2009 Mercedes ML320 CDI “Blue Tec”

Retail Price as tested: $55,000.00 (estimate)

The front end of 2009 ML320 is a new design for the 320 as well as the rear. The two vents at the rear of the hood are actually vents for the engine intake. The lighting of the ML320 is awesome and it also has additional fog/driving lights. The styling for the new 2009 ML320 is much better than previous years. I like the look and feel of this vehicle. The suspension is also able to raise and lower to accommodate some off-roading and the suspension has a sport mode with makes drive the 320 a lot more sporty. Even though this vehicle weights more than my Grand Cherokee it feels more nimble. The ML320 will start selling at dealers in October and should be a real hit for people that desire luxury but also want the power of a diesel along with the mpg that goes with it.

The interior is luxurious and suited for any driver - just what you would expect from MB. The layout is great and I love the ipod shelf and adapter that’s in the glove box. My only complaint is the two grab handles along the console. They are bulky and get in the way at times.

The Mercedes Benz ML320 CDI is one of the first Diesel vehicles to offer “ultra low” emissions. It comes with a 3.0 liter diesel engine found also in the JEEP Grand Cherokee. This is the same engine as before only with added emissions devices to meet 2010 emissions. MB is fully compliant for the 2010 model year - one year ahead of schedule. They claim they are even ready for the year 2015 with this system. The way they accomplish this is with a high tech diesel engine along with a special catalytic converter and an inert liquid called it AdBlue (a urea solution) into the exhaust, converting the remaining NOx molecules into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. The result is a 50 state compliant diesel with exhaust fumes can’t see or smell. This is not the diesel most of us are familiar with. Mercedes has done a great job of building a vehicle that drives like a high power gas engine but gets the improved mpg of a diesel. It also has more torque than a  larger gas engine would have. I have been driving the Grand Cherokee version for a couple of years now and the engine works very well. It has the same power as much larger gas engines and yet is quiet and very responsive. Push on the gas pedal and it goes. It does not feel like a diesel when you drive it or listen to it. The 7-speed Automatic Transmission puts the power band right where its needed and you have the option of using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to manually control the transmission. Combine a world class engine with a world class SUV and you have a great vehicle that will give you many years of comfort & reliability.

Interior

John Rush - Host

Gearhead Radio & Drive Radio

For a audio version of my review - please visit www.gearheadradio.com.

For a pdf version of this review click here.

For more details on other features and options on the 2009 Mercedes ML320 CDI click here.

The rear seats are just as comfortable as the front and have plenty of leg room. The rear seats can be folded down allowing more room for cargo. I loved the track system that is the cargo area. It has adapters for most anything you would be tying down.

Lighting & Misc

Communications, Sound System & Driver Controls

The 2009 Mercedes ML320 is one of the finest SUV’s I have ever driven. The diesel engine is one of my personal favourites as it performs as well as a V-8 but gets 26 mpg around town. The stereo and NAV system are easy to use and navigate through. The ipod interface works well from the first time you turn it in and the bluetooth interface for your cell phone is also a great feature. Voice command is also a feature and works well. The ML320 CDI is also one of the safest vehicles on the road. It has the ability to know when a crash may occur and then adjust the vehicle to that possibility. It will even close the sunroof in the case of a roll over. The vehicle has all the emanates you would ever use and the only complaint on the interior I had was the lack of a sun-glass holder and also the two grab bars running along the console are bulky and get in the way. The steering wheel is even heated just like the seats and has the controls for the radio, trip computer, cruise, manual shifting and tilt and telescopic controls for the steering column. The rear cargo area has tracks along both outside edges that have attachments for holding down all sorts of gear. It is just another added feature from MB.