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Made for Russia
Mercedes-Benz ML350 is designed for a demand client
The times when Russia was perceived by foreign manufacturers as a third world country has long passed. Now they offer not only affordable and simple models like Renault Symbol or Fiat Palio. Mercedes-Benz, for example, created a ML350 modification specifically for our market called Inspiration, which is even more luxurious than SUVs sold in Europe and the USA. A little aggression will not hurt
Honestly, representatives of Mercedes-Benz are slightly cunning, claiming that the Inspiration set was developed only for Russia. Of course, a similar car can be ordered, for example, in Germany. But the whole point is that the modification includes exactly the additional equipment that Russian clients most often order. So you can, without a special stretch, consider that the equipment is intended for domestic buyers, which in itself is nice.
The small naspiration nameplate, modestly perched on the door molding, first of all indicates additional equipment. First of all, beautiful alloy wheels, 17 inches in diameter, which are shod in low -profile rubber 275/75 R 17 are striking. With them, the appearance of the SUV became perhaps more respectable and sports at the same time. And, oddly enough it sounds, more practical. What I was convinced very soon, when trying to park the ML350 near our office. In my rightful place, from where I drove away an hour ago, a snowdrift of half a meter was formed. What was left to do? Snow snow! The widespread wheels of the jeep quite easily played the role of the rink, and just in a couple of minutes they equalized a snow pile. Of course, not completely, but enough for the car to be able to calmly cross it. By the way, the owner of a car, who was left without a place, looked at this with sadness, by the way. Meanwhile, and in the movement, large wheels help the car stand tightly on the road, not scouring at high speed from the side wind or in the ruts, which have recently abounded in Moscow routes in the left rows, especially the Moscow Ring Road. 
The second external difference of the ML350 Inspiration is a front -line, which is decorated in a more formidable compared to the standard version of the ALA AMG style. The grille of the radiator, as well as the air intake in the bumper, are taken by a fine -fingered mesh painted in the color of the body. It would seem a small detail, but the share of healthy aggression was immediately added to the image of the car. Here, perhaps, is all the changes in the guise of an SUV. You can only add the rear kangurin from thick chrome pipes installed as an option, on which the plastic covering cover is attached. On it, in turn, the license plate with the backlight and an additional stop signal were perched. It looks excellent, but only outside. From the inside, this very pathos design completely obscures the central zone in the rear view mirror. As my colleague said: here, God forbid, someone will enter you from behind, you will not really see what kind of car. Will have to go out, but reluctance If not for the buttons
Frankly, I really do not want to leave the ML350 Inspiration salon. It differs from standard versions for sports seats for the driver and front passenger. They are equipped with all conceivable adjustments, as well as, together with door panels and armrests, they are upholstered with the most delicate skin of the anthracite, borrowed from the tuning ML55 AMG. Naturally, there is an effective heating system.
Before the eyes of the driver, the usual front panel with a dashboard decorated with aluminum rings framing the scales framing. In addition, the doors and the central console are trimmed with inserts of polished poplar. Honestly, before I could not imagine that this tree, which is so annoying at the beginning of summer with an abundance of all -pervasive fluff, could have such a beautiful look. Special mention deserves a radio. In my opinion, she is one of the best in the entire Mercedes gamut in sound. It is likely that in terms of its characteristics, the stereo system is overtaken, which is installed on the flagship S-class, but the interior of the SUV is quite different from the sedan and apparently has the best acoustic characteristics. However, Bose speakers do not care exactly where they give out sound. The quality in any case is guaranteed amazing.
The radio block itself, located on the central console, is equipped with a huge screen, to which you can additionally order a TV tuner, and many small buttons. The latter from the category of miscalculations in ergonomics, since it is almost impossible to find the necessary of them in motion. And all the more strangely, the SUV was not equipped with the remote control of the audio system from the steering wheel. This is perhaps the only thing that disappointed me.
Modesty is not a vice
Otherwise, I did not have a single complaint to the convenience of landing and management. For nothing that the jeep, ML remains the real Mercedes, a powerful and comfortable car with excellent soundproofing of the cab. Inside the salon, even on the most broken road and with a roaring smear that rides in a neighboring strip, only deaf blows of wheels fly on sharp edges of the pits, and nothing more. Honestly, you can inadvertently and fall asleep at the wheel. However, this will not allow you to make a motor with a very clockwork character. In fact, the ML350 version last year replaced an already long-standing V6 volume of 3.2 liters, which until recently was installed on almost all Mercedes cars, except for A-class. The new motor with an index 350 added 500 cubic meters. working volume up to 3.7 liters. In theory, it should have been indicated by the number 370. But, apparently, intentionally underestimating the numbers in the index, the Germans decided to thoroughly dilute this car with a more powerful ML430 modification and a relatively weak ML270 CDI. The power has increased a little from 215 to 245 hp. However, the most important thing is not it, but the maximum torque, which is now 350 Nm, which is fully available already with 3000 rpm. Moreover, it is quite easy to feel on yourself. At starting, the SUV touches as if slightly lousing, or waking up, so I called this process to myself. And while the motor is gaining the right number of revolutions, acceleration simply grows smoothly. But after crossing the mark 30 on the tachometer scale, V6 literally opens a second wind, and without a shadow of doubt, it is honestly untwisted to 6000 rpm. The acceleration rate is preserved quite frisky. What is the merit and an automatic five -speed checkpoint with a manual selection mode. At the time of the Kick Dawn, the box, not thinking for a moment, quickly changes the ranges, accompanying his actions with barely tangible shocks.
By the way, during the acceleration, I would recommend to hold the steering wheel with two hands to future owners of the ML350. No, the car, of course, does not scour and firmly holds the trajectory, but if necessary, a sharp maneuver, the steering wheel will have to turn on rather large corners, which with one hand without a certain dexterity is not easy to do. By the way, I still did not have enough reverse action on the exits from the turns. I would prefer the steering wheel to be in the zero position faster. What is Mercedes on the go, it seems that it seems that it has not been required for a long time. Traditionally, the suspension almost without a trace swallows any irregularities, the motor is spinning briskly from any revolutions, the brake pedal is harsh, but surprisingly informative, the accelerator and the steering wheel is slightly cotton. It is probably for the better. It was not worth such a car to fuss like a compact car. It is better to move calmly and quickly from point A to point B with the maximum possible comfort. Which is guaranteed by the modification of Inspiration.
As for the price, the new modification is more expensive than the ML320 for about 20 thousand dollars (in euros, of course, less, but counting in green is somehow more familiar and clearer). The increase, as saying, is very tangible. To evaluate whether the listed innovations are worth, including a new engine, I will not take it a consumer. Sergey Ilyinsky
Brief technical characteristics of Mercedes-Benz ML350
Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 3724
Number of valves per cylinder: 3
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 245/5600
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 350/3000
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p.: 8.8
Maximum speed, km/h: 205
Average fuel consumption l./100 km.: 13.4
Fuel tank volume, l.: 83
Dimensions, mm.: 4640x1840x1820
A source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 24 (47), 2003]
