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2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI Road Test

Diesel power: Is it truly an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline? Mercedes-Benz has banked a great deal on this premise, initially eschewing hybrid-electric technologies in favor of clean diesel,

Great looking SUV is now more fuel efficient and therefore greener. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

a new low-sulfur fuel that, when combined with the brand's state-of-the-art Bluetec after-treatment system, puts an end to the smoky, sooty oil burners of the past. Even the raw diesel fuel hardly smells sulfuric anymore, thank goodness, and these machines run almost as quietly as their gasoline counterparts. So why doesn't every automaker push diesel globally?

That's a good question, because pretty well every brand that sells its cars in Europe offers diesel power. Why isn't there a diesel-powered Land Rover LR3 sold in North America, or a Volvo XC90 diesel offered here? Toyota and Lexus sell gasoline hybrid-electric SUVs, which, while extremely complex and not without their critics, at least try and address the green issue, but other than Mercedes-Benz, only Volkswagen, with its Touareg, makes a diesel alternative available on this side of the Atlantic.

If you've

Sleeker shape than previous ML. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

never driven a diesel-powered vehicle you really must. There's nothing this side of a hybrid that can compare with the standing-start performance, thanks to big torque low down in the rev range, and while most diesels lack the top-end power of an equivalent displacement gasoline engine, modern turbochargers and new multi-gear transmissions make up for a lot.

The ML320 CDI, while not yet featuring Mercedes' ultra-clean Bluetec-equipped 3.2-liter diesel, comes equipped with the most advanced transmission in the SUV world; a seven-speed automatic with manual mode actuated by paddle-like buttons attached the rear of the steering wheel spokes, or it works just as well if left in Drive. It's ultra-smooth and kicks down quickly and easily when called upon, snapping the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 to attention as quickly as any autobox in this segment, and offering a nice tall seventh gear for loping along the highway at a relaxed pace while simultaneously optimizing fuel usage.

And the ML

Sign of the most efficient ML. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

diesel is such a nice highway cruiser, with a suspension that borders on soft, at least until the corners come. I wouldn't go so far to say that it's sporty, but it nevertheless inspires confidence in the curves, remaining planted even when a modicum of body roll sets in. Then again, put the Merc up against the equivalent Lexus RX (which handily arrived on my doorstep the same day that the ML left) and it feels positively engaging.

To use the word engaging to describe the ML's powertrain wouldn't do it justice, as the 3.0-liter diesel, featuring third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, is a whollup in the backside when its 398 lb-ft of torque kicks in. Don't judge a diesel by its horsepower numbers, which in this case, at 215, hardly look competitive with comparative gasoline engines. Torque is what matters in the crossover class, and the ML hustles along nicely with 60 mph rushing by in only 8.6 seconds. For a 4,817-pound vehicle, that's not bad at all.

Both

Beautifully detailed interior features everything most should want. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

crossovers are beautifully detailed inside, with traditional layouts, lots of high-end plastics, nicely finished metals and rich wood veneers, but the ML's more technologically advanced look is more preferable to me. Sportier in its dark gray and dark woods, double bubble primary gauges and dual lower console grab handles, it appeals to my sense of luxury.

The ML's styling works better for me too, by a long shot. In fact, it's one of my favorite crossover designs. Perfectly proportioned, it exudes a solid, masculine look without trying to overcompensate for its nominal off-roading prowess with machismo, yet somehow it also manages to appeal to the fairer sex thanks to graceful lines and an overall lightness to its shape. That three-pointed star up front doesn't hurt its attraction factor either, although the ML is more understated than an S-Class, or for that matter even the new C. Then again, compared to the old ML, which looked too much like a minivan for my tastes, especially from the rear, the new one appears a little more rugged and SUV-like,

Little touches, like these knickknack drawers, are a cut above. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

yet at the same time sleeker and sportier, resulting in a car-like coefficient of drag equaling 0.34, way down from the 0.40 aerodynamic rating of the old model. Overall it's a particularly appealing styling statement, good enough to cause me to purchase one on looks alone.

That's never a good way to choose a new car, though, is it? Well, I suppose there needs to be some attraction there or the honeymoon would be over before the relationship even got underway, but most of us try to balance our new vehicle purchases with practicality, features, value and build quality. From a practicality standpoint the ML is not the largest or smallest in its class, an ideal companion for a family of four. It can haul five, of course, but those who have kids will attest to the occasional need for an extra seat. Its cargo area is ample for most too, and access through its liftgate, which swings up high overhead providing a shelter from rain when loading up gear or groceries, is ideal.

Plenty of room in flexible back row. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

The rear seatbacks fold 60/40 giving good flexibility between passenger and luggage space, so all-round this is a good, conventional design. And just a note for those who purchased a seven-seat ML in its previous guise, the new ML seats a maximum of five, leaving the GL to accommodate larger families.

Features wise it's more unique, with all the trimmings you'd expect in this level of vehicle and then some. All of the expected power options are standard, including power seats with memory, automatic climate control and the list goes on with even a few you might not expect, such as a heated steering wheel and a power tilt and sliding glass sunroof, while my tester came with an optional infotainment system that sported a navigation system up front and two 7-inch monitors for watching DVDs or playing video games integrated into the back of each front headrest. The kids went nuts for these, although I have to admit that we almost never use in-car entertainment, other than the audio

Movie anyone? (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

system, when driving around town, and only occasionally on trips. The standard stereo is very good, by the way, a harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound unit featuring MP3-compatibility and a six-disc CD changer plus SIRIUS satellite radio. It's actuated via a screen setup that comes as part of Mercedes' COMAND system, which also includes cellular telephone preparation with Bluetooth hands-free. And that optional navigation system is simple to use and a real bonus for getting to those hard to find places.

