It’s sleek, smooth and arguably one of the world’s best-designed SUV’s. It’s the Mercedes ML550, a full-time four-wheel drive four-door that’s both comfortable and quick. At $53,550 base it’s extremely advanced.
Driving Impressions and Equipment
Driving the ML550 is pure pleasure. Outside it’s elegant, especially with the optional for $710 Alpine Rain paint. Climbing in is easy: the standard running boards are functional rather than decorative. Inside it’s all business; the analog/digital wood-trimmed dash contains a plethora of gauges. The twin front power-operated heated buckets boast leather seating surfaces. Between them is a large console with well designed cupholders. The glovebox is huge, power points are everywhere and keyfob entry is standard. The combination wood and leather steering wheel is comfortable to hold. Such luxury isn’t cheap: Mercedes charges $1,975 for the “318 Leather” package. Behind the split/folding rear bench is a generously sized “trunk” with folding cargo cover. Above the front seat is a power operated sunroof; the roof rack’s rails are rated at 220 pounds.
Safety
Here you'll discover lots to admire. Both driver and passenger front and knee airbags protect the occupants. Side, rear, curtain and active head restraints also help in case of a crash. Along with Electronic Stability and Traction Control systems Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, four-wheel disc antilock brakes and Tele-Aide, the Mercedes version of General Motor’s Onstar are standard. Hill Start Assist, Downhill Speed Regulation, Electronic Off-Road Programming, a tire pressure warning system plus an advanced burglar alarm help keep you and the vehicle safe. Be sure to check out the P03 Premium III Package, an $8,500 collection of rearview cameras, Voice Control, Xenon headlights, power rear lift gate and much more.
Other standard features include MP3/iPod jacks, power locks and steering, cruise, tilt steering and too much more to list.
Engine and Transmission
As you'd expect in such an expensive beast the all-wheel drive, 50/50 torque split powertrain is superb. Its 5.5 liter, 382 HP V8 is velvet-smooth and quiet. The all aluminum engine employs four valves per cylinder: two spark plugs ignite the fuel in each of its eight combustion chambers. Zero to 60 times using a Belkin accelerometer during the week-long test period were observed at 5.7 seconds, best in class! Fuel economy delivered by this 4,795 pound beast was noted at 13 city and 16 highway (EPA 13/18).
The transmission was a modern seven-speed unit that shifted flawlessly. Towing capacity was listed at 7,200 pounds. Note the ML550 isn’t equipped with a Hi/Low Transfer Case. Despite its 8.3 inches of ground clearance and many features that seem suited for off-roading it’s made for inclement weather, not rock climbing.
Ride and Handling
These important parameters were superb. The four-wheel independent suspension was controlled by a driver-adjustable unit that varied ride quality between harshness and comfort. The various ride settings had an opposite effect on handling. After testing each one under various conditions it’s best to leave the control unit in “Comfort.” Like all manufacturers’ adjustable suspensions it’s just a toy.
Note the ML550 was equipped with all-season radials. They were merely adequate.
Other Points
The automatic heater and air conditioner excelled. Quality control was flawless; the AM/FM/WB/CD sound system with eight speakers was well above average.
The Verdict
The ML550, one step down from the top of the ML line, is a fine vehicle ... and not because it costs more than $53,000. It’s much more sophisticated than rival SUV’s such as the Cadillac Escalade. If you can afford one you’ll find it immensely pleasing.
Zane Binder - Starting as a mechanic in the late '60's fresh from a stint in Army Intelligence this writer began wrench work on drag cars. He eventually ...
