Big (sort of) and bold (definitely), the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4MATIC offers power, performance and posh wrapped in an all-wheel-drive (AWD) midsize 5-seat sport utility package. Look for plenty of standard features aboard this high-end hauler, as well as 80.3 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded.
Again, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, skid plates, a roof rack and a power rear liftgate adorn the profile of this sizeable ute, along with heated power-adjustable mirrors. The roomy and inviting cabin, meantime, features leatherette upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, power windows and classy leather, alloy and wood cabin accents. Of course, cruise control remains standard, as does telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a universal remote garage door opener and, new for 2013, Bluetooth-interfaced mbrace2 telematics. Then there’s the obligatory dual-zone climate control to keep everyone cool, and the COMAND audio control system sports an MP3-compatible single-CD player with 8 speakers and a memory card slot to keep ’em entertained.
Options-wise, look for the Premium 1 Package to offer navigation, a rear-view camera, 6-CD changer, power-adjustable telescoping tilt-wheel steering and driver's memory settings. Further options include rear-seat DVD entertainment, heated rear seats, an 830-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 14 Surround Sound speakers and satellite radio, massaging front seats (new for 2013), a trailer hitch, KEYLESS-GO remote entry and engine start, Parktronic parking assist, sport front seats and upgraded 20-inch wheels.
Powering the AWD ML350 4MATIC is a direct-injected (DI) 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine that remains under the management of the standard 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission to throw down 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Mileage, meantime, is estimated at a lackluster 19 mpg city/24 highway.
The 4MATIC AWD system, finally, is of the full-time variety, with automatic diverting of torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip in nasty weather. An optional 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), meantime, covers all the 4MATIC bases and adds modulated automatic braking of the wheels that slip, thereby allowing some added traction.
Noteworthy standard safety equipment aboard this luxury-laden sport ute includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors constitute further standard safety equipment, as do pre- and post-collision safety systems and a remote antitheft alarm. Lane departure warning, meanwhile, as well as blind spot alerts, new-for-2013 emergency pre-braking (PRE-SAFE) and adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights are all optional safety equipment.
11 GOOD DEALS
are available with average savings of $2,434 below market price
