Test drive Mercedes Benz ML class w163 2001-2005 SUV

Male character

Previously, this engine was installed only on Gelandewagen. But times are changing. Now Mercedes-Benz M-Class can boast of one of the most powerful diesel engines in the world.

Before getting to know the car better, let's look at the table where the characteristics of all Mercedes-Benz M-Class modifications are reduced. The main thing is that in this case we are interested in how the nature of the machine was affected by the consumption of diesel fuel. And here is the discovery: in its dynamic indicators, EMKA with a V-shaped diesel eight is second only to charged AMG version.

To disperse a diesel car to 100 km/h, a 250-horsepower engine requires only 7.8 C.S. this is only a second more than a 347-horsepower gasoline version. As for the torque, here 400 CDI surpasses all fellow tribesmen. Already at 1700 min-1, the moment is expressed by a breathtaking number of 560 nm, while the AMG eight develops 510 nm only after reaching 2800 min-1.

With such incredible power, diesel does not suffer from gluttony. One hundred kilometers in a mixed cycle, he needs no more than 11 liters of fuel.

You can study the digits by applying them one to another for a long time. But the theory is unlikely to satisfy the true researcher. It's time for the car.

The new engine, as it turns out, is not the only thing that distinguishes the ML 2002 model year from its predecessors. His appearance has changed somewhat. First of all, the new bixenon, more transparent headlights are paid attention to. Gas -discharge lamps are responsible for both near and highlights. Both bumpers are slightly redone. In the outer mirrors painted in the color of the body, the indicators of the turns are implanted. The grille of the radiator has acquired chrome inserts. The outer doors' handles have become two -color.

Someone may consider the outer body kit an elegant one, but we did not really like it. There are no questions from a kangaroo, but the expediency of lateral chrome pipes is doubtful. They do not facilitate the landing in the car, since it is impossible to use them as footboards due to increased flimsy and slippery, but it is easier to stain the trousers about them when planting from the car is easier to steamed turnip.

The spare wheel is also not thought out. The console design on our roads shattering already six months later. The wheel hangs an impressive full-size sector of 275/55R17. By the way, the rubber installed on the car is indicated by M+S, however, its highway tread on off-road driving does not inspire something.

In the cabin, everything, as before, is convenient, lightly: an abundance of skin, wooden inserts, cup holders. We only note that using the new climate control unit is much more convenient due to the better visualization of the panel.

The ML 400CDI working at idle is no less confidence than the trunk tractor. In a low uterine rumbling of the motor, its remarkable abilities are recognized.

The fact that the ML with the new engine is a serious fighter, we were fully convinced. He really runs quickly, and the moment diesel allows you to shoot at almost any speed. The main thing is to stomp on the gas pedal in time, and after a moment required to coordinate the engine and a five -speed automatic box, the car will allow the car as if before it was still in place. If, in addition, disconnect the traction control system, then the fat trace will remain from the tires. They, as it turned out, allow you to feel confident both in the snow and on the fragmented ground, where Emka showed miracles of cross -country ability due to her silushka.

ML systems have become one more. In addition to the stabilizer of the course stability, anti -locks, emergency braking systems, the distribution of brake forces and control of the engine traction, automatic braking control on the descents has appeared. The electronic device helps to maintain the inhibitory effect of the motor, even when one of the wheels loses its grip.

Having received a new engine, Mercedes-Benz M-Class acquired a completely different character. Now it seems no longer a cute, decorative-focused character of commercials, but a real man.

Text: Oleg Kalaushin
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [04/2002]