I have had 2 opportunities recently to drive the new ML (W164) and I must say I am a convert. I hope someone finds this interesting.
I was a little suspicious of the new, slightly rakish design, without a ladder frame and only 5 seats BUT I am now convinced that the non-off-road package has similar capabilities as the W163 off-road and on-road it drives a great deal better.
The first time I drove it on some private roads at the Road Research Laboratories on a day sponsored by the local dealer. I drove the 3.2 diesel with steel suspension which performed spectacularly and my son drove the 3.5 petrol version which was a bit quicker. The handling seemed almost like a luxury car, i.e. there was no 'truck' about it at all.
The second time I got to drive it was at Castle Combe racing circuit (no, we were not allowed to race) and on an off-road course not far away. This second day really converted me to the new ML.
We drove around several coned courses, the famous elk test, slalom, braking then harsh acceleration to simulate crash avoidance, emergency braking and as fast as possible round a sharp S bend. During none of these manoevres could I unstick it although the ESP was often lit, the car is very stable and controlable. The one I drove was again the 3.2 diesel, this time with air suspension which, in sports setting is too hard for family passengers but very rewarding through the S bend. The air suspension irons out all bumps and dips but does not remove the road feel.
The off-road course was very muddy, a sloping field caused lots of slipping but the DSR (downhill speed regulation) was much fiercer (I could feel the ABS functioning through the brake pedal) on the new ML than the older one and 100% functional. The other part of the course was the usual VERY steep muddy hill which the car climbed with plenty of wheel spin. Although this vehicle did not have the off-road package I did not notice an issue with travelling very slowly - I assume the 7 speed gearbox has that much wider ratios than the older 5 speed one, and it apparently has 2 reverse gears.
Marcelc,
In case you would buy the W164, would you choose the steel or air suspension.
Kind regards.
Stev
The air suspension is a great improvement over steel, not only is it adjustable for comfort, normal or sport (apparently in the US these settings are slightly softer than in Europe), but it enhances safety, particularly in the 'elk' test as swerving rapidly one way then the other does not risk tipping the vehicle as can happen when compressed steel springs are rapidly extended.
There is less roll with the air suspension and children (and adults) might be less likely to be car sick. The ride comfort is superb, but without loss of road feel.
The ride height can be changed for off-road and is changed automatically at speed for lower fuel consumption and stability.
The only possible problem with air suspension might be future expensive repairs, however, in direct answer to your question, yes, I would pay extra for the air suspension.
Linear Mode
