Hi there! I currently drive a W211 E320 and am in the market for a new car. After looking at pics of the upcoming facelifted W211 I've decided that it's time for a change. At the moment the BMW 540i is at the top of the list as I'm looking for extra power and sportier driving feel. Unfortunately our MB dealers here do not have an ML500 for test drive So, I'd appreciate your opinions on whether you think I can get what I'm looking for with the ML500 or the upcoming ML63? Looking at the price of the ML500 I believe the ML63 may actually sneak into my price range

I've never considered the ML before but I saw it up close for the first time yesterday with the Sport Package on and it looks very nice! It's spacious, stylish, sporty, nicely equipped ..all that I'm wondering if its a sluggish beast even with a ML500. Also wondering if the ML500 will be replaced with a ML550 but based on the posts in this forum that is still an unknown I guess.

Thanks in advance.

I received my ML500 last Sept. It has been flawless. Plenty of power and with excellent ride and handling with the Airmatic suspension. This is my 3rd ML and second ML500 and is by far the best. I would rank it better than my 05 E320 4M that I also enjoy. Do not think you can go wrong with this choice if you want an SUV.

I think that the timing of asking yourself the question is good -- I also think that you may want to see the ML63 come out before making a move....

The BMW comment makes me think that you want the ML63 - and that the ML500 won't be enough for you, performance-wise....

I am picking up an ML500, myself, - and giving it an extended test drive - to help me decide that I do indeed want an ML63....

For me, personally, I prefer the AMG models. I do think that I am going to find the ML500 to be a fine vehicle, though.

My $.02

Thanks for the opinions so far

Spoke to my MB dealer today and he is trying to see if he can 'borrow' an ML500 for me to test. He said he can let me try the ML350 over the weekend to get some impressions. I guess this will be ok, I mean 200kW vs 225kW, how big of a difference in drive feel will 12.5% power increase give? If the test drive of the ML350 and possibly ML500 impresses me then I think I may have to wait for the ML63 prices. My dealer believes the ML63 will be no more expensive than my other choice, the BMW 540i.

We shall see. The thought of owning an AMG (albeit an SUV) is kinda exciting

More opinions are sought and welcomed

Can you describe a bit more about how you feel jumping into the ML500 after driving the E320? Is it only slightly different or do you feel very different, and if different, how?

Thanks again!

Even the ML350 is not sluggish, with just over 7 seconds to 100km/hr (per tests, not specs). The ML500 is even sprightlier; however, if you have the luxury of a little time, the upcoming ML450 (4.6L) will replace the 500 with more power and better fuel economy. That should happen this year. The timeline on the ML550 is unknown, and that will be sporty indeed.

The ML63 is almost overkill in my mind for a truck. If you want a sports car, get one. The ML will never come close to a true sports car or coupe, but can be more flexible and usable. The penalty in so-so fuel economy. Definitlely try/get the Airmatic suspension.

I traded my E-320 4matic for a ML-500. The 500 is substantially more powerful, more comfortable, better visibility and the best available ride any where with Airmatic. Whatever ML you wish to test drive just insist on Airmatic. Once you try it you will never go back to standard transmission.

More power particularly in a passing, merging situation. Larger, more open cabin and the biggest is the visability and the ride height. I do enjoy my E but the ML is quite different and in many situations more comfortable.

Please read the last two words as "standard suspension". Sorry for the typo.

Jean,

Just wanted to let you know you are able to edit your posts anytime after you post your comment. Sorry to contact you within this thread however your profile does not allow emails or PMs. Welcome to the boards.

Thanks all for your opinions. I was very impressed with the ML350 (standard base model), although I would have liked more power. I averaged around 15.5L/100km which I was happy with considering I was really pushing it hard. Handling in the winding hilly roads was better than expected although the body roll is still much more that what I would have liked. The traction warning came on several times as I accelerated out of some corners despite being at a speed which I though was appropriate. I even felt some minor fish tailing effect at what I considered low speed but then perhaps I was just not used to the SUV feel (it's been a while ). I should note that I've never felt as confident before in taking the various down hill tight turns when in other SUV's, the ML handled it well. Even managed to avoid a Koala bear that was crossing the road, without too much effort

The power and comfort of the ML350 has convinced me that I should seriously consider this car as an option. I've asked my dealer to try and get me into an ML500 with AIRMATIC in order for me to be convinced even further. Hopefully he can come through.

None of you mention the ML320CDi (diesel). Have a 320 CDi on order and did back to back test drive with the 350 petrol. The diesel felt quicker in real driving - I am currently driving a BMW X5 3.0 Sport petrol and I felt the ML350 felt slower (engine felt like it needed winding up before it gave out the power) whereas the diesel ML had more of the "press and go" urge of my X5.

Not tested the ML500 but even disregarding fuel consumption still felt the diesel was the nicer of the two six cylinder cars to drive.

3.0 X5 quicker than the ML350? I don't think so. I find the ML350 to be peppier than even the 4.4 X5 as far as pedal response is concerend.