2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Bluetec
by Jim Prueter -08/2008

M-Class gets redesigned and adds a diesel

(This review was originally written in 2006 and with updates covers model years 2006 thru 2009. Updates for the 2009 model have been included, especially regarding the 2009 M320 Bluetec driven for this review)

Mercedes created quite a stir in 1997, when it introduced a sport utility vehicle with a luxury nameplate: the M-Class. Undercutting Mercedes’ reputation as a world-class builder of German sedans, the M-Class, which is manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Ala., quickly became known for its poor build quality and reliability woes. In fact, J. D. Powers’ customer surveys placed the M-Class at the very bottom of the list for initial quality.

That first M-Class was constructed with body-on-frame, much like other truck-based SUVs at the time. The starting price was in the low $30s. Despite the quality problems, Mercedes sold more than 80,000 M-Classes in its first two years of production.

Other luxury brands joined in the SUV race, and models like BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade and SRX, Lexus RX350 and GX470, Volvo XC90, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Lincoln Navigator and others surpassed the aging M-Class with superior product offerings.

For 2009, the best-selling Mercedes SUV has been significantly redesigned both inside and out and adds a diesel engine that is clean enough to be sold in all 50 states.

Mercedes is offering the M-Class in four trim levels for 2009: the ML350 with a 268 horsepower V-6 engine; the 382 horsepower V-8 ML550; the ultra-high performance 503-horsepower ML63 AMG; and the 3.0-liter 210 horsepower ML320 Bluetec, tested here, an upgraded and cleaner emissions version of the previous diesel powered ML320 CDI.

So smooth and quiet is the new Bluetec diesel, it’s nearly impossible to detect the difference between it and a traditional gasoline-powered engine. Even with the much lower horsepower, the whopping 398 pound-feet of torque makes it feel much quicker and more powerful than both the ML350 and ML550 models. Mercedes charges an additional $1500 over the base ML 350 for the Bluetec. The diesel is rated at 18 mpg in the city, three mpg better than the gasoline-powered ML350.

To help lower the diesel emissions and qualify for 50-state clean air standards, Mercedes engineers designed a system that injects urea, a nitrogen-rich organic compound, into the combustion process. The urea is stored in a tank that holds seven gallons and needs to be replenished with recommended oil changes. If the urea tank is not refilled, the vehicle will signal an impending engine shutdown, and eventually will not start.

All engines are teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission that uses driver-adaptive shift logic; it is the only available transmission. Gone is the traditional console-mounted shifter and five-speed automatic from the previous generation. The shifter is mounted on a stalk to the steering column, almost identical to the setup on the BMW 7 Series. There are dual rocker buttons on the backside of the steering wheel for shifting gears manually. So smooth and quick is the seven-speed transmission it rendered the manual mode completely unnecessary. You’ll want to keep your foot on the brake until you know for certain which gear the vehicle is in as you get used to operating the column-mounted shifter.

Unlike its predecessor, the M-Class looks more like an SUV than a loaf-shaped minivan. The new model looks like it spent time at the fitness center, with a chiseled, aggressive appearance similar to the sporty Mercedes SLK roadster.

For 2009, the ML has a redesigned front end that bears a strong resemblance to the new C-Class. The grille is lower and the fog lights farther apart. Multi-element headlamps are a new shape, and tailamps have smoked lenses. Roof rails, once optional, are now standard but the connecting cross rails are still an option.

A high-gloss black grille with chrome accents distinguishes the ML63 AMG. The AMG's wheels are 20 inches; 21 inchers are optional for all models. There’s also a new AMG-branded steering wheel.

Mercedes also introduced a new scratch-resistant paint with ceramic flecks embedded to help resist the best efforts of kids’ bikes and toys. For those who do wander off-road and tangle with overgrown brush it will help avoid that “Arizona pin-striping.”

Inside, everything is new. Passengers are treated to a luxurious, well-appointed cabin. Four huge, round air vents compliment the dash. There’s a new multi-function steering wheel with wood adorning the top half, leather below. There’s ample use of bird’s eye maple and brushed aluminum trim about the dash, door panels and center console. You can do a no-cost swap of the wood-leather steering wheel for one that’s heated.

The dashboard is trimmed in artificial leather that Mercedes calls Artico. Genuine two-tone Nappa leather is optional.

The leather seats are redesigned for 2009 and are exceptionally comfortable yet firm enough to ward off fatigue from long spells sitting behind the wheel. Power seat adjustments have been relocated from the door to the side of the seat bottom. The rear seat is split 60/40 and folds easily for additional cargo room, but the folding mechanics — with the bottom cushion folding up then the seatback down — is antiquated compared to competition.

Despite a firm suspension, the ML rides better than most sedans and easily absorbs bumps and jars. All M-Class models are full-time all-wheel drive.

Standard safety gear includes front dual-stage airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear side window airbags, front knee bolsters, traction control, four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control. The M-Class also offers the unique Pre-Safe system, which, when sensing an impending collision, actively prepares by pulling the seatbelts taut.

Previously optional standard equipment includes running boards, sunroof, navigation system, a backup camera, and AMG 19-inch spoke wheels. As expected, you’ll pay a higher base price for these additions, but Mercedes says that it’s still about six percent less than last year’s similarly equipped model.

With the added standard equipment, options are now few but include a keyless-go system, trailer hitch, and rear-seat DVD mounted on the back of the front seat headrests.

But not all is perfect with M-Class. Unlike competitors’ models, the rear backup camera does not operate unless the audio-navigation system is turned on. This should automatically turn on when the vehicle is placed in reverse. We thought the audio system was ok at best and certainly not up to the standard of the optional systems on the C-Class. And we were surprised to find keyless entry is optional, given the class and price of the ML.

Another quirk: the LCD screen in the center of the dash is operated via old-fashioned buttons rather than having a contemporary touch-screen interface. The buttons line both sides of the screen and correspond to functions displayed on the screen and change as you move through the various settings and adjustments.

We spent a week behind the wheel of a 2009 ML320 Bluetec and were thoroughly impressed. The feel was solid, performance beyond impressive, the seven-speed automatic transmission was silky smooth and the cabin library quiet at all speeds.

A switch on the instrument panel allows for a soft or firmer suspension setting. The sport setting stiffens the suspension and noticeably improves the handling.

The ML earned the highest 5-star front and side crash test scores from the NHTSA, and the IIHS awarded its highest “Good” rating in frontal offset and side impact crash tests.

We have not driven the V-6 powered ML350 nor the high performance ML63 AMG.

While Mercedes continues to work on correcting the quality and reliability problems of the previous generation M-Class, early results are encouraging. What we can confidently state is the new model is hugely improved overall, and despite the flaws noted earlier, is highly recommended. It now sets the standard for the class.