The new M-Class fulfills the needs of those looking for a premium and spacious vehicle, which is just as capable and comfortable off-road. Today, the popularity of premium SUVs is possibly because Mercedes Benz introduced the first generation of the luxury SUV. Back then, they understood the need for such a car and now the new one continues that line of thinking.
The new ML350 Blue EFFICIENCY 4MATIC is bigger with a wider track, longer length and lower roof. The result is an M-Class that is more lithe and athletic than the outgoing version. This 225kW Petrol V6 has immense shove especially low down in the rev-range. Considering that this is the base version of the petrol-engine derivatives, it’s got a lot of punch and is 15% more fuel efficient, burning 8.8l/100km on the combined cycle.
Mercedes Benz has gone a long way to ensure comfort. The suspension is at home on all road surfaces; you never get the sense that it is struggling. The luxurious cabin is simple and functional yet elegant. There is more legroom in the front and rear of the cabin and with the rear seats and backrests folded down, the loading space is a cavernous 2,000 cubic decimeters. Once you have packed the load compartment, the ML features a one-touch Easy Pack tailgate button that closes the boot for you.
The driving experience is a combination of sedan-like comfort with the raised view that an SUV provides. Mercedes Benz is positioning the new M-Class as an all-rounder that is in control of all driving situations. In addition to the strong but powerful engine, the SUV also features a seven speed transmission; start-off assist for when you’re on an incline; electric steering; Active Blind Spot Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; a driver drowsiness detection system as well as active braking systems and safety features.
One of the key differences of this new generation M-Class is that the 4MATIC or 4-wheel drive version is standard across all the cars—this is where the ML350 BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC really makes a case for itself. It conquers rough terrain with such ease that this key quality could be easily overlooked. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is a cushy soft-roader without any off-road skills. The 4MATIC is a permanent all-wheel drive system but by pressing a few buttons on the center console you can raise the suspension; engage off-road mode; engage the Downhill Speed Regulation and be on your way over some rough terrain. The car also has a towing capacity of 3.5 tons and features a trailer assist system.
I put the ML350 through some tough off-road obstacles and a stunned audience of Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser owners watched in weary silence. The only remaining sign of the conquered obstacles was a little bit of mud on its alloy wheels and undercarriage. The 4MATIC system only distributes power to the wheels that are in contact with the ground and it primes the engine and transmission for the required terrain. I was very impressed as I coasted over several steep, muddy and rocky inclines and through deep pools of sludge. The only work I had to do was softly guide the ML350 with deft touches of the power-assisted leather steering wheel.
The Mercedes Benz M-Class makes a good case as a family, luxury, utility and off-road vehicle. It’s the whole package, with class-leading dynamics. Oh, and it carries a large three-pointed star on its grille.