Mercedes Benz ML500

A few decisions in life are thankfully straightforward and uncomplicated. Do you want to own the best luxury SUV on Earth? The answer is simple – look no further than the Mercedes-Benz ML500. Completely revamped and re-engineered from the original M Class, the ML500 is more aerodynamic, drives faster, handles better and is very stylish. And its size could easily make you believe that “big is beautiful”.

Mercedes Benz ML500 Specifications

The 4-wheel drive beauty comes equipped with a beast of an engine – a 4,9666cc 24-Valve V8 version featuring aluminum heads and body, and controlled by a Bosch Motronic ME2.8 system with port fuel injection. This helps the car develop 302bhp and a torque of 5600rpm, which translates into a top speed of 146mph, while it can zoom from standstill to 60kmph in just under 7 seconds. Improved design principles also mean that the vehicle is comparatively lightweight for its class, which gives it a good mileage – 27.2mpg on the freeway; this also means it has comparatively low emission standards – 319g/Km of CO2. There is a standard issue electronically controlled seven speed automatic gearbox, with a Direct Select shifting mechanism mounted on a column, but an optional steering wheel mounted gear-button set is also available.

As mentioned already, Mercedes-Benz has gone for substantial redesigning of looks, both outside and inside. While retaining the overall sports appearance, the ML500 now has an impressive wheel arch that aligns perfectly with the headlamp, and a swage line that gets deeper towards the rear end. The windscreen has been swept back to improve aerodynamics, with a CD value of 0.39, which further helps with the fuel economy. The suspensions have also been improved, and now feature a double wishbone front and a multiple rear linkage. An optional Airmatic air suspension, combined with an Adaptive Damping System, significantly improves smoothness, while for the cross-country drivers there is an optional suspension with dual-speed transfer system to augment the off-road ratio. This version also increases ground clearance from the standard 110mm to a high 291mm, which essentially means that you can drive your Benz across a small stream without having to wet your boots.

The improvements extend to the interior too, where the front and rear seats have an extra gap of 15mm, as compared to the older version, and increased boot space of 2050 liters if you fold up the rear seats. The ML500 comes outfitted with trademark Benz innovations such as side airbags, immobilizer and individual climate control. In addition to a four wheel ABS, there is an emergency Brake Assist, which automatically intervenes to bring the car to a halt without juddering and skidding.

Mercedes Benz ML500 Disadvantages:

There are a few disadvantages also, the most important being the absence of a third row of seats. The gear shift mechanism also needs a little getting used to, while mileage is of course a niggle, this being an SUV after all.

Mercedes Benz ML500 Verdict:

Still, if you wish to own a premium all-terrain vehicle that will also turn your neighbors envious, this is one Mercedes-Benz that you should go for.

Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI

The Mercedes-Benz R320CDI is in a class of its own. Well, that may apply to any Mercedes-Benz in general, in this case what it actually means is that the R320 CDI does not belong to any neat category – it is neither an SUV, nor an Estate, nor a Saloon. This ‘Grand Sports Tourer’ aims to create its own niche by mixing and matching features from all of the classes mentioned before, and it succeeds to a great extent. It does not have many competitors, although the Cadillac-SRX and the Audi-Q7 offer similar features and options.

Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI Specifications

The R320CDI features a four wheel drive, although it was not built with off-road capabilities, with a length of 5157mm from front to back.Even so, it is outfitted with an impressive engine, the 3 liter, six cylinder diesel variant of the V6, with a common rail direct-injection system that generates a torque of 510Nm at 1600rpm. This gives a maximum speed of 138mph, while also allowing it to attain 60mph, from rest, within 8.8 seconds. The engine has been fine-tuned to meet emission standards, and yields a CO2 emission of 246g/Km; as for fuel economy, it consumes 30.4 gallons for every mile you travel; the overall capacity is almost 535 miles. A standard feature of all engines of this class is their synchronization with the seven speed electronically controlled transmission system, which Mercedes-Benz call the 7G-TRONIC, together with DIRECT SELECT.

The gearbox is column mounted, but there is another set of gear buttons mounted on the steering wheel; it handles quite well in the ‘drive mode, although not as well as a sequential gearbox. Driver safety is taken care of by an electronic 4ETS traction control system and ESP stability control, which assist handling even under wet and slippery conditions. Suspension consists of a double wishbone front and multiple linkages in the back; an optional feature for the driving obsessed is the Airmatic air suspension system, which yields an even smoother ride.

Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI: Features

A host of engineering innovations come as standard package, including the award winning PRE-SAFE safety feature, which constantly monitors a host of drive parameters, and automatically initiates safety measures if it senses that a collision is going to occur. These measures include a better grip on the passengers through their seat belts, closing the windows and sunroof, and optimizing the seat positions to protect against intrusion possibilities.

The R320CDI features three rows of seats with a number of possible combinations to improve leg-space as well as trunk area. The back and the middle seats can all be folded down to maximize boot space, and the middle row can be moved front as well as back; this ensures a big family with its entire luggage can have a comfortable ride.

Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI Disadvantage and Verdict:

One of the drawbacks of the car, however, is its navigational system, which is pretty basic by Benz standards – it lacks a touch screen, and the logic is complicated. Still, if you have a large family, and want to drive around in comfort, this is the car for you.