Far From Perfect? Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec Diesel SUV

It's good news that more automakers are willing to gamble on fuel-efficient diesels in the historically anti-diesel U.S. market.

But it's bad timing that the rollouts are beginning now, when diesel fuel prices average about 48% more than regular gasoline and 38% more than premium — wiping out diesel engines' 20% to 40% edge in fuel efficiency.

But fuel prices fluctuate, and high-mileage diesels might again seem like salvation. In which case, it'll be important to remember that not all diesels are equal.

For instance, the BMW 335d diesel sedan reviewed in last Friday's Test Drive was terrific. The Mercedes-Benz ML320 diesel SUV evaluated this week isn't.

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Bill - 11/28/2008 5:59:43 PM

+6 Boost

I rarely get upset about automotive reviews, but the reviewer sounds angry and frankly, biased. This was a poor review. Every paragraph was structured to attack the ML320 CDI.

My wife and I are the proud owners of two Mercedes' cars and both have the 7-speed transmission. I cannot relate to his claim of:

"The seven-speed automatic transmission M-B uses widely has had lurch-and-jerk issues."

I've never experienced these on my S550 from day one and neither has my wife (or I) in her '08 C350. Before buying the C350 I tested the ML350 and CLS500 and I didn't encounter this supposed jerking and lurching phenomena at all.

Next, this claim really irritates me:

"The diesel engine itself probably is fine — a little shy on horsepower, perhaps, but torque-rich as diesels are. "

Shy on horsepower? Is this guy for real? He even "corrects" himself and adds that the torque makes up for it. So what is he complaining about then? My understanding is that torque influences acceleration while horsepower determines more or less the speed and top speed capabilities of the vehicle.

It's funny how the comments on that side are all aimed at the reviewer and how he has "no credibility". I have experienced the new ML350 and I what he describes in his review is nothing what that car was like. The comfort was top notch, the brakes were responsive and again, the whole car was nothing like Mr. Healy claims it was in his review. Clearly, he is biased for some reason. All reviews of the ML320 CDI have been very positive. This review is too obvious a contradiction that you cannot help but wonder what he was thinking.

altdude - 11/28/2008 9:51:35 PM

+3 Boost

What bothers me is he seems to have no idea in which segment this vehicle competes. He's comparing it to the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot. I'm sorry, but I don't know many people who would cross-shop an ML with a Durango.

His comment on the seats seems way off base, too, almost as if he were reviewing the 1998 ML320, which was the only Mercedes I've ever been in where I did not like the seats. And the climate control is just nit-picking.

Rupert - 11/30/2008 6:57:46 PM

+1 Boost

I have travelled in this generation ML many times, and I disagree with this reviewer entirely. The gearshifts are smooth, take-off smooth, comfortable seats, good brakes, and a comfortable ride (more so than the X5 or Q7). The diesel engine is also responsive and quick.
His point about the headrest rear screens is irrelevant. They look a bit cheaper because they are - a whole 1300 dollars cheaper for the customer.

3pointstar - 12/2/2008 3:20:35 AM

+1 Boost

I like James Healy's reviews and he is usually pretty balanced, but it looks like he got out of bed on the wrong side.