ML 350 Test Drive

Well our E-class is approaching its 3rd birthday, and perhaps will be sold sometime this year. Candidates for replacement are the new ML, upcoming X5 and Audi Q7. Or maybe it will be the new S-class if my dad falls in love with it, but probably not since it’s just not that practical for our family.

So yesterday we headed down the MB dealership to give the M-class a spin. In the showroom they had an Alpine Rain ML350 with the chrome body extras and black full leather interior. The car looked superb on the outside and very nice on the inside. But I’m not so much a fan of black interiors anymore. The plastics always appear cheaper simply because of the colour, and it gets finger marks etc. all over too easily. This is such a pain in our CLK and E, both with black interiors.

Anyway, the car I drove was an ML350 with the light grey interior (looked excellent) and dark blue exterior. First things first. Adjusting the seat, steering and mirrors, it was easy to find a very comfortable driving position in the supportive front seats. Putting the car into gear, I couldn’t help but think a more substantial feeling ‘wand’ for the gearbox would have been more appropriate. While it is very easy to operate, the stalk fitted to the felt way too light and flimsy for the control interface of such an integral component of the vehicles mechanics. Nevermind, this was only a very minor issue. On to the driving. Immediately I noticed was how utterly refined the new 350V6 was. It was smooth as silk and apart from the very rare slightly clumsy down change when given the boot, the engine mated seamlessly with the 7Gtronic. Most definitely a big improvement on our E320 5 speed drivetrain. While the ML is heavy vehicle the 350 did a commendable job of hustling the vehicle along, though a bit more torque would be much appreciated. The current ML500 was very good in this respect and the new one will most definitely offer brilliant all round drivability.

What I did notice was how utterly composed the suspension was on the move, and this was the standard coil spring setup. Also the vehicle felt no less solid than our E, perhaps even more so. The body was vault like tight with not a creak or groan heard from anywhere in the interior even when thrown around on some rougher surfaces. Also, the ML was clearly superior to our E in isolating occupants from the outside noise.

With all these positive impressions in mind, I began thinking maybe the ML would even corner like a sports sedan. However, a bit of time in the twisties laid to rest any fantasies that this vehicle would handle like a sports car. While very stable for a 4wd with little body roll, in the narrow twisties you’re still very aware of the cars mass. While the ML350 is very good in this respect, the airmatic equipped ML500 I had previously driven was clearly a superior vehicle dynamically. I would say airmatic is a must for any driver with sporting aspirations.

Where the driving experience was let down was in the steering feel. While the ML went exactly where you pointed it, there was an awkward reluctance or doughiness that I didn’t like very much. This would take some time to get used to. The steering did do a very good job of filtering the roads lumps and bumps though.

So back to the interior. I know in the past I have complained a bit about the ML’s interior quality, but in the cream and light grey colours it seemed completely acceptable both in isolation and in comparison to all the luxury cars I have driven recently (E320, Lexus IS250, GS300 and 320i executive). Poking and prodding around the cabin I couldn’t help but notice how solid everything felt. It certainly felt like the car wouldn’t develop any annoying rattles and creaks later on (a pet peeve of mine since I absolutely can’t stand any rattles). While the plastics were indeed different to the MB sedans I have driven (perhaps feeling ever so slightly cheaper) they were fine and completely acceptable. Also the design and finish of the interior is so much more appealing in person than in photos. It just seems more substantial. Nevertheless, a direct comparison to the new X5 and Q7 will be the real test when it comes to the ML’s interior finish.

In all the ML350 proved to be a thoroughly developed vehicle with many strong points and few drawbacks. Certainly a vehicle that would be a pleasure for our family to own. However before rushing into the purchase of a new vehicle, we’ll probably hold off until the new 500 is launched and we’ve had a chance to inspect the Q7 in person, and see some official pictures of the X5. I cant wait .

Thanks for the write up

I remember test driving the ML and I was very impressed with the level of refinement in comfort mode. In sports mode the ML handled really well (not saloon good but suv good) and overall I was really impressed with the improvement made by MB. I also think its now the best looking suv on the market..

No probs Vivaki. Yes it really is a very good look SUV. Excellent proportions thats for sure.

Oh another beef I forgot to mention was the equipment levels. Why can't we have lexus like levels of standard equipment, or at the very least cheaper options.

Thanks for the review. I don't know when my father will decide to trade his W163 for a W164, but I hope he does soon
I'm not feeling the interior anymore, it's looks really plane to me now. I probably need to look at more pictures of it to fall in love with it again.

I hope the next X5 will be better than the current one, which is hard if you ask me. That's the first German SUV I liked and still like even today with the new ML out.

Very right Yaz, the X5 has held its own very well even in the face of all the new competition. I guess it was just well ahead of its time.

Does anyone have any idea when the new 5 Litre will be dropped in to ML? Vivaki?

Nice review. Very well written and to the point. Short mentions of other cars as comparisons adds a nice touch.

Thanks Wimmer. Not as comprehensive as the reports you post (with millions of pictures) but I just thought I'd post.

So can anyone answer my question about the new V8? Anyone?

Sorry for the late reply. Ive got exams next week so been busy with revision.

Im not too sure when the new V8 will make it into the ML but according to Jesmb the new engine will come autumn 2007.

Thanks Vivaki.

So thats 2007 Autumn in Germany (september/october 2007)?

That's quite a while away really, and king of dissapointing. I guess MB are keeping some ammunition for the debut of the new BMW X5.

Good luck with the exams.

If I didn't have my digital camera, my reviews would be "pictureless".

Good review though.