New Mercedes ML 350 CDI review, test drive

The ML 350 CDI BlueEfficiency we have for our test is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail, direct-injection diesel engine. At 255bhp, it has 21bhp more than the old ML 350 CDI. It is mated to the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s silky seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, complete with automatic stop-start and brake energy recuperation functions, and a permanent four-wheel-drive system as standard.

The new ML 350 CDI is unbelievably smooth and sweet-sounding, and you could easily mistake it for a petrol-powered car. There’s no hint of diesel motor rattle, there’s very little vibration, and even when you rev it, it feels utterly velvety. If we had to nitpick, it would be about the distant drone that persists if you keep the engine spinning at around 3500rpm.

With 63.2kgm of torque — some 10kgm more than the old car — the oil-burner makes light work of the substantial 2175kg kerb weight. Normal driving conditions need only a gentle dab on the throttle, and even that is good enough to have you scooting forward in that effortless, well insulated, typically Mercedes manner. The greater flexibility of the motor also means that the gearbox, in ‘Comfort’ setting, can shift up gears much earlier, so progress is relaxed, but adequately rapid. On part-throttle loads; the new Mercedes off-roader cruises in a serene manner. Thanks to the especially linear power delivery of the engine, the big M-class feels easy to drive in traffic too. The gearshifts, though smooth, are on the slow side and remind you that, in true Mercedes fashion, refinement and comfort are more important than ultimate performance. It also helps that you are given paddle shifters which, in both Sport and Comfort settings, are nice to use. But they are not the most obedient, and the gearbox sometimes refuses to downshift unless you coax it by lifting off the throttle before pulling the ‘down’ paddle.

Still, performance is strong, with 100kph coming up in a rapid 7.58sec. Performance continues unabated further up the powerband as well and, despite its girth, 180kph comes up in 26.76sec.