2009 Mercedes ML 320 Blue TEC

By Durhl Caussey Created: Apr 26, 2009 Last Updated: Apr 26, 2009

Mercedes ML 320 Blue
2009 Mercedes ML 320 Blue (Courtesy of Mercedes Benz Media)

Durhl Caussey on Cars
The ML 320 has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel that includes 210 horsepower with 3,800 rpm and torque at 398 lb-ft and 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. It comes in a standard 4-wheel drive and has a towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. It seats five adults comfortably, and has 72.4 cu ft. of cargo space with second row folded flat.

The 2009 Mercedes ML 320 Blue TEC will take you over 600 miles on one tank of gas. That’s like driving from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City with diesel left over. This Mercedes has the cleanest diesel engine in the world as well as the quietest.  The Mercedes engineers have reinvented the diesel engine of old without the noise, odor, and emissions. By injecting a solution known as AdBlue into the exhaust, Blue TEC can reduce smog-causing NOx to its harmless nitrogen and water components.
Just because the ML 320 is easy on the environment doesn’t mean that performance suffers. It accelerates from 0-60 in 8 seconds and still averages 18-24 mpg.

The ML 320 looks elegant on the outside, but wait till you see the interior. Front headroom is 39.9 inches and front legroom a comfortable 42.2 inches, with rear head and leg room only about two inches less.
 
ML 320 Blue
Under the hood of the ML 320 Blue (Courtesy of Mercedes Benz Media)
Rack-and-pinion steering with constant power assists and a turning circle: 37.9 feet curb-to-curb makes the Mercedes easy to handle, and smooth to drive, all with the feel of beauty to the eye and elegance to the touch.  The Mercedes ML 320 starts at around $47,000.

Also inside is a new COMAND system that comes equipped with a high-resolution color –LCD screen, a 6-disc CD/DVD changer and Bluetooth* capacity for hands-free calling. Upgrade to options that let you control IPods and other portable music devices, enhanced voice recognition software and navigation.

Many engineering experts say Mercedes makes and designs the best cars in the world. To become a believer of this philosophy, all one has to do is drive a Mercedes.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column that is read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .