| Vehicle | |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M-Class |
| Style | ML320 Bluetec 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A) |
| Base MSRP | $48,600 |
| Options on test vehicle | Premium Package #2 ($6,600 -- includes rearview camera, power liftgate, Harman Kardon Logic7 audio system, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/MP3 media interface with cable, COMAND system with hard-drive-based navigation system and voice activation, real-time traffic, 115-volt AC power outlet, Parktronic, 10-way power adjustable front passenger seat with four-way power-adjustable lumbar support, power-adjustable steering column, memory seats, power-folding exterior mirrors and keyless entry and ignition); Full Leather Seating Package ($1,995 -- includes leather upholstery, leather- and wood-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and burl walnut interior trim); Airmatic Suspension With Adaptive Damping System ($1,600); Heating Package ($1,390 -- includes heated front and rear seats and heated steering column); Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control ($770); Alpine Rain Metallic Paint ($720). |
| As-tested MSRP | $61,200 |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Drive type | All-wheel drive with low range |
| Engine type | V6 turbocharged diesel |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,987cc (182 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum with cast iron cylinder liners/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 16.5:1 |
| Redline (rpm) | 4,500 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 210 @ 3,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 398 @ 1,600-2,400 |
| Transmission type | 7-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I = 4.38; II = 2.86; III = 1.92; IV = 1.37; V = 1.00; VI = 0.82; VII = 0.73; Final Drive = 3.45 |
| Chassis | |
|---|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent, double wishbones, pneumatic springs and stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent, multilink, pneumatic springs and stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Hydraulic power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 18.6:1 |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Dueler H/L 400 |
| Tire type | All-season, run-flat |
| Tire size, front | 255/50R19 107N |
| Tire size, rear | 255/50R19 107N |
| Wheel size | 19 by 8.0 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Alloy |
| Brakes, front | 13.0-by-1.26-inch ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | 13.0-by-0.55-inch disc |
| Track Test Results | |
|---|---|
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.1 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 8.5 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 13.1 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 16.2 @ 83.3 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 8.2 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 121 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.6 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.76 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 45.8 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 68.6 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 64.7 |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments | |
|---|---|
| Acceleration comments | Responds extremely well to brake torque to the tune of 0.6 second to 30 mph. It leaps off the line like a Nissan GT-R, but then realizes it's a turbodiesel. Transmission is busy due to the low redline, but pretty smooth shifting. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | Soft-ish pedal in normal use goes rock-hard under full-ABS. Even with the suspension on the firmest setting, there's quite a lot of pitch. More tire noise than ABS noise. Admirable power in the system and good fade resistance, too. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Extended range ESP is still limiting performance as the outside front tire gets abused. Steering gets noticeably heavier when loaded. Slalom: Limit of the chassis is right up against the extended ESP setting so it only intrudes if it's a sloppy run. Keeping inputs smooth and to a minimum is the quickest way through. Grip and body motions are admirably good for such a tall and heavy vehicle. |
| Testing Conditions | |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft.) | 421 |
| Temperature (°F) | 87.6 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 5.4 |
| Fuel Consumption | |
|---|---|
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 18 city/24 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 21.2 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 25.1 |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
|---|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,974 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 5,129 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 54/46 |
| Length (in.) | 188.5 |
| Width (in.) | 75.2 |
| Height (in.) | 71.5 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 114.7 |
| Track, front (in.) | 64.0 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 64.1 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 37.9 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 40.0 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.9 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 39.8 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 59.8 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 59.8 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 54.7 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 72.4 |
| Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Initial visit within first 3,000 miles |
| Safety | |
|---|---|
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front and dual rear |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not Available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Direct tire pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Pre-collision safety system |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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