Is it cushy and comfortable or more on the firm/stiff?

 

Prolly more on the comfortable side...

 

Pretty comfortable. I think 2010s are even more Comfortable as airmatic suspension was available.

 

thanks for the input guys. Was the airmatic an option?

 

In 2009 the airmatic was an option. The non-airmatic feels comfy, not sporty. The ML can be lowered with aftermarket springs if you want, though. I moved from a 2003 FX45 Infiniti which had an amazingly sporty ride. There are + and - with both worlds. I miss the sportiness and the cornering of the FX, but I also like the smooth ride of the ML.

 

IMO it's too top heavy and has a tendency to lean too much in a curve. The ride is comfortable but mushy and you don't get a true feel for the road. Granted, I'm running 20" AMG rims and Pirelli A/S tires which could also add to my dislike of how my 09 550 handles and rides. That's why I'm replacing my OEM springs with H&R progressive rate springs and may go further to coil over shocks if the H&R's don't make the difference I want e.g. lower CG, less body roll, stiffer suspension, better handling and etc. However, if you want a "family car like ride" then the stock non-airmatic ML (had it before on other AMG's, won't have it again) is a good choice.

 

My 2009 550 came with Airmatic as standard.

For the OP: If you find an ML with Airmatic, the ride is totally different than with the stock suspension. And at the push of a button you can switch from normal to plush to stiff and sportscar-like. It is one of the best suspensions I have experienced in almost 50 years of driving. (And don't assume that because I am an old fart I drive like one...)

But some people with older MLs have experienced expensive repairs to Airmatic systems.

 

Old post, but I regularly drive my 2009 ML550 on the German autobahn at up to 120 mph on cruise control. This ride is solid as a rock and very comfortable. The private resale value in Germany is about €10k higher than in the US.

 

My 2009 ML63 AMG is also solid, no roll in the corners and very stable.