Luxury SUV Smack Down: Mercedes Benz ML320 Bluetec vs. Lexus RX 400h

Sure, you can get sticker shock at the gas station, but you don't have to give up your sport-utility vehicle. You don't even have to give up the carlike luxury trimmings you've come to expect as part of the SUV experience.

That's what the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec and 2008 Lexus RX 400h are meant for.

Or maybe you're looking to make a political statement. Those on the right-hand side of the aisle might want to use less imported oil, while left-leaning types just want to use less oil, period. And what better way to represent your social consciousness than with the SUV you drive?

In fact, this comparison is all about the debate. Once you commit to a greener way of life with a sport-utility, which is the better choice, diesel or hybrid? 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec or 2008 Lexus RX 400h?


Thanks to: LexusKindaGuy12 for the tip.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/20/2008 12:18:26 PM

-7 Boost

theres no reason to buy the diesel over the hybrid system.

the pros that were given to the ML are properties of the ML class and not of the diesel system. so really, comparing system for system, hybrid vs. diesel, hybrid wins.

Agent009 - 10/20/2008 12:20:50 PM

+11 Boost

Depends on a lot more factors than that though. The hybrid is far more complex so you need to consider that aspect.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/20/2008 1:04:44 PM

-1 Boost

"the diesel benz was cheaper"...okay...well thats a lie
"weighing 275 pounds less than the lexus"...okay...well thats a lie

i really dont see how that quote is supporting the benz when those facts simply arent true

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/20/2008 1:06:03 PM

-1 Boost

and complexity? to the daily driver, you cant even tell that its a hybrid. i mean maintanence is not any different than the gas alternative.

the hybrid toyota system has been out for abot 10 years so really, its a proven technology

S4cabriofoxone - 10/20/2008 6:07:10 PM

+1 Boost

LexusKindaGuy, that's from an E320 Bluetec vs. GS450h article I think.

Anyway, I don't think anyone could ever say that hybrids are definitely better than diesels, or vice versa. It changes on a model-to-model basis--how much emphasis the automaker puts on efficiency vs. performance, whether or not they want to maintain the base car's core characteristics, etc.

In this comparison, essentially the only reason the Lexus won is because it was less expensive. If Mercedes didn't insist on sticking off-road equipment in the M-Class it would weigh less, cost less and probably would have won.

abcd - 10/21/2008 12:36:44 PM

+3 Boost

TurboSpyder , the hybrid system in Lexus GS is different than RX`s , GS is regenerating energy only from rear wheels .
S4 , Lexus won becouse it was less expensive AND MORE FUEL EFFECIENT AND FASTER AND HAD SUPERIOR STEERING . So , don`t conceal what Editor Josh Sadlier said even if you have hard time to accept that :
" But it's both quicker and more fuel-efficient than the Benz, its steering is superior, it's considerably cheaper, and oh yeah — its concert-quality Mark Levinson stereo puts the Merc's Harman Kardon system to shame. "

chewy - 10/20/2008 1:53:25 PM

+2 Boost

Two fairly different vehicles, as the tow ratings indicate. The final observed mpg was fairly close. Basically one is a crossover, and the other an SUV.

hao420 - 10/20/2008 5:42:41 PM

+1 Boost

Basically japanese won again.....

kpaxx - 10/20/2008 4:03:48 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus ain't so reliable anymore!

0to60 - 10/20/2008 7:45:53 PM

0 Boost

Toyota isnt. I think lexus has held pretty strong. Look it up there buddy. U BMW fans are just so quick to criticize Lexus. Gees. It makes no sense.

Whelan - 10/20/2008 3:34:57 PM

0 Boost

A brand new BlueTec diesel MB compared to an older design RX400h. The Lex is coming up for a redesign in the next year not even so why comparo a brand new to this. Not to mention they are coming out with a second generation hybrid synergy system, will be debuting in the new Prius.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/20/2008 6:08:28 PM

+1 Boost

That's because this isn't a new engine. The M-Class came out a year after the RX. It has the same engine as last year's ML320 CDI, just with a BlueTec filter, IIRC.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 10/23/2008 1:50:11 PM

+1 Boost

We will have the new 2010 RX by years end.

AudiNewEngland - 10/20/2008 8:22:16 PM

+1 Boost

"god know who competes with Caddy"

BMW of course

IamEvilHomer - 10/20/2008 10:16:28 PM

+2 Boost

amazing you even go into the lexus strings and talk smack about Audi? I thought with all the 20 cars that you own you wouldn't have some much time to waste on this site. I guess i am wrong.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 6:20:08 AM

+2 Boost

All SUVs are momma mobiles. It's a fact. A GL is more of a momma mobile because it's more practical.

Monk - 10/20/2008 4:14:30 PM

+3 Boost

I'm loving my diesel GL. I've ridden in my uncle's RX (regular) and didn't appreciate the Toyota-esque dash and sometimes creaky door panels.

My vote is for the ML.

JRobUSC - 10/20/2008 4:31:13 PM

+1 Boost

So the ML lost because it has no spare tire. Sorry, but I'm not offroading so that would not sway me one way or the other.

