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Mercedes ML350 Inspiration

We live in a society obsessed with making you feel younger. Whether it's anti-wrinkle cream, a trendy exercise programme or the latest diet plan, there's always another strategy on offer to help maintain your youthful appearance.

By Chris Thorp

March 2003

We live in a society obsessed with making you feel younger. Whether it's anti-wrinkle cream, a trendy exercise programme or the latest diet plan, there's always another strategy on offer to help maintain your youthful appearance.

Mercedes is applying this theory to its M-Class, which is looking mature in a sector full of young upstarts. But will a fresh engine and plush trim level in the ML350 be enough to give the luxury off-roader a new lease of life?

The 3.7-litre V6 replaces the old 3.2-litre unit, which will live on in other Mercedes models. Recently introduced into the firm's SL roadster, the new powerplant boosts the performance of the BMW X5 rival, with an output of 245bhp - that's 7bhp more than in the outgoing unit. Mated to Mercedes' automatic gearbox, the bigger engine feels perfectly matched to the size and weight of the ML350. The massive outputs of the company's supercharged V8s and incredible V12s can be daunting, but press the accelerator in the ML350 and there's a swift response which is never alarming.

However, this doesn't mean its pace is disappointing. Hold on to the gears and the six-cylinder rasp comes with a 0-60mph sprint time of 8.7 seconds. And a top speed of 128mph isn't bad when you consider the 4x4's 2,185kg weight. As you would expect, though, the problem isn't to do with the engine, but the dated vehicle itself. While it's still impressive off-road, the ML's choppy ride and tendency to follow tarmac undulations make it feel unwieldy. This aside, overall refinement is good, and the cabin is well built and comfortable.

So what about economy and emissions? Are there any savings for company car drivers? Unfortunately not. The ML320 returned 21mpg and pumped out 324g/km of CO2, but its replacement manages 20mpg and 338g/km.

To mark the V6's arrival, a new trim level has also been introduced. Named Inspiration, it includes luxurious extras which add ΂£4,000 to the standard car's price, taking the cost to ΂£36,680. The package features electric seats, metallic paint, leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, the garish externally mounted spare wheel creates a huge blind spot and looks ugly.

The ML350's main competitor is the desirable X5. Priced at ΂£35,040 in Sport trim, the BMW has a smaller 3.0-litre engine, but still delivers superior performance, emissions and economy. Volvo's XC90 is the new kid on the block, but the only petrol unit is a less sprightly 2.9-litre six-cylinder. A similarly equipped version is ΂£33,640.

It may have moved even more up-market, but the M-Class is good value considering the spec on offer. And the new V6 is excellent, even if it isn't as frugal as the engine it has replaced.

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FIRST OPINION

    While Mercedes' M-Class isn't the freshest off-roader around, the new V6 engine has increased its appeal. The 245bhp unit matches the ML's chassis perfectly, while Inspiration trim offers lots of luxury, removing the hassle of having to raid the pricey options list.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Inpsiration trim available now
    More powerful 3.7-litre unit first seen in S-Class and SL roadster
     
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