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New M-class handles better, but still no class leader
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| PERFORMANCE RATING: |
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Hefty 4x4s need hefty amounts of torque to get them going, and with that in mind the ML350, with 258lb ft on tap, is the most disadvantaged of the M-Classes. By normal standards such pulling power should be plenty, but this engine turns out to be the one that hunts the most up and down the seven-speed autobox that's standard fare across the range. It's not a particularly sweet engine when worked hard, either, although its ultimate pace is impressive if you make the effort: 0-62mph in 8.4sec, a top speed of 140mph.
Maybe, then, the more expensive ML500, with 339lb ft, would be better. The figures suggest so - 150mph and 6.9sec to 62mph, which are going some for a 4x4, and the pace is delivered in a much more relaxed fashion with a fine V8 beat when you're pressing on. But there's no need to go the V8 route for a relaxed yet brisk drive, unless you're rich enough both to buy the car and pay for the fuel. Better to drive the ML320 CDI, with a massive 376lb ft of torque, an adequate 134mph top speed and an 8.6sec 0-62 time. It may be slower than the ML350 on paper, but on real roads it's more responsive, quieter and more satisfying. This is a great diesel engine, smooth, refined and keen to respond.
The so-called 7G-Tronic transmission, activated by a rather retro steering-column lever, isn't ideal, though. There's a big gap between fourth and fifth, then the last three gear ratios are so close together as to defeat the point of having so many gears. You can select the gears manually using one of a pair of switches on the back of the steering wheel spokes, but their horizontal action is illogical. Also, when you think you've selected, say, third gear, you've really selected a range from first to third so the 'box will still shift unbidden. After a while you just leave the auto to its own devices. Strangely, you get a 'sport' mode only if you order the Off-Road Pro pack.
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