Anyway, I'd just wait and get an X5 xDrive 35d in a month. With 265hp/425lb-ft and economy ratings of 19/26mpg (expected 23-24mpg combined) it's quicker than both the Lexus and the Benz (it's almost as quick as the gasoline X5 4.8i), offers a third row, gets as good or better fuel economy than both, and most importantly, would beat both in the "fun to drive" test.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/20/2008 6:10:14 PM

+1 Boost

+1 on the X5. That is going to be one amazing beast.

StickShiftCamry - 10/20/2008 5:39:09 PM

+1 Boost

I'll just say one thing, I'm in the Surrey, UK now. I rented a CLS 320 CDI for 2 days from Hertz Prestige - Yo, all that hype about diesels being smooth and as quick as gas cars r BS. That sh*t is typically slow and noisy, well it's noisy on the outside. I don't know y they r comparing an ML diesel to a smooth RX, yea the ML is more prestigious but that drive train sucks. So far, in the 3 days i've been here - the only big motor gas powered cars i've seen here in the London area are GS 300's, 450h, & RX400h. Everything else is a diesel. I did see one Jeep SRT8 & 1 V8 X5. Most cars here have nice body kits, like M kits on BMW's but the motors are 318d or 520d? Big motors and gas powered cars r not popular here.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/20/2008 6:12:28 PM

0 Boost

That is for two (very obvious) reasons:

1. Gas is more expensive than diesel there--although it is getting cheaper.
2. Congestion charge. The better emissions and MPG your car gets, the less you have to pay to drive into London.

BTW, you are wrong about the CLS. Period. It may not be very smooth but it is far quicker on the highway than a CLS350.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 6:23:29 AM

+2 Boost

S4 - sorry, but you're wrong on both counts. Diesel is more expensive than gas here, but the tax system on cars (in which you pay a certain amount each year) us based on your car's emissions of CO2, hence diesels and small engines are favoured. Also, we scrapped that idea about the congestion charge. It's now just 8 pounds for everyone, until next year when I think it changes a bit.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 6:27:52 AM

+1 Boost

BTW, diesels still don't make the majority of sales here in Britain - it's a 40/60 split. Big petrols are uncommon, of course, but you are in an area with lots of commuters, so they eant high MPG cars. Anf the the 320d is a great car with a great engine. It gets like 55 MPG.
If you looked around you would see many larger engined cars, but 3.0 litres is a 'big' engine here. The BMWs are more likely to be 330d than 330i, simply because the 330d is awesome. 0-60 in 6.1 plus over 45 MPG.
BTW, where in Surrey were you? I go to university at Royal Holloway, a massive neo-gothic red brick building, in Egham.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 6:30:00 AM

+3 Boost

I find it very funny that Americans regard the ML320cdi as a fuel efficient vehicle.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 6:32:04 AM

+1 Boost

You know what else is hilarious? They call the ML's 0-60 (8.5) pedestrian. Christ, they want their cake and they want to eat it too.

Rupert - 10/21/2008 2:30:56 PM

+1 Boost

StarSearch - judging by America's obesity rate, clearly far too many people do.

david999 - 10/20/2008 10:25:52 PM

0 Boost

I would take an RX any time over the ML. Too many problems with the Mercedes, and the interior is much cheaper looking as well.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/20/2008 10:29:24 PM

+2 Boost

You know that isn't true any more (about reliability). The new generation is much improved, especially as this car is in its fourth year.

Didn't you see how Edmunds said the ML's interior was much richer looking than the Lexus's?

david999 - 10/20/2008 10:35:54 PM

-1 Boost

Doesn't seem "much richer looking" to me.
Also, the US built MLs are legendary for their terrible reliability.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 10/23/2008 1:52:32 PM

+1 Boost

Well if Edmunds says so, lord knows it must be true.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/21/2008 11:23:29 PM

+1 Boost

"POS and vw do belong in the same sentence.. look at the jetta/ passat etc. boring cars. .. so thats a fact."

This is what I don't get. The Jetta and Passat are economy/semi-luxury sedans. They compete with the Honda Civic and Accord, the Toyota Corolla and Camry, and the Mazda3 and 6. The 3 and 6 are definitely comparable in terms of driving fun, but as for the others... in that context, how could you say that they're boring? Why don't you bash those other brands for being "boring" then?

VISO - 10/21/2008 4:33:34 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe you make more money than 0.1% of Audi owners, but the 99.9% of Audi owners easily make more than you do - that's a fact!

S4cabriofoxone - 10/21/2008 11:22:07 PM

+1 Boost

Somebody who makes three million dollars a year would not have the time, nor the care, to spew trash on this website as you do.

BTW, it seems like you don't know how the "reply" button works. Click on it and amazing things happen.

IamEvilHomer - 10/21/2008 11:58:46 PM

+2 Boost

again boot amazing and save your site

thstone - 10/21/2008 5:40:31 PM

+1 Boost

There is nothing green about an SUV. And if you can afford either of these vehicles, you can afford real petrol.

If you want to save the planet, walk.

BiasFreeSince83 - 10/22/2008 4:43:46 PM

+1 Boost

What about carbon emissions? I remember seeing somewhere that the Lexus GS hybrid had the same emissions as the E320 CDI Bluetec.