Quick Test: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
Mercedes-Benz and diesels go together like bratwursts and warm beer - the automaker claims to have built the first ever diesel-powered passenger car. Safe to say, the engineers in Stuttgart know what they’re doing when piecing together oil-burning machines like the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, which features the German automaker’s 50-state legal, 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel powerplant rated at 210 hp @ 3800 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm. The engine is also an option for both the GL and R-Class.
We recently took out the ML BlueTEC to the Autoclub Speedway for some performance testing and found that besides being a relatively fuel efficient and low-emissions people-mover (EPA rated at 18 city/24 highway) the new ML diesel is also a decent Bavarian performer of an SUV.
Given the nature of the ML and the competitive soft-to-mild luxury SUV segment it plays in, none of our staffers was surprised with how it performed in a straight line (0 to 60 mph in 8.1 sec, quarter mile in 16.2 sec @ 84.5 mph). But what did catch us off-guard was how the force-fed the engine felt. Noticeable and distinct, the ML320 BlueTEC always sported the characteristic telltale diesel clatter, especially when coaxed into a torque-induced fury on the quarter-mile tarmac.
When trudging through normal city streets in stop-go rush hour traffic, on back country open roads or on our way up and down slow mountainous twisties, the ML proved comfortable and efficient (we recorded a combined 21.6 mpg during our testing). As is the case with the new breed of 50-state legal diesels, it didn’t “act” (or smell) like the dirty, black-plume-spewing cars of yesteryear. Despite the 5073-lb mass it’s left to contend with, the BlueTEC powerplant managed to be “plenty peppy and quite refined,” as senior editor Ron Kiino noted. It consistently pulled smoothly on our various track runs and daily driving duties, thanks in part to Benz’s refined seven-speed 7G-tronic transmission.
When an opening in traffic did appear out of the blue (pun intended), we made sure to properly play around with the ML’s many creature comforts. Its adjustable Airmatic suspension appropriately firmed in Sport mode soaked up all minor pavement imperfections in Comfort. In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, our optional leather package luxuriously covered almost every exposed surface (seats, dash, doors, console). But even the supple leather couldn’t make up for our frustrations we had with the finicky COMAND infotainment system and less-than-chic cabin layout.
Simply, the ML320 BlueTEC is just that: simple and unassuming. But at the same time, it’s satisfyingly efficient, well-appointed, and, of course, always recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz. Sporty? Check. Luxurious? Check. Capable of actually being used in a towing/hauling/carrying situation? Check. The powertrain is always ready to unleash its smile-inducing torque, while the 3.0L six should prove plenty sturdy thanks to the vast experience its diligent engineers have amassed since pre-WWII. And now, much like those tasty brats and beer, emissions output and fuel efficiency can finally go together as well.
[source:MotorTrend]
More Excellent Mercedes-Benz’ Cars’ Articles In www Auto Com:
+ First Test: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic
+ Gold(finger’s) Mercedes C63 spotted in… where else? Dubai
+ Preview: 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio
+ 2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe Profiled in Latest Spy Shots
+ Mercedes E Class Coupe Caught Almost Undisguised
+ Detroit Auto Show 2009 Preview:SLR Stirling Moss won’t be offered in North America
+ Spy shots: 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate wagon
+ First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss
+ Spy shots: 2010 Mercedes Benz R-Class facelift
+ Spy shots: First prototypes for next-gen Mercedes Benz CLS
+ 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class unveiled via web leak
+ Mercedes GL-Class facelift latest spy shots
+ Report: Mercedes Benz considering A-Class roadster for production
+ Preview: 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class ‘Estate’ wagon
+ Mercedes-Benz considering A-Class roadster for the States
+ Carlsson Present Noble RS-design Kit for Mercedes S-Class
+ Mercedes AMG Diesel Model Dubbed Super Hammer to Launch Within Three Years
+ First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
+ First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
+ ASMA Design turns evil eye towards Merc SL-Class
+ Test Drive:2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550
+ New diesels won’t run when the urea tanks is dry
+ Final McLaren SLR Roadster Heading for the U.S.
+ 2008 Paris Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster
+ Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA
More Excellent Articles like
Quick Test: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
Pay Attention to Auto Fans
Recent Auto Articles
- One-off SR-71 Mustang sells for $375,000 at EAA AirVenture
- First Test Experience: 2011 Nissan Juke SV
- Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 announced - world’s first diesel full hybrid vehicle
- Nissan Xterra not long for this world
- 2011 Ford Mondeo facelift unveiled in Moscow
- 2011 Nissan Murano unveiled with mild refresh, new SV trim
- Mercedes-Benz unveils 2011 S63 AMG with twin-turbo 5.5L V8
- Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe Shaheen and Baynunah bespoke editions
- Officially Official: Updated 2011 Jeep Wrangler now in production
- Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series by MKB packs over 1000hp
