The first generation ML had its moment of glory when it was featured in the famous Jurassic Park movie. Beyond that, in this country at least, it only appealed to Malaysians who wanted something different. Otherwise, the consensus seemed to be that it was pale in comparison with its German rivals. The ML soldiered on nevertheless and we now see it in third generation guise and there are appreciable differences, of course.
The change in wheelbase length is quite miniscule but the new ML does sit wider and lower than its predecessors. That does make it look sportier. Apparently,ground clearance was sacrificed to attain this urban look and the new ML sits nearly three inches closer to terra firma.
Exterior changes are subtle; in fact, those unfamiliar with the ML - and there are many- won't be able to tell the difference. Fancy LEDs are sprinkled all around the new body. More chrome bits are seen on the front and rear. The overall design edges more towards the classy rather than the rugged. It is easier imagining the ML sitting in a hotel lobby rather than wading through swamp land.
No surprise then that the inside is glitzier than the previous model. Mercedes-Benz still has the upper hand in cabin design. While BMW maintains its driver-centric yet barren interior and Audi tries to have the most amount of lighted buttons and knobs and switches, Mercedes-Benz sticks to the traditional luxury tone it knows so well, and it works. The ML's interior is by far the classiest in its category.
Under the sculpted hood is the updated engine which is still 3,498cc big and is still a V6. What has changed is the way fuel is fed into system. Now the engine sips fuel using direct injection. The result is increased horsepower (up by 34bhp) and lower consumption, 8.5L/100km.
The transmission is the 7G-TRONIC PLUS with Direct Select, which means you get to swap cogs using the paddles on the steering wheel or via the gear lever. Local specs get you the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system that works together with the electronic stability software. No,it doesn't snow in Malaysia but the feeling that this luxury SUV can tackle mushy ice if it does snow here is pretty much alluring enough for the ML's target market.
Anyway, this ML certainly drives as well as Mercedes-Benz claims. The ML feels better planted than before. lt has less SUV roll and the steering feelback is a lot better. At least, we knew where the front types were pointed.
The best was the throttle response. There was an instantaneous reaction from the V6 engine. Previously, the response was not as fluid as this. It seemed like Unify had replaced the Pony Express to send signals to the V6. Okay,we are exaggerating but you do get the point right? Smoother throttle control allowed us to have better control of the ML, which in turn offered a better driving experience. Fuel consumption too was noticeably lower, averaging around 12L/100km during its stay with us.
On the undulating East Coast Expressway, the air suspension provided a super smooth ride at highway speeds. You could crank up the speed more, even at night when Mercedes-Benz's amazing headlight system 'reads' the road and adjusts the headlight' throw to offer fine visibility. lt goes into high beam when there is no oncoming traffic and dips when it is on an empty highway and stretches the light beam sideways, giving better visibility. So what,you may say. Well, it's good because we do have the odd cow or goat wandering onto our highways.
On rough roads, however, those big 21-inch wheels feel heavy and crash into holes in a slightly harsh manner. That's easily solved if you don't mind trading down to smaller wheels with thicker side walls. It would be a good investment in ride comfort.
All said, the ML has always been different from the rest. The interior, the classy design and the fact that there are not many MLs on the road gives it a certain air of exlusivity. That should appeal to the upper echelon of society.
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