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15th
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“I don't always bitch on a German product, but when I do, I try to do it seriously.”
The current 2013 Mercedes ML 350 is possibly the most comfortable, well sorted, and economical (when powered by the excellent BLUETEC diesel engine) luxury crossover available in North America at the moment. Yes, it is this good.
However, there is nothing exciting about it other than the aforementioned diesel engine. As well, its bulldog front face gives it all the charm of said animal. There, that's me putting the hurt on this German vehicle.
That's really all the negative points I can muster against the 2013 Mercedes ML. I travelled nearly 1,500 kms in a week's time and was forever happy with the vehicle's performance, poise and roomy, well-crafted cabin.
A face only a person wanting a Mercedes can love
It has become increasingly difficult to properly criticize new cars in 2013. In my short 14-year career, I've migrated from ripping into numerous new cars to scratching away at the latest that carmakers have to offer.
The Mercedes-Benz ML was hot, if but a little rough around the edges, in its early years. It went on to be sophisticated and subtle in phase two. This time around though, it looks like it's trying to be something it's not: a brutish SUV.
Despite my misgivings, the 2013 Mercedes ML, current since the 2012 model year, is selling very well. This is nothing more than proof that the Three-Pointed-Star continues to have mass appeal. From where I stand, the draw to the ML-Class grows with the addition of available AMG bits, and more so when these letters find their way under the bonnet.
Mercedes-Benz lounge
The 2013 Mercedes ML's cabin is quite the opposite of the exterior. The interior quarters are large, open and comfortable. They're not especially cozy, but then that's not the German way.
The German way is clean and especially functional with the right amount of sophistication and all class. I spent many an hour at the helm of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, travelling long distances. The longest stretches were a breeze thanks to the large, excessively cosseting seats. What's more, the quiet ambiance that reigns supreme in the ML was punctuated only by conversation or music emanating from the delightful audio system.
The well-crafted dashboard is quickly adaptable as is the COMAND APS with HDD navigation. I especially liked the steering wheel thanks to its design, which allowed for a comfortable grip.
Motivation: BLUETEC Diesel
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class can be had with any one of the four available engines. Ranging between 240 and 518 hp, I'd spring for the lowest output. The 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 also has 455 lb-ft of torque up its sleeve and that's where all the difference is made. Fully on tap at as low as 1,600 rpm, the V6 rockets forward with the help of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Although the V8 ML 550 and 63 AMG might scorch the BLUETEC off the line, the 350 diesel will easily and by far surpass them in range. My long distance cruise returned an impressive 9L/100 km, where 75% was covered on the highway.
There's more to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BLUETEC, and it has to do with refinement. For example, I went to lunch with The Boss one day, and upon our return he commented that the ML was “nice.” I concurred and rambled on about specs and such and when I said “diesel,” he stopped me and asked if I was mistaken.
The road to comfort
Other than the linear constant and pleasant shove from the engine, the masterful way with which the ML handles itself is very good. Sporty pretentions are not in the ML's repertoire of tricks, however, tackling on and off-ramps and rapid lane changes (as required in Ontario...) are met with control.
As with the BLUETEC diesel engine, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class rides with poise and refinement. Road irregularities are laughable minor inconveniences. Comfort is the ML's prime objective and it reaches and surpasses it. Steering is also of the same mindset as it is plenty assisted at low speeds, but weighs up nicely at speed. The brakes proved powerful with great pedal feel.
Happiness is...
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is a great vehicle. The BLUETEC starts at an even $61,000 ($59,500 for a 350) and can run well over $100,000 for a well-garnished 63 AMG.
Despites its physical shortcomings, the ML remains a fabulous family hauler that is classy and plenty luxurious. As for the looks, tick the Sport Package option to get the 20” wheels. They help.