No, it won't guide you through uncharted territory, although the ML and its 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4-ETS will get you over most non-paved roads and trails if you're up to it. Yes, I realize that I just mentioned that this crossover only offers nominal off-road capability, which is true compared to the G-Class, a traditional 4x4, yet this midsize soft-roader manages to keep up a respectable decorum when off the beaten path, at least compared to others in its CUV class. It features a fully automatic all wheel drive system,

In our market the ML is more of a soft-roader, but still ideal for light-duty jaunts onto unpaved roads. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

which is preferable for day-to-day driving as it reacts quicker to situations such as inconsistent road surfaces (pavement with gravel patches or sporadic snow and ice) than a locking differential setup. The addition of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control (ASR), also standard, helps maintain greater control during these situations, as well as off-road, where anti-skid control is optimal. Mercedes also includes Downhill Speed Regulation, important for traversing rough terrain if no low gearing is present, as a protruding rock or stump could clip off a brake line and, believe me when I say that it's all downhill from there. Mercedes actually incorporates a safety feature for this too, separating brake lines so that if one gets cut the brakes actually work, but greater control going downhill is always welcome, as is greater control while going uphill. To that end Hill-Start assist is standard as well, and it can come in very handy when cresting a steep grade, no matter if you're 4x4ing or amid city traffic. Similarly the ML's standard ABS works equally well when off-road as it does on pavement, taking care of slippery situations quickly and efficiently. Some purists will guffaw at such driving aids, which would be kind of a silly response considering this isn't a vehicle for purists. As mentioned, Mercedes makes one of these, and the G is amongst the best 4x4s in the world, capable of tackling almost anything thrown in its way. What's more, Mercedes sells a beefier ML in Europe, complete with the "Off-Road Pro"

Really, most North American ML buyers will be more concerned about how it hauls. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

package that includes a two-speed low-range gearing ratio, extra ground clearance (totaling 11.5 inches), center and rear diff locks, plus additional under-body protection, as well as other modes on its COMAND system that display steering angle, incline, etc. Personally, I'd like to be able to choose such options on my ML if I were in the market, but I suppose M-B's North American divisions have done their market research and figure none of us lightweights would want to dare scratch the paint on a wayward branch while venturing into the wild unknown. For us regular folks who just want a nice, comfortable, safe vehicle to drive around town that can also hightail it to the cottage or ski hill on weekends, our ML is much more suitable, made even more capable by its optional AIRMATIC DC air suspension package with adaptive damping, for getting it up and over obstacles. And yes, I happen to like the way all of these electronic safety features are benefiting the driving experience, whether they're pulling a wayward vehicle back into the safety of its highway lane or managing the rough stuff through dirt, mud or snow, these are confidence inspiring technologies at work, and non-professional drivers shouldn't even consider purchasing cars without them as they save lives.

Other standard

Comfortable, supportive seats hold driver and passengers in place while M-B's safety systems thoroughly protect. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

safety features include crash-responsive NECK-PRO front head restraints, dual front airbags, front side airbags and side curtain-type airbags for all window passengers, as well as a tire pressure loss warning system, TeleAid emergency calling system, and a first aid kit. I suppose its heated windshield washer system with two-stage rain-sensing windshield wipers could be lumped into the safety features category too, because if you can't see where you're going you're hardly in control.

While safety comes standard with Mercedes-Benz, other than the Bi-Xenon headlamp package with its cornering lights and headlamp washers, there are numerous optional features and packages for making your ML more appealing. The three Premium packages, depending on which level you choose, include navigation as well as ten-way power adjustable front seats with power steering column and three-position memory, PARKTRONIC parking sensors, M-B's EASY-PACK power tailgate, power folding mirrors and heated rear seats, all included on my tester, you can customize your ML to suit your tastes. One of my favorite features on any new car is a proximity sensing key fob with push-button start, and Mercedes' Keyless Go system is a standalone option. Mercedes will even swap out the burled walnut trim for anthracite poplar at no charge, or you can add some wood to that steering wheel for a little extra coin, a rear view camera for a little extra confidence when backing up with your trailer. A hitch is extra too, and when so equipped the ML can handle up to 7,200 pounds.

When you consider that this heavy hauler also manages a pretty thrifty 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway when not under load, a much healthier consumption rating than its ML350 sibling that uses 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway, it all starts to make sense. Even with diesel fuel currently priced slightly

No doubt some will buy it on looks alone. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

higher than regular unleaded, there's significant at-the-pump savings to be had, and a much lighter footprint on the environment. And speaking of light footprints, later this year, as a 2009 model, you'll be able to purchase an ML with Mercedes' cleaner Bluetec après-treatment system, which will make the crossover 50-state legal, meaning California and the other states that abide by Tier 2 Bin 5 will finally get some diesel-powered ML action of their own.

All in all the new ML is one of the best midsize crossover sport utilities available for any price, and when powered by Mercedes' diesel V6, capable of up to 600 miles per tank, it becomes one of the segment's most environmentally enlightened purchases.

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