Overall Rating |  |
A compromise with on-road comfort and off-road ability that sells on its badge and little else. Indifferent on-road performance and cheap-feeling build construction mean it's no match for the BMW X5.
For
- Spacious and refined prestige family 4x4
- Economical and refined ML270 turbodiesel
- Well equipped and holds its value
Against
- Not as good to drive as X5
- Petrol cars are thirsty with high service costs
- Seven-seaters are tight in the back
Road Test
Built in America for American tastes to Europe it feels unpolished and rough. Old-fashioned separate chassis gives a poor ride and indifferent cornering. The cabin is large, but the plastics feel basic and cheaper than you would expect in a Mercedes. For off-road it doesn't compare to a Land Rover Discovery or Mitsubishi Shogun off-road. Basic 3.2 V6 is the best petrol engine option, 5.0 and 5.5 V8s offer more performance but horrifying fuel economy. 2.7 CDI turbodiesel is the best powerplant, especially when working with the optional smooth-shifting autobox.
Need To Know
JD Power stars: 2
NCAP: 4
Best Models: ML320 and ML270 CDI
Worst Models: ML500 and ML55 AMG
Replacement: 2005
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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