The full-time four-wheel-drive system is always on call, and the electronic traction-control system acts like a limited-slip device. You sit high, thronelike, and the hood slopes away dramatically, providing excellent forward visibility. The rest of the car is standard-issue Benz M-class. The new climate controls, however, look smart and are easy to use. Absent are steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, which would be appreciated because operating the dash-mounted radio and navigation system requires an uncomfortable stretch. A navigation system is a $1700 option on the M元20 and standard on the two upper-end models. Inside, this ML now has curtain airbags in addition to the front and side airbags, burled-walnut trim around the center console, and rotary climate-control switches. Other than badges, the only exterior differences between the ML500 and M元20 are the ML500's wider tires (275/55VR-17 versus 255/60SR-17) and chrome strips on the ML500's tailgate and door handles. The changes are subtle but easily identified. They'll pay more attention to the revised bodywork and interior.īoth the M元20 and the ML500 have new front and rear bumpers, taillights, clear headlight lenses, and those 17-inch wheels. We doubt many potential ML owners will fret over an aggressive anti-skid system, however. This Benz avoids even slight slides at all costs, and it's like having the fun police continually on call. When activated, it puts an end to any spin, but putting the dash-mounted ESP switch in the off position disables only the engine cutoff function and leaves the brakes to curtail slides. Mercedes, however, didn't see fit to change the ML's standard electronic stability program (ESP). Still, that's a 0.02-g improvement over that of last year's model, thanks to the single running-gear change-17-inch wheels and tires replace last year's 16-inchers. This powerful specimen is still a truck, and its tires howl and its heavy body lists as it generates 0.75 g of grip. The wide, flat torque curve (peak torque occurs from 2700 to 4250 rpm) provides prompt throttle response, and the tranny makes nearly transparent shifts.īut when you have to turn, it's back to Physics 101.
YOUTUBE MERCEDES 2000 C230 KOMPRESSOR PUTTING EMBLEM ON ZIP
That amount of zip makes you forget you're hauling around 4869 pounds. At 100 mph, the Benz is 1.8 seconds ahead, reaching the century mark in 18.6 seconds. Keep the throttle pinned and let the throaty 90-degree V-8 ratchet through the five-speed automatic transmission, and the big Benz doesn't stop pulling, further widening the gap with the BMW sport-ute. Once spanked at the drag strip by the sportier BMW X5 4.4i, the ML500 now finishes first, scampering to 60 mph in a definitely untrucklike 6.7 seconds, 0.2 second quicker than the Bimmer. Most Powerful Crossovers and SUVs on Sale Todayīy increasing the engine's bore just 0.27 inch, the 24-valve V-8 now displaces 302 cubic inches and has 20 more horsepower (288 at 5600 rpm) and 37 more pound-feet of torque (325 at 2700 rpm) than last year's 4.3-liter mill.
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