2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Road Test
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $44,600 - $90,100
- Invoice: $43,803 - $83,793
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Our road test for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class help you decide if a 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6.3 |
The AWD ML350 delivers plenty of smooth power around town and on the highway, though it can feel labored climbing long grades. The ML550 furnishes noticeably more thrust, but unless you tow heavy loads, it may be overkill.
The transmission does a good job keeping both these engines in their power band, but doing so in the ML350 requires frequent gear changes, which are sometimes jerky at low speeds. No rear-drive ML350, ML63, or ML320 BlueTEC has been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD ML350s averaged 17.0-19.0 mpg. An ML550 averaged 16.8 mpg in city/highway driving. Gasoline models require premium-grade gas. Note that the ML320 BlueTEC is available in all 50 states.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Aside from some low-speed impact harshness over most bumps, M-Class models are admirably comfortable and rewardingly composed. The available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, and Automatic settings. It's uncomfortably choppy in Sport, and the other modes have little evident effect on comfort or control.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
These vehicles lean more in fast turns than the sportier Acura MDX or Porsche Cayenne. Straight-line stability is great, but these wagons are too tall, weighty, and top heavy to be truly agile. The steering is impressively linear and accurate, though its effort in turns can feel too heavy. Strong stopping control is augmented by outstanding brake-pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Road- and wind-noise suppression rival those of some luxury cars. The gas V6 is heard more than the V8 by virtue of the transmission's more frequent shifts, but both sound refined.
CONTROLS
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Dashboards feature an upscale blend of business-like gauges and sophisticated-looking controls. Some control icons, though, are cryptic, and the steering wheel suffers from too many buttons. Gear shifting is via a short toggle-action column lever and takes some acclimation. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions and requires multiple steps for some basic tasks.
DETAILS
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
The cabin's standard wood trim and other high-quality materials create an upscale ambiance. However, many interior panels are not soft to the touch, and only the ML63 has standard leather upholstery.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Front passengers enjoy roomy, generally supportive seats. Good side bolstering requires the multi-contour power seats, which have a tacked-on control pod that looks incongruous and intrudes on some testers' leg space. Entry and exit are a bit steep when compared to other premium midsize crossover SUVs.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
There's good headroom, legroom, and foot space in back. The seat is nicely contoured and fits three across with only minor crowding. Narrow lower doorways slightly tax ingress and egress.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.4 |
The tall, broad cargo bay affords plenty of space with the rear seats in use. The seatbacks fold easily without removing the headrests to create a long, flat load floor, but not until the seat cushions have been tipped forward. Cabin storage is merely OK. The door pockets are roomy, but the tiered center console is on the small side.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 5.8 |
Aside from around-town ride comfort that could be better, M-Class is highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive. The diesel ML320 BlueTEC promises smooth, quiet operation with excellent-for-the-class fuel economy. Despite stiff base and option prices, the M-Class is an easy Recommended pick.
Total Score
| AWD ML350 | ML550 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 71 | 68.3 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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