Mercedes Benz ML350: Comfort in its Ruggedness

With half the readers of this section expecting us to brandish swords and shields in attempts to linguistically demolish each and every car we get to test drive, we’re left in a quandary. See, sometimes, we just can’t help it if we like the vehicles that get sent our way. So, if by the end of this article I will sound like I enjoyed my time with the Mercedes Benz ML350, it’s probably because I did. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t try to view the ML350 from a critical perspective. Rather, it may mean that the ML350 is quite the performer. It is, after all, a Mercedes Benz.

No, I will not heap praise upon the ML350 simply because I want to return the favor to the dealer who leant me the vehicle (though I cannot stop you if you think that that is the case). The truth is that the ML350 is not a perfect vehicle. In fact, I found myself rather disappointed at the lack of pulling power that the vehicle showed despite the rather intimidating numbers displayed in the brochure. Still, it’s far from being inadequate in what it tries to be. Nevertheless, I think it’s a prime example of how German engineering can live up to expectations (however absurd those expectations may be).

Now that that’s set aside, let me tell you why I was impressed by the ML350. Purists have scoffed at the idea of a Mercedes Benz SUV ever since plans for it were being put on the table. To them, since Benzes were (and still are) generally known for their sedate riding characteristics, the very idea of a Benz specifically made to tackle less than perfect roads was nothing short of preposterous. Let’s face it, an SUV will never, ever attain "car like driving characteristics" no matter how well made it is. The basic laws of physics just do not permit it. The best that carmakers can do, then, is approximate the driving experience of their known products through the better development of their newer ones, SUVs included — but only up to a certain degree. The effort, let me tell you, is obvious in the ML350.

Riding several inches higher than the next car may automatically lose you some comfort points but the ML350’s supple suspension addresses this concern to an impressive degree. Though you will never feel as composed on the road as you were in say an E-Class sedan, perhaps it’s safe to say that this Benz has the softest ride for an SUV its size in this or any side of the world. I took a BMW X5 (the ML’s competitor) across the California coastline for about a week immediately after my ML350 test-drive in Manila and felt the obvious difference between the two vehicles almost instantaneously. A Benz’s comfort factor will always be its best selling point — despite the comparatively worse road conditions I had to contend with when the vehicle was with me.

Speaking of the X5 (you just knew this vehicle had to come into the picture), we can’t help but point out how much more responsive to the driver’s inputs the Bavarian-made SUV is than our Stuttgart-born protagonist. The ML350, despite the healthy 6-cylinder, 3.5-liter displacement and 272 horses it’s blessed with on paper, displays a more sluggish acceleration side when compared to the X5. It isn’t slow (0-100 in 8.4 seconds), but it doesn’t have that oomph factor that the X5 displays with abandon. You could force the issue with the responsive direct select gearshift buttons conveniently located behind the steering wheel where your fingers ought to be if you have the right driving position, but this practice sacrifices the civility of the Benz’s acceleration process. So manage your expectations. Immediately perceptible punch off the gas pedal will never, after all, be a Benz’s strong suit.

Going back to the Benz’s strong suit (the comfort factor, remember?), whatever approximation it achieves of its siblings’ performance levels as far as ride goes, it doubles up on in terms of interior appointments. Awash with aluminum, matte chrome highlights and tasteful leather, the ML350’s interior wraps one up in such refinement that it’s almost hard to believe one is inside an SUV. Color and texture juxtaposition inside is typically Benz — which is my way of saying it’s close to perfect. Here in the interior, in my opinion, is where the Benz (any Benz) kicks the competition right smack in the balls. Sorry BMW, Audi and Volvo (well, except maybe for the S40) fans, but were it not for the stately posturing of Jaguars, interior appointments would have been strictly Benz territory. Your favorites, as yet, just cannot touch the Benz in this department.

As for the exterior, well, that’s where subjective taste plays much more of a significant role. Classic fans will argue that the X5 takes the cake where exterior styling is concerned (and I will have to agree). The more adventurous types will probably go for the modern and model line-up sound XC90 or Q7 proportions (and yet again I agree). But, really, among the premium SUVs made available to the Filipino buyer, it’s the ML350’s lines that seem to grow on you the most. Somehow, they just seem to flow smoothly enough for you not to get distracted by any jagged edges. Yet, they also keep within safe barriers for you not to be overwhelmed by too much modernity. As always, even in the SUV styling battle, the Benz keeps within the lines of civility more than any of its competitors. So is that good or bad? Depends on who’s looking. Me? I’d still lean towards the more playful XC90 where exterior styling goes.

Safety and technology features, meanwhile, abound in the ML350. Dual front airbags and sidebags plus windowbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), a brake assist system (BAS), a downhill speed regulator (DSR), an electronic stability program (ESP) and electronic traction system (4ETS) are some of the features that’ll ensure you that you’re well-protected in this SUV. A host of convenient features like headlamp range adjustment, speed sensitive power steering, and a parktronic system then add to the driver-friendly additions in the ML350.

All in all, the ML350 brings the Benz experience right into the doors of the SUV enthusiast. And it does so with a panache that is distinctly Mercedes Benz. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the most responsive SUV in its class. But it’s pretty much the classiest, and definitely one of the safest. Priorities really ought to count when one is considering the purchase of a vehicle. If you are in search of a premium European SUV, perhaps you can start by defining which are yours. Remember, as far as comfort goes, the ML350 sits right atop the rung in its class. Oh, and be ready to shell out a cool P5.5 million for this not-so-little toy (Yikes!). Luxury — especially off the roads — does have its price.

The Good

• Relatively comfortable ride

• Impressive interior styling

• Grade A safety features

The Bad

• Could be a little more responsive on the fly

• That P5.5 million price tag (Hey, it is a Benz!)

The Verdict

• The ML350 is a classy vehicle that takes the Mercedes Benz experience right into the doors of the SUV enthusiast.