MB Max

I'm in the market for an ML - tempted to wait for the CDI however. As I was looking at the specs of the vehicles at MB-UK (I was trying to get performance numbers for the CDI), I noticed an interesting discrepancy in the numbers for the ML 500. The ML 500 in the UK is quoted as having city mpg of 15.2, extra-urban of 27.2, and a combined of 21.1. The specs for the ML at MB-US is listed as city mpg of 14 and highway of 19. If you read the details for the US version, MB suggests actually getting these numbers is unlikely (aka - expect them to be worse).
Anybody know why these are so different? If the ML 500 actually got EVEN the 21.1 that would be an impressive stat for the US market.
Hope someone has some insight. Also - what are the real numbers for an ML here in the US.
Thanks

sosh

My ML500 seems to do a bit better than the stats you mentioned. I am getting 14.5 around town and 20.2 on the road at 65 to 70 mph. This is better around town but not quite as good on the road than my previous 02 ML500. I am puzzled by the difference in the UK spec. Is the gearing different or perhaps the testing criteria is different.

MB Max

Your hwy mileage isn't too bad.
As far as specs - here are some of the numbers I could dig up (not a lot of techical data on the MB-UK site)
UK numbers first - US numbers second (UK/US)
HP (5,600rpm): 306/302
0-62mph: 6.9/6.7 (US number to 60mph)
Front & rear drive ratios: ?/3.90:1
Nothing striking.

guhvies

Remember that a UK gallon is larger than a US gallon. 4.54L = 1 UK gallon. Not sure what it is for a US gallon.

MB Max

Ah - the US/UK gallon may partly explain that. Thanks (US gallon is 3.78 liters for those interested). Still, I'm amazed that 27+ MPG for the UK version is around 23 MPG US. (Again, I'm assuming that's probably the best conditions - tailwind, a 80lb jockey driving, etc).