The New Mercedes ML: A Comfortable yet Relaxed Rival to Range Rover Sport
When it comes to big 4x4s, they're usually associated with powerful V6 or V8 turbo diesel engines. However, the new Mercedes ML is different from this mold. Weighing in at 2.2 tons, the ML is powered by a 2.1L diesel engine that produces just 201 horsepower. This might raise some eyebrows, but it's worth noting that the ML is designed to be comfortable rather than dynamic.
First Impressions of the ML's Cabin
Upon first glance, the ML's cabin may seem a bit uninteresting compared to the flashy interior design of Range Rover. However, this is where those who have spent time with the ML will tell you that it's actually beautifully finished and feels well-crafted. The chairs are lovely and spacious, providing ample room for occupants. Moreover, the suspension setup prioritizes comfort over dynamics, which results in a smooth ride.
Comfort at its Core
What sets the ML apart is its focus on comfort. This means that if you're looking for a car with plenty of space and a comfortable ride, the ML delivers without any hesitation. As we mentioned earlier, it weighs a significant 2.2 tons, but the ML wears sensibly sized wheels to minimize this impact on its overall dynamics. The result is an SUV that feels surprisingly agile despite its size.
The Pace of the ML
So, how does the ML perform when it comes to speed? Mercedes claims that nipping from 0-60 takes a mere 9 seconds, but in reality, this powertrain often struggles to keep up with expectations. The 2.1L diesel engine may produce sufficient horsepower, but the lack of acceleration can feel overwhelming at times, especially for those who need rapid responses. However, it's worth noting that once you get accustomed to its pace, the ML becomes surprisingly easy to live with.
The Dynamic Benchmark
It's clear that the ML isn't designed to be a dynamic benchmark for any 4x4. In fact, those looking for agility or sporting prowess won't find it here. Instead, the ML offers a relaxed and refined driving experience. While this might not be what many buyers are looking for, those who prioritize comfort will adore the ML.
A Verdict
In conclusion, the new Mercedes ML is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing comfort above all else. Its beautifully finished cabin, ample space, and smooth ride make it one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market. While it may not be quick or agile, the ML is more than content with being a refined 4x4 that excels in its own right. As such, we've awarded it four stars from Autocar.
With its unique blend of comfort and practicality, the Mercedes ML is an intriguing alternative to Range Rover's offerings. By focusing on what truly matters – ride quality and interior space – the ML delivers without trying to be something it's not.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: ena this is the new Mercedes ML think of it as a 45 Grand kind of Range Rover Sport rival now the thing about these big 4x4s is that they're usually powered by lumpy V6 or V8 turbo diesel engines not this one yes the ml weighs 2.2 tons but in the 250 Blu tech form you see it here it's powered only by a 2.1 L diesel making just 2011 horsepower the key question is will that be enough well engine aside first impressions of the ml are that it has a gratifyingly well-finished cabin I mean perhaps it's a little uninteresting compared to the flamboyance of a range Rover's interior design but it does feel beautifully put together it's comfortable too like most Mercedes the ml gets lovely big chairs there's ample room in here and it rides impeccably too this is a heavy car and it wears sensibly sized wheels and a suspension set up primarily for comfort so come looking for the dynamism of I don't know say a BMW X5 or Porsche Ken and you'll not find it here but what you will find is one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market and so to the burning question is it quick enough and the answer is just about no the ml is not a fast car Mercedes claims n to 60 takes 9 seconds but seldom does that 4-cylinder diesel feel overwhelmed it just goes about its business in muted unhurried fashion granted if you're looking for a toe car this variant is unlikely to be mad enough for the job but on its own really it's fine really absolutely fine and the more time you spend in the ml the more you adjust to its pace and the more you get into it it isn't trying to be some kind of dynamic Benchmark it isn't sporting it isn't agile in the way that some 4x4s try to be now the the ml is a relaxed refined 4x4 that's sort of comfortable in its own skin for that reason it's very very easy to warm to it also for that reason the autoc car verdict is four startsa this is the new Mercedes ML think of it as a 45 Grand kind of Range Rover Sport rival now the thing about these big 4x4s is that they're usually powered by lumpy V6 or V8 turbo diesel engines not this one yes the ml weighs 2.2 tons but in the 250 Blu tech form you see it here it's powered only by a 2.1 L diesel making just 2011 horsepower the key question is will that be enough well engine aside first impressions of the ml are that it has a gratifyingly well-finished cabin I mean perhaps it's a little uninteresting compared to the flamboyance of a range Rover's interior design but it does feel beautifully put together it's comfortable too like most Mercedes the ml gets lovely big chairs there's ample room in here and it rides impeccably too this is a heavy car and it wears sensibly sized wheels and a suspension set up primarily for comfort so come looking for the dynamism of I don't know say a BMW X5 or Porsche Ken and you'll not find it here but what you will find is one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market and so to the burning question is it quick enough and the answer is just about no the ml is not a fast car Mercedes claims n to 60 takes 9 seconds but seldom does that 4-cylinder diesel feel overwhelmed it just goes about its business in muted unhurried fashion granted if you're looking for a toe car this variant is unlikely to be mad enough for the job but on its own really it's fine really absolutely fine and the more time you spend in the ml the more you adjust to its pace and the more you get into it it isn't trying to be some kind of dynamic Benchmark it isn't sporting it isn't agile in the way that some 4x4s try to be now the the ml is a relaxed refined 4x4 that's sort of comfortable in its own skin for that reason it's very very easy to warm to it also for that reason the autoc car verdict is four startsa this is the new Mercedes ML think of it as a 45 Grand kind of Range Rover Sport rival now the thing about these big 4x4s is that they're usually powered by lumpy V6 or V8 turbo diesel engines not this one yes the ml weighs 2.2 tons but in the 250 Blu tech form you see it here it's powered only by a 2.1 L diesel making just 2011 horsepower the key question is will that be enough well engine aside first impressions of the ml are that it has a gratifyingly well-finished cabin I mean perhaps it's a little uninteresting compared to the flamboyance of a range Rover's interior design but it does feel beautifully put together it's comfortable too like most Mercedes the ml gets lovely big chairs there's ample room in here and it rides impeccably too this is a heavy car and it wears sensibly sized wheels and a suspension set up primarily for comfort so come looking for the dynamism of I don't know say a BMW X5 or Porsche Ken and you'll not find it here but what you will find is one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market and so to the burning question is it quick enough and the answer is just about no the ml is not a fast car Mercedes claims n to 60 takes 9 seconds but seldom does that 4-cylinder diesel feel overwhelmed it just goes about its business in muted unhurried fashion granted if you're looking for a toe car this variant is unlikely to be mad enough for the job but on its own really it's fine really absolutely fine and the more time you spend in the ml the more you adjust to its pace and the more you get into it it isn't trying to be some kind of dynamic Benchmark it isn't sporting it isn't agile in the way that some 4x4s try to be now the the ml is a relaxed refined 4x4 that's sort of comfortable in its own skin for that reason it's very very easy to warm to it also for that reason the autoc car verdict is four starts\n"