The current 2013 Mercedes ML 350 is possibly the most comfortable, well sorted, and economical (when powered by the excellent BLUETEC diesel engine) luxury crossover available in North America at the moment. Yes, it is this good.
 |
However, there is nothing exciting about it other than the aforementioned diesel engine. As well, its bulldog front face gives it all the charm of said animal. There, that's me putting the hurt on this German vehicle.
That's really all the negative points I can muster against the 2013 Mercedes ML. I travelled nearly 1,500 kms in a week's time and was forever happy with the vehicle's performance, poise and roomy, well-crafted cabin.
A face only a person wanting a Mercedes can love
It has become increasingly difficult to properly criticize new cars in 2013. In my short 14-year career, I've migrated from ripping into numerous new cars to scratching away at the latest that carmakers have to offer.
The Mercedes-Benz ML was hot, if but a little rough around the edges, in its early years. It went on to be sophisticated and subtle in phase two. This time around though, it looks like it's trying to be something it's not: a brutish SUV.
Despite my misgivings, the 2013 Mercedes ML, current since the 2012 model year, is selling very well. This is nothing more than proof that the Three-Pointed-Star continues to have mass appeal. From where I stand, the draw to the ML-Class grows with the addition of available AMG bits, and more so when these letters find their way under the bonnet.
 |
| As well, its bulldog front face gives it all the charm of said animal. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Mercedes-Benz lounge
The 2013 Mercedes ML's cabin is quite the opposite of the exterior. The interior quarters are large, open and comfortable. They're not especially cozy, but then that's not the German way.
The German way is clean and especially functional with the right amount of sophistication and all class. I spent many an hour at the helm of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, travelling long distances. The longest stretches were a breeze thanks to the large, excessively cosseting seats. What's more, the quiet ambiance that reigns supreme in the ML was punctuated only by conversation or music emanating from the delightful audio system.
The well-crafted dashboard is quickly adaptable as is the COMAND APS with HDD navigation. I especially liked the steering wheel thanks to its design, which allowed for a comfortable grip.
 |
| The 2013 Mercedes ML's cabin is quite the opposite of the exterior. The interior quarters are large, open and comfortable. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Motivation: BLUETEC Diesel
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class can be had with any one of the four available engines. Ranging between 240 and 518 hp, I'd spring for the lowest output. The 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 also has 455 lb-ft of torque up its sleeve and that's where all the difference is made. Fully on tap at as low as 1,600 rpm, the V6 rockets forward with the help of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Although the V8 ML 550 and 63 AMG might scorch the BLUETEC off the line, the 350 diesel will easily and by far surpass them in range. My long distance cruise returned an impressive 9L/100 km, where 75% was covered on the highway.
There's more to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BLUETEC, and it has to do with refinement. For example, I went to lunch with The Boss one day, and upon our return he commented that the ML was “nice.” I concurred and rambled on about specs and such and when I said “diesel,” he stopped me and asked if I was mistaken.
 |
| Ranging between 240 and 518 hp, I'd spring for the lowest output. The 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 also has 455 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
The road to comfort
Other than the linear constant and pleasant shove from the engine, the masterful way with which the ML handles itself is very good. Sporty pretentions are not in the ML's repertoire of tricks, however, tackling on and off-ramps and rapid lane changes (as required in Ontario...) are met with control.
As with the BLUETEC diesel engine, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class rides with poise and refinement. Road irregularities are laughable minor inconveniences. Comfort is the ML's prime objective and it reaches and surpasses it. Steering is also of the same mindset as it is plenty assisted at low speeds, but weighs up nicely at speed. The brakes proved powerful with great pedal feel.
 |
| Sporty pretentions are not in the ML's repertoire of tricks, however, tackling on and off-ramps and rapid lane changes (as required in Ontario...) are met with control. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Happiness is...
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is a great vehicle. The BLUETEC starts at an even $61,000 ($59,500 for a 350) and can run well over $100,000 for a well-garnished 63 AMG.
Despites its physical shortcomings, the ML remains a fabulous family hauler that is classy and plenty luxurious. As for the looks, tick the Sport Package option to get the 20” wheels. They help.