2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350"

Toby Johns
7 years ago
Views:

1 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 350 For this second-generation ML, the engineers traded the body-on-frame design for a welded unibody construction, but took pains to reinforce it after all, the new generation had to have pretty serious off-road capabilities, too. Both versions the ML 350 and the ML 500 feature a seven-speed automatic transmission. The new body is 15 cm longer and 7.1 cm wider, and the wheelbase 9.3 cm longer. Interior and trunk Front-seat access is easy, but only just so, because the forward-slanting roof does not allow for a particularly wide door opening. You also have to watch out for dirt that collects on the wide door sills. The front seats are very comfortable for all except heavyset people, who will find them narrow. The driver s seat has no memory, which is disappointing for a vehicle in this price range. The tilt/telescopic steering column and generous leg room make the driving position very good. Rear-seat access is easier. The bench seats two adults comfortably. Head and leg room are excellent. The backrest is split 60/40 and folds flat to the floor. The liftgate opens wide for access to generous cargo space. Like in many sport utility vehicles, the sill is a little high. Photo: Mercedes

1 cm wider, and the wheelbase 9.3 cm longer. Interior and trunk Front-seat access is easy, but only just so, because the forward-slanting roof does not allow for a particularly wide door opening.

2 Convenience and safety The interior is elegantly finished with better-quality materials than before. Road noise soundproofing could be better. Apart from the centre console, which is a little small, storage space is ample. The cup holder is equipped with a light that reflects in the right-door window, which is annoying. The instruments and controls are well placed except for the windshield wiper control, which is on the turn signal lever, requiring the left hand to leave the steering wheel to activate the windshield wipers. The interval of the intermittent cycle cannot be adjusted, which is unacceptable nowadays, especially in a vehicle in this price range. The heating and air conditioning systems work well and the heated seats warm up fast. Oddly, the horn only works when the key is in the ignition and in the accessories position or when the engine is running. Mercedes has always taken safety seriously. When the new ML was being developed, 80 vehicles were destroyed in safety tests. It goes without saying that the ML 350 is loaded with safety equipment two front airbags, four side airbags, two front curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a rollover sensor, antiskid and traction control, assisted emergency braking, and five head restraints that are unfortunately not high enough for taller people. Visibility is very good except to the rear corners, and it can be difficult to judge distance to the rear when in reverse. In U.S. government crash tests, the ML earned the top five-star rating for occupant protection in head-on and side collisions. Its rollover resistance earned it four out of five stars. Engine and transmission The 3.5-litre V6 puts out 268 hp and 258 pounds of torque, allowing the ML 350 to deliver swift, palpable acceleration and pickup. This engine is quiet and smooth except in very hard acceleration. With the V8, acceleration and pickup are the match of many sports cars. Both engines meet the SULEV (Super Low Emissions Vehicle) standard. The seven-speed automatic transmission is generally very smooth. However, our first shift from first to second in our test car in cold weather was very abrupt when the vehicle had been immobile for several hours. The gears are well spaced. The floor shifter has given way to a convenient little lever you lift to shift into reverse and lower to go into drive. The speeds can be changed manually using the buttons on the back of the steering wheel.

The instruments and controls are well placed except for the windshield wiper control, which is on the turn signal lever, requiring the left hand to leave the steering wheel to activate the windshield

3 The four-wheel-drive system adapts continually and, in combination with the antiskid system, can transfer up to 100% of available torque to a single wheel. The system operates with no driver intervention and runs very smoothly at all times. Other features include hill holder start-off assist and a downhill speed regulator for steep slopes. On the road The four-wheel independent suspension provides a firm yet compliant ride thanks to a finely tuned set-up. We sometimes noted firmer reactions, but they did not compromise comfort. For an SUV, road holding is very good. Unfortunately, the vehicle is sensitive to side winds. Off road, the ML can really set down trails thanks to its high ground clearance and well-adapted powertrain. The power steering is a bit heavy at low speeds and does not come back to centre after a 90-degree turn at very low speed. Although a bit mushy in the centre, it is precise and relatively quick. With 19-inch tires, the vehicle tends to follow ruts. Lane changes result in weaving when the road is hollowed or uneven. The brakes are smooth and powerful and resist fading very well after a few high speed emergency stops. An inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical centre showed that the ML is sturdy and well protected from rust, even though the antiperforation warranty is considerably inferior to that of its German and Swedish competitors. There is no way to check the windshield washer level, and there are three openings under the front bumper through which an object can pass and damage the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Conclusion This new ML is very appealing thanks to improvements at all levels. The interior, now more comfortable and appointed with better-quality materials, is also more spacious. The performance of the powertrain and suspension makes for a competent vehicle that is pleasant to drive both on and off road. Since nothing is perfect, Mercedes can be criticized for offering an endless list of options and not including certain standard equipment, such as an interval control for the intermittent wiper cycle, in what is a nevertheless pricy vehicle. PROS: Comfort, lively engine, smooth transmission, driveability, powerful brakes, off-road capability

On the road The four-wheel independent suspension provides a firm yet compliant ride thanks to a finely tuned set-up. We sometimes noted firmer reactions, but they did not compromise comfort.

4 CONS: Windshield wiper control to be reviewed, road noise, wide door sills that can soil clothes, visibility to the back when in reverse, long list of options, head restraints that are not quite high enough for taller people 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6; 24-valve, 5-litre V8 Horsepower: 268 6,000 rpm; 302 5,600 rpm Torque: 258 2,400 to 5,000 rpm; 339 lb-ft at 2,700 to 4,250 rpm Transmission: 7-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: cm Width: 191 cm Height: cm Wheelbase: cm Weight: 2,145 to 2,185 kg Tires: 235/65R17; 255/55R18; 255/50R19 Towing capacity: 2,268 kg Air bags: dual front, four side and dual air curtain Fuel consumption with V6 engine: Transport Canada rating: City: 14.6 L/100 km (19 mpg) Test result: 14 L/100 (20 mpg) Highway: 10.6 L/100 km (26 mpg) Test temperature: -6 o C to 17 o C Fuel tank capacity: 95 litres Fuel requirement: premium gasoline Acceleration: km/h: 8.1 seconds km/h: 5.3 seconds Competition: BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Land Rover LR3, Lexus GX 470, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 4 years/80,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

5-litre V6; 24-valve, 5-litre V8 Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 302 hp @ 5,600 rpm Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2,400 to 5,000 rpm; 339 lb-ft at 2,700 to 4,250 rpm Transmission: 7-speed automatic Suspension:

5 Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,697 (includes tow hitch) Brake pads: $175 Front fender: $540 Front brake disk: $134 Muffler: $464 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,394 to $2,757 Price according to trim line: ML 350: $55,750 ML 500: $72,500 Main options: Audio system upgrade: $1,490 Navigation system: $1,495 Options packages: $2,800 to $9,050 Price as tested: $66,193 Freight and preparation: $1,500 Dealers: Quebec: 8 Canada: 41 CAA-Quebec, November All rights reserved.

$2,757 Price according to trim line: ML 350: $55,750 ML 500: $72,500 Main options: Audio system upgrade: $1,490 Navigation system: $1,495 Options

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2010

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2010 The two biggest changes for this new generation, the sixth, are the return of the Golf name and the arrival of a station wagon version. Otherwise, the exterior and cabin are restyled