Acceleration

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Both models accelerate briskly, though V8 delivers more thrust in all conditions. Transmission upshifts, downshift more frequently in ML350 vs. ML500 in response to throttle inputs. Transmission in two test ML350s periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed.

Fuel Economy

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

Test ML350s averaged 17.0-19.0 mpg. No opportunity to measure with ML500. Both MLs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Low-speed impact harshness. Otherwise admirably comfortable, rewardingly composed. Available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, automatic settings. Uncomfortably choppy in Sport setting; other modes have little evident effect on comfort, control.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Acts more like a tall station wagon than an SUV, but leans more in corners than sportier BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Steering impressively linear, accurate, though some drivers may prefer lighter low-speed feel. Corners with impressive grip, balance. Strong stopping power, outstanding brake-pedal modulation.

Quietness

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Luxury-car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. V6 heard more than V8 by virtue of transmission's more-frequent shifts, but otherwise as refined as silken V8.

Controls

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Upscale blend of businesslike gauges, sophisticated but easy-to-use dashboard controls. Large, well-marked climate dials deserve special praise. Gear shifting via short column lever takes acclimation. Lever falls easily to hand, but returns to same position after each shift, requiring driver to monitor gear selection as indicated on instrument panel screen. Navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks. Test models had leather/wood cabin trim; most interior panels firm to the touch, but rich in quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Roomy, supportive seats. Comfort Package's 10-way seats have tacked-on control pod that looks incongruous and intrudes on some testers' leg space. Entry/exit easy via large doors, no-stress step-in height.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Good leg, foot, head room. Seat nicely contoured, fits three across with minor crowding. Narrow lower doorways slightly tax ingress/egress.

Cargo Room

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	7	7.9

Tall, broad cargo bay has plenty of space with rear seats in use. Rear seat cushions tip, seatbacks fold easily without removing headrests to create long, flat load floor. Good cabin storage via roomy door pockets, tiered console bin, wide space where floorshifter was previously located.

Value within Class

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
7	5	5.8

Base prices are very competitive, but grow daunting as options are added. And around-town ride comfort isn't always what it should be. But overall, the highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive ML-Class is what a premium midsize 5-passenger SUV ought to be.

Total Score

ML350 w/Trim Pkg.	ML500 w/Comfort, Air Susp. Pkgs.	Class Average
64	63	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73