What if I told you that the Mercedes Benz ML SUV is the fastest car on Indian roads? Well, with sportscars and supercars the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini now freely roaming the streets, you’re likely to think that a statement such as that should guarantee me a one-way ticket to the looney farm.

Allow to me explain however. I had the chance to pilot the recently refreshed ML 320 CDi from Delhi to Rishikesh and back, with a few additional pit stops en route, and I have a strong feeling I can substantiate that claim. But, you be the judge.

From the Outside

The ML’s been under the knife for some cosmetic surgery for the 2009 model year. It gets restyled and more edgy headlamps, a more conspicuous front grille, as well as redesigned bumpers front and rear. The end result is a Mercedes SUV that looks cutting-edge and striking like never before. And with its pronounced wheel arches, large chrome grille, and massive 19-inch rims, it looks very imposing going down the road.

At the rear, the full size spare wheel, mounted on the rear hatch, adds to its masculine, go anywhere appeal. It’s not entirely practical however. For starters, it’s directly in your line of sight as you attempt to look at what’s behind you in your rear view mirror. Secondly, accessing the rear hatch means first pulling the relatively heavy wheel, and it’s mounting, to one side and then lifting the tailgate. Granted, if you can afford an ML, you’ll probably have a battery of assistants to help with loading and unloading the boot, but it can get a little cumbersome nevertheless.



On the whole though, it’s a very clean design. And while it does look aggressive, it’s not flashy or overly ostentatious, which helps when you’re driving cross-country. Plus, the first generation M Class suffered from serious build quality issues and large panel gaps. Thankfully, there are no remnants of that heritage in the current ML, which has very tight shut lines and appears extremely well put together.



From the Inside

Step inside, and you’re greeted by an airy cabin in two shades of beige trim. Every surface is covered in either the finest quality leather or burl wood – not to mention a smattering of silver accents that add a nice touch. It’s certainly a cabin very befitting of a Mercedes, which frankly hasn’t always been the case in the recent past. In fact, reportedly, one of the main reasons why Daimler Benz split with Chrysler was because the hallmark quality of their own automobiles was declining. After relinquishing their stake in the American automaker however, they’ve paid a huge amount of attention to their own quality. And it shows, especially with the current generation ML. Every surface, switch and knob has a decidedly quality feel, and is nice to the touch.

The cabin layout, in typical Mercedes fashion, is very straightforward. The instrument cluster has two equal sized gauges, one for the speedometer and one for tach. A trademark analogue clock is also inset in the speedometer. In between the two gauges is a digital readout that provides a wealth of information, ranging from outside temperature to which gear you’re in, as well as information from the on-board computer, Bluetooth connectivity, and stereo. The stereo itself is an in-dash 6 CD changer, with the option of linking your i-pod through a connector in the glove box. The interface itself could be easier, especially if it were a touch screen, but you do get used to it eventually – plus it helps that the multi-function steering wheel provides you with the option of performing multiple functions with just the use of your thumb.



The center console, in between the front seats, has two rather large, and strangely attractive, cup holders for the beverage of your choice. If you’re wondering where the gear lever is – it’s actually a stalk behind the steering wheel. It’s operated electronically through a fly-by-wire mechanism, and is exceedingly simple to operate. You simply move it upwards to engage reverse, down to engage drive, and press a small button at the end of the stalk for park – it works extremely well. There are some other nice touches as well, such as the chrome ringed electronic key that looks almost like a piece of jewelry.



The seats themselves are extremely comfortable, even on long drives, and finding a good driving position is easily done courtesy of the wide range of adjustments – all electric of course. Combine that with the telescoping steering column, and it gives you the ability to find a driving position that suits you perfectly, whether it’s low down and car-like if you prefer, or high up to take full advantage of your elevated position – providing the opportunity to look down on mere mortals in lesser machinery. And just so the rear seat passengers don’t feel left behind, they get AC vents and controls of their own as well. The rear seats also are spacious and comfortable – there’s no third-row of seating however, so you’re restricted to just five passengers. On the whole though, once again in typical Mercedes tradition, the cabin is quietly effective. The beige leather will take some effort to keep clean, but, your battery of assistants will undoubtedly ensure that it always stays spic and span.

Engine	:	2,987 cc / 6 cylinders / common-rail-direct-injection
Fuel	:	Diesel
Transmission	:	7-speed Automatic / All-Wheel Drive
Power	:	234bhp @ 3800rpm
Torque	:	375lb/ft @ 1600 - 2800rpm
Price	:	64.0 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Acceleration	:	0-100km/h – 8.6 seconds