Special diesel / Mercedes-Benz test drives

A familiar silhouette almost untouched by time. The facelift touched the body with a barely noticeable stroke. If you don't arm yourself with a magnifying glass, you won't immediately understand where the new model is and where the predecessor is. However, the senior models of the Stuttgart brand have always been famous for their precise lines, which did not lose relevance throughout the entire life cycle and did not require radical redesigns from designers. The second-generation ML, although it debuted in 2005, still looks fresh; even if these versions were produced in reverse order, hardly anyone would dare call the pre-facelift car outdated.

I slam the door — and the world outside the windows turns into a silent film. Silence presses on the ears. But what about the engine? I want to hear it! I start the diesel and freeze, trying to catch at least some sound. At idle it's practically absent, and if you rev the engine to four thousand rpm, it speaks with a solid bass, in which you wouldn't suspect diesel fuel. The engine is undoubtedly successful, and it can confidently be called the ideal compromise for those who want to save money but are not ready to sacrifice dynamics. In terms of traction, this diesel confidently outperforms the petrol ML 350 of similar displacement, accelerates just as briskly, but is noticeably more economical.

The CDI, like the other MLs, now works in tandem with a seven-speed automatic. The 7G-Tronic is quick and smooth. The gearbox can still be controlled manually using the convenient buttons on the back of the steering wheel spokes. Mercedes-Benz ergonomists are true masters of their craft! But is it even necessary to drive such a car, and a diesel one at that? It would seem not. For that, there's the AMG version, which hits sixty in five seconds. But what to do if you don't have money for the ML 63 AMG, and under the hood here hide 224 horses and 510 newton-meters? That's right — floor the pedal!

Acceleration is like a locomotive. Relentless, even, absolutely impassive. You look at the speedometer — and it's already 200 km/h. You look and don't believe it: your senses refuse to perceive such speed, deceived by the comfortable suspension and incredible sound insulation. It feels like you're floating in a capsule above the road! The air suspension allows you to choose either a sportier or maximally soft mode — the settings are in place. The difference is in the details and in how quickly you're used to moving. If you like to fly over 160, turn on "Sport." Less body roll, the car is composed. In comfort mode, it's better to drive slower — but what smoothness! And the most correct option is not to touch the button at all and leave everything in Auto. The car will figure it out itself.

In general, the ML is not too eager to let the driver take control. The chassis has enormous potential, but the feeling of full control doesn't arise: the car keeps the person at a distance, as if saying, "Don't fuss, I'll do everything myself." A familiar corner can be taken at a very high, almost car-like speed. But repeating such an experiment is unlikely to be desired. As I already noted, Mercedes ergonomics is a separate universe. It is created for owners of these cars, that is, for those who are already used to it. And a newcomer constantly stumbles over the abstruse Command, learns to handle the overloaded left steering column stalk, and gets used to the elegant "cane" — the gear selector. Over time, though, you get hooked on that very Mercedes feeling.

There seems to be nothing special in this black interior of classic shapes, but somewhere deep in the soul a feeling of comfort, calm, confidence, and enjoyment of being here is born. How do they do it? Maybe a shaman walks through the assembly shops and charms the interiors of all new cars? By the way, don't forget that this is a crossover? Unlike many others, the ML justifies this title.

It has everything needed for serious off-roading. It's clear that no owner of this white wonder on 20-inch wheels (shod, moreover, with highway ContiSportContact2 tires) in their right mind would go to a quarry to check if the purchase was justified. But situations vary, and if at least once the ML pulls its owner out of a tough spot, they will be grateful to it forever. The off-road arsenal of our hero is well known and, of course, hasn't changed after the update. It's permanent all-wheel drive with a transfer case, a center differential lock, and a self-locking rear axle.

4Matic can transfer 100% of the torque to the front or rear axle. Add to that the ability to forcibly raise the ground clearance to 307 mm — and feel sorry for the sills if you still decide to venture into the wilds. By the way, the car's mud protection is excellent. After our experiments (some of which are captured in the photos), the engine compartment remained completely clean. But the tires are clearly not from this ensemble... We've always liked the ML, and now we like it even more. I think many will choose the diesel version. It's a very correct and pragmatic choice. And the new engine, even if it runs on heavy fuel that was once considered unprestigious, doesn't harm the car's self-sufficiency and status at all.