The new M-Class delights the press
Powerful, economical, clean, safe and comfortable
the new generation M-Class has received across-the-board acclaim in initial tests by the specialist press. Here you can read the superlative praise heaped on the vehicle by the international media.
Focus Online – half way across Europe on half a tank
“Even without completely sacrificing driving pleasure, you can cruise from Barcelona to Stuttgart in the ML 250 BlueTEC with an average consumption of 6.4 litres and at an average speed of almost 100 km/h, including breaks. With a bit more effort, you could even get to 6.0 litres” (Focus Online/D, 12.07.11).
Auto Bild Allrad – This is where making savings becomes fun
The specialists of Auto Bild Allrad (D, No. 10/11) were above all amazed by the qualities of drive system in the new ML 250 BlueTEC.
“It’s almost unbelievable how the small engine pushes the two-tonner along”“ (Auto Bild Allrad/D, No. 10/11).
“Even with heavy use of the throttle, we couldn’t push the average consumption up to double-digit levels” (Auto Bild Allrad/D, No. 10/11).
Auto Motor und Sport – clean solution, luxury-class seating comfort, five stars for safety
Even Auto Motor und Sport (D, No. 22/11) awarded top marks of five stars to the ML 250 BlueTEC.
“Previously the BMW 6-cylinder engine in the X5 xDrive30d producing 65 dB (A) was the benchmark for smooth running characteristics, but the ML 250 BlueTEC is even quieter: 63 dB (A) at 100 km/h” (Auto Motor und Sport/D, No. 22/11).
“As standard, the M-Class already provides luxury-class seating comfort with comfortable upholstery, ample dimensions and a wide adjustment range. In the second row, passengers can stretch out on the comfortable rear bench seat, which also has an adjustable backrest. The rear bench seat has room for three child seats or even three generously-sized adults” (Auto Motor und Sport/D, No. 22/11).
“When fitted with appropriate options, the M-Class assists the driver wherever it can. Even the brake test revealed no weaknesses whatsoever, with cold brakes bringing the vehicle to a stop in 37.1 m” (Auto Motor und Sport/D, No. 22/11).
Auto Bild – The first place goes to Stuttgart
It is not surprising therefore that the ML 350 BlueTEC 6-cylinder model was quite literally able to out-brake its competitors, in the form of the BMW X5 xDrive30d and VW Touareg V6, in the first big comparative test conducted by Auto Bild (D, No. 40/11). With cold brakes, it came to a standstill in just 35.8 m – almost 2.5 m before the BMW (38.2 m).
“While retaining maximum comfort, the new ML is more light-footed and has greater roadholding stability than its predecessor when negotiating alternating bends” (Auto Bild/D, No. 40/11).
“The Mercedes ML 350 BlueTEC is spacious, powerful, quiet and safe. It is manoeuvrable for an SUV, comfortable and hardly pollutes thanks to urea injection and Euro 6. The star-branded model is a worthy champion” (Auto Bild/D, No. 40/11).
Road and Track/La Stampa – super diesel with surprising off-road capabilities
Colleagues in the USA and Italy have also been impressed with the qualities of the new M-Class. They were particularly surprised by its off-road capabilities.
“Straight-as-a-die highways, winding mountain passes, off-road tracks through canyons – it is not surprising that the Mercedes-Benz ML 2012 is competent, comfortable and fast on all of these surfaces. The ML was particularly impressive in light off-road conditions” (Road and Track Online, US, 13.07.11 [translated quote]).
“The electronics perform miracles, whether in terms of driving dynamics, safety or off-road capabilities, which elevate it to a previously unattained level for the M-Class. It tackles the most difficult of routes in a casual and relaxed manner. You simply have to select the appropriate transmission mode via a rotary switch. The M-Class takes care of everything else” (La Stampa Online/I, 11.09.11).
