2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Road Test
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2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $42,680 -$85,500
- Invoice: $39,692 -$79,515
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Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
No opportunity yet to test ML63. ML500's V8 delivers more thrust than ML350's V6 in all conditions, but both accelerate briskly. Transmission upshifts, downshifts more frequently in ML350 vs. ML500 in response to throttle inputs. Transmission in two test ML350s periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed. ML320 CDI suffers brief turbo lag, then accelerates briskly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 3.6 |
Test ML350s averaged 17.0-19.0 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy with other models. All gas engines require premium-grade fuel.
ML320 CDI requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Note that CDI is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Low-speed impact harshness over most bumps. 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/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Acts more like a tall station wagon than an SUV, but leans more in corners than sportier Acura MDX 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/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Luxury car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. V6 heard more than V8 by virtue of transmission's more frequent shifts, but otherwise no less refined in sound, feel than silken V8. ML320 CDI's turbodiesel makes slightly different noise than gas engines, but is little louder overall.
CONTROLS
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Upscale blend of businesslike gauges, sophisticated but easy-to-use dashboard controls. Gear shifting via short column lever takes acclimation: Lever returns to same position after each shift, requiring driver to monitor gear selection on instrument panel screen. Navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks. Leather/wood cabin trim, high-quality materials create upscale ambience, though most interior panels firm, rather than soft to the touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Roomy, supportive seats. Multicontour power 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/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 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/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
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/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.9 |
Base prices are competitive, but the sticker's bottom line grows daunting as options are added. And around-town ride comfort isn't always what it should be. Overall, however, the highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive M-Class is what a premium midsize five-passenger SUV ought to be.
Total Score
| ML350 w/P1 Prem. Pkg., Multicontour seats | ML500 w/P3 Prem. Pkg. | ML320 CDI w/P2 Prem. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 63 | 64 | 61.3 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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