gplank

CNET REVIEW: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4Matic

May 5, 2012

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-9150_7-10012189-9.html

"The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4Matic isn't perfect, but it does offer a good blend of tech, performance, and luxury. However, its diesel-powered sibling is probably the better bargain. Read the review. "

katiesdad7

Seems they really liked the diesel. But then what is not to like?

krazyvshank

I don't understand. Is there a diesel in ML550?

2012MLBlue

If this reviewer thinks the acceleration is "gentle" then his daily driver must be a Ferrari. Every passenger I've had is shocked at what a rocket it is under hard accelation. Regarding his criticism of the Command system, it does take a while to master but the voice control is excellent and the nav is leap years ahead of my 2008 ML. I just did a 1,000 km drive and the nav worked flawlessly, city and highway.

EVOII_Racer

very interesting! I wasn't even aware of the ml 550 ! Not available here in Switzerland! Is it only a benz made for the us?

GregW / Oregon

Different countries have different availability. For instance, I know the 550 is available in the US and Canada, but in Mexico and South Africa it is called the ML500. England has only the two diesels available. I think he market for a powerful V8 is low in a lot of countries, so the ML63 may be the only option since it is already a low-volume vehicle.

roger23

I think what the CNET tester did not realize, that most MB models in the 2012 now automatically starts of in second gear, not first.....
So whenever he was moving off, it was in second....
He would have to engage the 'sport' button setting, and not be in 'comfort' mode, to start off in first.....

K91109

AFAIK, the ML550 does not come with a sport button to force a 1st gear start. Only MB sedans & coupes/sports have such function.

On the 2012 ML and the 2013 GL, the sport button is available only with their AMG 63 variants The non-AMG ML & GL are stuck with 2nd gear starts

2012MLBlue

Nope. One tug on the left paddle drops you to first.

K91109

Good point. However, not all ML & GL come with paddle shifters. Manually switching to 1st gear on every launch from a stop light can get frustrating!

I just wish if MB included a sport button for the transmission, similar to the ones in their sedans

2012MLBlue

I've used it a few times at lights but really don't think it helps much to start in first gear as the power accelerating away from a stop in 2nd is more than enough to eat 99% of other vehicles sitting beside me. Once in a while it's fun to really nail it and shift using the paddles.

roger23

Actually, on my 2012 ML550, to the right of the command knob on the console, there is a button to switch between comfort and sport settings.....
When sport is selected, my ML does launch in first gear from stops....
It does stay in the sport setting, and 1st gear starts, until the ignition is switched off....

GregW / Oregon

Are you sure about that? Do you have Airmatic? If so, I think it only affects the suspension.

2012MLBlue

Suspension only, has nothing to do with transmission.

roger23

Sorry, but you are both wrong....
I am quite positive that in my 2012 ML550, it has a sport/comfort button, which does allow the Ml to move off in first gear...
In fact, my 2012 E550 has the same button, which causes my E to move off in first when set to 'sport', otherwise it will move off in second gear, when set to 'comfort'.....
Is this only on "550" models ?

GregW / Oregon

You didn't answer my question - do you have Airmatic?

K91109

If the button has "sport" & "comfort" written on it, then it is related to suspension tuning only. The transmission button should have E & S written on it. I don't see such button on the new ML & GL

2012MLBlue

Roger, you need to read your owners manual. Unless your 2012 ML550 is different from my 2012 ML550 you are mistaken about the feature. I have the button and it only refers to the airmatic suspension setting.

jweezy

Reviewer needs subtract his comment, you don't buy a 550 for the fuel savings, you buy it for the power.

Thats like saying people who bought a Cooper S should look into the Cooper for its fuel savings...Ask the consumers why the bought the Cooper S.

CNET needs to stick to reviewing computers.

roger23

I will have to check with my dealer......but i do know for sure that when i engage the sport button, my ML starts off in first gear....and also moves my tranny shift points to higher RPM, as opposed to the comfort setting.....
I wonder if its all part of the Sport Package option WITH Active Curve , which is on my ML ?

300DTurbo

very true


Also, one thing I just observed is the v6 diesel is overpowered for the ML, given the fact that the same engine is used in the S Class and the GL!. (Both are heavier vehicles).

GregW / Oregon

The diesel ML is spec'd. at 5,038 lb., the S at 4,784 lb., so that is not accurate. Also, I wouldn't say overpowered in comparison to the GL, just a better P/W ratio.

300DTurbo

Fair enough.

jweezy

iankayem

A simpler method on the W164 is to tug on the right paddle.

If you tug on the left, it goes into D1 and stays there to max revs or you tug right to change up. This is ok if you plan to drive as a manual.

But by tugging right, it still goes into 1st, but stays in "D" as a full auto.

This also engages the clutch (in the torque converter) which is another cause for slow accelaration of the line.