M-Class (W164) 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec Follow-Up Test

[Merc1]

Blue Green

We hope you're not in a hurry.

During our track testing, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec diesel reached 60 mph from a dead stop in 8.5 seconds. If you're planning to rob a bank, the new ML320 can hold a lot of loot, but it won't help you make a quick getaway.

If it's long-distance cruising range you're after, however, Mercedes says its diesel-powered 2009 ML320 can run for 600 miles on a single tank of fuel. The coppers will get way tired before you have to fill up again.

Of course, you'd probably rather make a great escape with the kinfolk. So for the statistical American family of mom, dad and two-and-a-half kids, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec represents a five-passenger family SUV that's a miracle of thriftiness at the fuel pump and won't leave a tell-tale trail of smelly grit behind you.

Going Green With the Blue Juice

A diesel gets 20-30 percent better fuel mileage than a gasoline engine, but it has a reputation for being a noisy, dirty, smelly thing. So up until now, a diesel-powered vehicle has forced us to make a choice between pocketbook-friendly transportation and environmentally friendly transportation. And once strict environmental standards for passenger vehicles were instituted, you couldn't buy a diesel car in every state in any case.

But now that ultralow-sulfur diesel fuel is finally widely available in America, the European manufacturers are bringing us their latest emissions-friendly diesel vehicles. So now you can go green without buying into a battery-operated hybrid.

The Bluetec diesel system is technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to reduce oxides of nitrogen, the diesel's distinctive air-emissions signature. It requires the use of AdBlue, a trademarked reducing agent that is injected into the exhaust, converting nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water in a downstream catalytic converter. The AdBlue needs to be refilled as part of the vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, about every 10,000 miles. It doesn't have to be filled by a Mercedes dealer, however.


Full Story:

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Diesel Follow-Up Test on Inside Line


M

 

[tennmb]

This may sound disgusting, but can you pee in the ad-blue container to refill it?? Mammaliam urine does contain urea after all.

 

[bmer]

This may sound disgusting, but can you pee in the ad-blue container to refill it?? Mammaliam urine does contain urea after all.

LOL That's probably not good for the warranty.

AdBlue is a 32,5 % solution of urea in demineralised water. Urine on the other hand is 95 % water and only 2,5 % urea. The other 2,5 % is mostly formed by minerals (calcium, magnesium) and acids (phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid). So I doubt peeing in your AdBlue tank will work.

 

[LaArtist]

Whoa nice Rear LED´s.

 

[warot]

Oh no, God forbid!

"The diesel V6 is mated to a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission with the same column-mounted shift lever you'll find in the Mercedes R-Class"

So how popular are these cars? I've barely seen any diesels MB's at all. I hope these European diesels start doing better.

 

[Tarek]

Love the new FL treatment

 

[Wolfgang]

MB Long Beach just put out an M-Class update:

Experience The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class At Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach

WEBWIRE – Friday, April 30, 2010

Los Angeles Mercedes-Benz Dealership Defines The Luxury SUV Field

SIGNAL HILL, Calif. Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is proud to offer a lineup that includes vehicles as wide-ranging as those of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

“These exceptional SUVs are the perfect representation of why Mercedes-Benz has been able to stay at the crest of the premium SUV wave for well over a decade,” Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach General Manager Ray Burke said.

All editions of the rugged yet refined 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (MSRP starting at $45,700) offer an exceptional 72.4 cubic feet of total cargo space to go with welcoming accommodations for as many as five passengers.

Each version of the M-Class is available with Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, as well as the brand’s Electronic Stability Program. These two features form the bedrock upon which the M-Class’ reputation for safety and go-anywhere drivability is based. Throw in a maximum tow rating of 7,200 pounds, and the M-Class has all the tools needed to compete against any other SUV.

For those who are interested in covering all the luxury bases with the copious amount of comfort, utility and performance, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 is an excellent choice. Outfitted with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, the ML350 comes standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission, furthering the brand’s lead when it comes to gearbox technology.

Next on the block comes the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC. Although sporting a similar name to the entry-level M-Class trim level, the BlueTEC swaps in a turbocharged 3.0-liter clean diesel V6 that has been tuned to provide 210 hp and a phenomenal 400 lb/ft of torque. Sharing the same transmission as the gasoline-powered ML350, the BlueTEC edition of the M-Class combines its prodigious engine output with startling fuel economy of 25 mpg during highway driving and 18 mpg in the city – numbers that are more often associated with far smaller and less powerful competition.

Providing even better fuel mileage stats is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid. The ML450 Hybrid delivers 21 mpg in stop and go driving and 24 mpg during highway cruising and dramatically reduces harmful emissions.

There are also two V8 editions of the M-Class available. The ML550’s 5.5-liter eight-cylinder engine is good for 382 hp and 391 lb/ft of torque, while the ML63 AMG makes the most of its in-house hot rod status thanks to the inclusion of a 6.3-liter V8. This monster unit grinds out 503 hp and sends an earth-shattering 465 lb/ft of torque to all four wheels.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is equally impressive from a luxury equipment perspective. All models come with luxury you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle including a sunroof, heated mirrors and dual-zone climate control. In particular, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML550 provides driver and passengers with an array of gear that adds a palatial splendor to the SUV’s interior. Another tempting line item on the ML550’s options list is the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system, which features Enhanced Voice Control over the stereo, navigation system and hands-free phone. An advanced algorithm allows for even better recognition of casual speech, which lets drivers use a more conversational tone when interacting with COMAND.

The M-Class is also the king of the road when it comes to available safety equipment. The SUV’s Brake Assist feature amplifies driver effort on the brake pedal when it comes to emergency stopping situations, offering a greater chance that the vehicle will come to a stop in time. Should an impact be unavoidable, a host of advanced features takes over inside the M-Class, such as NECK-PRO front head restraints, which are designed to mitigate whiplash, and eight airbags, which offer front and side protection to forward occupants. Side-impact and side-curtain airbags are also present to encompass those seated in the second row.

Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach offers the highest levels of service in all departments with competitive pricing. With a knowledgeable sales staff, factory-trained service and parts experts and a wide selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is committed to providing Southern California residents with a true Mercedes experience. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, located at 2300 E. Spring Street in Signal Hill, Calif.

For more information about current offers, please call 562-988-8300 or visit mbzlongbeach.com.

Experience The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class At Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach