The ML320 BlueTEC is a high-quality piece with a lot going for it. The turbocharged diesel engine produces significant torque while returning above-average fuel economy, but there are no trucky-side effects to this power plant. It's still quiet and luxurious inside.
7.9 / 10
Dynamics
8.5 / 10
Engine Performance
This Bluetec turbocharged clean diesel meets the same tailpipe emission standards required of gasoline engines. It pulls strong and runs quiet. IT feels just a little flat when you tip in to the throttle when leaving stoplights, but acceleration builds as revs pass 1,200 rpm or so. Fuel economy is very good for an SUV of this size and towing capacity.
9.0 / 10
Transmission Performance
The ML320 has a seven-speed automatic transmission that shifts quite smoothly. It has a sport shift mode and paddles on the steering wheel for manual operation.
8.0 / 10
Brake Performance
Strong brakes and grippy tires stop the ML320 in less distance than most SUVs.
8.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance
The ML320's steering responds clearly and directly. Effort build-up is a bit light, but the direct feel is there.
7.5 / 10
Handling
Stable and capable, the ML320 is remarkably agile for its size and weight. The optional adaptive damping system on our car is helping here. Still, it isn't what we'd call sporty and the body leans in corners and dives under braking more than we'd prefer.
7.5 / 10
Off-road Performance
The ML320 Bluetec has a full-time four-wheel drive system and electronic descent control, and the diesel engine provides useful torque for surmounting obstacles. Optional air suspension provides extra ground clearance when necessary. But there is no low-range transfer case. In the end it's hard to imagine this ML cavorting through the bush, scratching its optional $720 metallic paint.
8.0 / 10
Towing Performance
Mercedes rates the ML320 at 7,200 pounds. The diesel engine certainly develops the necessary torque to pull this off, and the optional air suspension on our test truck is more than able to deal with the tongue weight involved.
7.0 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
Good steering and reasonable grip give ML320 drivers confidence, but we'd stop short of labelling it "fun."
7.5 / 10
Comfort
6.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
In Comfort mode the air-suspended ride is soft, but too much so. It floats and wallows, causing some occupants to feel queasy. Damping firms up in Sport mode, but then the springs and dampers seem at odds, at time. Perhaps the standard coil suspension is worth a test drive.
7.5 / 10
Wind Noise
Reasonably quiet, but not spectacular.
7.5 / 10
Road Noise
Tire noise is evident here. It isn't overly objectionable, however.
8.0 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Front occupants will have no trouble settling in -- there is plenty of space and the seats are comfy. Step-up height is a bit higher than a crossover.
8.0 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Lots of legroom and headroom in the back. And the seats are well-shaped and supportive. Step-in height is slightly higher than a crossover.
8.0 / 10
Driving Position
Generous seat and steering wheel adjustments (it tilts and telescopes) allow drivers of all sizes to find a good seating position.
7.6 / 10
Function
8.0 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Clear light with few dark spots. Good illumination to the sides.
7.5 / 10
Visibility
Good front and side visibility. The over-the-shoulder view to the rear three-quarter is somewhat compromised by large sloping C-pillar. A rear back-up camera and parktonic parking sensors help when backing into or out of parking spots.
8.0 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
The ML320 has clear gauges with a very complete multifunction display between them.
8.5 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
Easily understood dual-zone front controls stand in the middle of the center stack. Similarly complete third-zone controls are in reach of the rear-seat occupants.
5.0 / 10
Audio System Layout
COMAND is distracting enough when it is operated by a stationary wheel near the armrest, but here, where control is instead provided by a flat array of buttons on the center stack, it's insufferable.
7.5 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
The shift stalk takes a little getting used to, and the cruise control lever is easy to confuse with the turn signal stalk -- especially if your other car isn't a Benz. Other controls are easy to use.
7.5 / 10
Interior Storage
The forward storage compartments aren't terribly large and Benz decided the glovebox wasn't big enough for the owner's manual -- the carmaker put it in back, under the cargo floor. But the door pockets are good-size and the rear seatbacks have mesh pockets.
9.0 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
Storage behind the rear seat is cavernous. The rear hatch has a power close-and-lock button. Better still, a sophisticated system of embedded floor tracks and tie-down fittings provides an excellent way to secure cargo.
8.5 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
The 60/40 second row folds flat, opening up a generous amount of space.
7.0 / 10
Cupholders
The two front cupholders are large and readily accessable. The rear center armrest has to be folded down to reveal cupholders for the rear occupants.
8.2 / 10
Design/Build Quality
8.0 / 10
Exterior Design
The ML320 is a somewhat traditionally-styled SUV. It look modern, but it still has a very upright, trucky look.
8.0 / 10
Interior Design
While the overall look isn't groundbreaking, this interior is clean and functional, with a lot of clever detailing and a look that oozes quality.
9.0 / 10
Interior Materials
Rich materials and sumptuous leather give the ML320 Bluetec's interior a classy look.
7.8
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8.5 / 10
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7.5 / 10
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5.0 / 10