This includes electronic engine management, four-valve technology, common rail direct injection with piezo-electric injectors and a turbo charger with variable turbine geometry and gas recirculation. Oxidizing catalytic converters are used to minimize emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (He).

Mercedes-Benz has always been known to be the trendsetters in the auto industry and the new ML boosts the company’s reputation even further. The new car has been substantially upgraded with fresh styling touches and improves quality making her even sportier. The appearance of the M­ Class is now marked by more dynamic yet at the same time crisp and clear lines giving it a more powerful look. The front end is dominated by a new robust bumper and headlamps that merge into the pronounced step. This step continues seamlessly down and around the radiator with its distinctive contours. The new larger lower set radiator is another element brimming with character. The three wide black louvers with the large rectangular air outlets and gleaming chrome give a solid structure to the radiator making the new M-Class more muscular and imposing. The low mounted fog lamps set well to the outside on the new look under guard give the off-roader a wider and an even more dynamic look. The rear bumper with its integrated reflectors has also been restyled giving the M-Class a more poised and planted look from the rear. The reverse lights also feature darkened indicator lenses and a smoked glass look on the rear windows.

The interiors are as always very well appointed and appear absolutely elegant. The four-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with its chrome trim gives you excellent feel. The shifter paddle falls in the right place making shifting up and down a pleasure. Driving the ML in Vermont was a bit of a pain as the local police enforce the speed limits very stringently. The maximum permissible speed limit is 55Mph and at most times I was down to a 35Mph limit. The countryside had beautiful driving roads to explore the limits of most cars if not impeded by the speed limit. Nonetheless, on such roads, the ML was so refined that it made you feel like you are not merely driving but floating in the air.

The ML320 BLUETEC diesel engine is mated to the 4Matic 7G-TRONIC gear box. It delivers excellent performance with such refinement that it is impossible to tell whether it is a petrol or a diesel engine. The power delivery of the 2987cc engine is extremely refined and puts out 210bhp at 3400rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1600rpm and 2400rpm. Select drive mode and you are in business. The ML cruises along merrily at any speed you determine. It is one of the most effortless and pleasurable SUVs. The strong power characteristics of the engine make overtaking a real joy as you just need to exert a little pressure on your right foot and you are flying.

The new ML320 is leaps and bounds ahead compared to its predecessors in all departments. Inspite of driving at permissible speeds in the US where I could not push her to the limits, the feedback from the car was positive. She has definitely lost the body roll and sway that the older car had. We also had the pleasure of driving the Euro-spec ML on a special off-road course. I have specially mentioned the Euro-spec because the US models don’t have the off-road package. On this ML, you can adjust the ride height making it a serious off-roader as well. Her capabilities of tackling deep ruts and steep inclines as well as slopes were put to test and she came out with flying colours.

The good news is that the new face­ lifted car should be in India by the end of the year but we will not get the BLUETEC technology as we do not have low sulphur fuel.

Tags: Beautiful Countryside, benz, BLUETEC, car of the year, Catalytic Converters, common rail, Electronic Engine Management, Emission Control Technology, Emission Norms, Exhaust Gases, first review, green car, Ljs, Low Sulphur Diesel, M-Class, Mercedes, mercedes benz, Mercedes Ml320, mercedez, ML320, New Ml, Passenger Cars, review, road test, State Of Vermont, SUV, Turbo Charger, Unburned Hydrocarbons, Valve Technology, Vermont, Vermont Usa

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