2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec

BlueTec is how Mercedes-Benz labels its best diesel technologies. Although BlueTec systems vary, all have the goal of making diesel exhausts ultra clean, and in turn, igniting diesels sales in America. Mercedes is now launching a trio of BlueTec utilities that are the first ones clean enough to be legal in all 50 states. This week we test the ML320 BlueTec to see if there just might be a clean diesel SUV in your future.

If the execs at Mercedes-Benz have their way, their venerable German brand will soon be the undisputed king of the clean diesel movement in America, and their latest tool to achieve that goal is Mercedes’ newest BlueTec diesel technology, which powers the 2009 ML320 BlueTec utility, and its showroom siblings the full-size GL320 BlueTec SUV and the R320 BlueTec family crossover.

Of course you wouldn’t know that the ML320 BlueTec is anything other than just a restyled ‘09 M-Class when it’s sitting still.  That is unless you see the BlueTec badging or popped the hood to find a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, which is rated at 210 horsepower and a hefty 398 pound-feet of torque.

It also carries government fuel economy ratings of 18 city/24 highway per gallon of clean diesel, which is 20-30% better than comparable gasoline SUVs. Our mixed mileage loop delivered a solid 21 miles-per-gallon. That’s also slightly better than a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

And it’s as clean as it is efficient. The ML320 BlueTec is 50-state legal, thanks to Mercedes’ AdBlue after treatment system. It injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust stream that converts nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen and water.

The urea, housed in a tank under the cargo floor, only needs to be refilled at regular service intervals, even if you’re towing up to its 7,200 pound limit, and with 398 pound-feet of torque on tap, the ML 320 BlueTec easily handled all kinds of heavy duty hauling for us. And it can get up and go as well, hitting 60 in only 7.9 seconds. The quarter-mile time is also quick for an SUV at 16 seconds and 87 miles-per-hour.

With only the briefest hesitation while the turbo spools up, the ML BlueTec took off, revving faster than any diesel we’ve ever driven. The 7-speed automatic, with new paddle shifters changes gears quickly, with the best performance in pure automatic mode.

The BlueTec V6 is not only the quickest and cleanest but also the most refined light duty diesel utility yet. If you’ve driven a gasoline V6 Mercedes ML 350 and then hopped in a BlueTec, you’d be hard pressed to feel or hear a difference. Even with your ear to the dual exhaust pipes there’s little of that traditional diesel rattle.

On the handling course however, the BlueTec ML is pure Mercedes SUV. That means a big, solid feel, and very nimble response for a mid-size sport-UTE. Under steer is moderate and well controlled, and body roll is minimal. Like all ML models, it’s one of the best handling SUVs on the market. It stops well too, hauling its bulk down from 60 in a fine average of 125 feet. The chassis is stable and the pedal is firm, just the way we like it. Driving aid comes from electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist. For off road driving there’s 4Matic full-time 4-wheel-drive and a Downhill Speed Regulator.

This five-passenger turbo-diesel SUV is also luxurious and very well equipped. Standard fitment now includes Pre-Safe and a full compliment of airbags; newly contoured front seats with four-way lumbar for the driver and dual-zone automatic climate controls.

An 8-speaker CD/DVD system is integrated into the standard COMAND multi-function controller. It can be upgraded to full Harman Kardon surround sound, and a rear seat entertainment system with twin 8-inch video screens.

The 60/40 split rear seat is well padded and allows quick access to the cargo area as does the optional power lift gate. The cargo bay measures 29.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a big 72.4 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded.

And if you think going Mercedes SUV Turbo-diesel will cost you an extra arm and a leg, you’re wrong. Base price for the ML 320 BlueTec is $48,125. That’s only $1,500 more than the gasoline powered ML.

The remarkable performance of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTec is reasoning enough for an American diesel renaissance. While the premium paid for diesel fuel over gasoline is still a real pocketbook issue, BlueTec technology finally makes diesel utilities viable, and appealing, for households all across our land.