Super TestCar reviews - Mercedes-Benz - M-class - ML500 5-dr wagonMercedes-Benz modelsOverviewMercedes transforms the ML500 luxury SUV with its potent but frugal 5.5-litre V81 Nov 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ has boosted the appeal of its V8-powered ML500 SUV by increasing its displacement and performance with a potent new V8 engine. It is a 5.5-litre bent eight with 285kW and 530Nm - considerably more than the previous ML500. The engine has already appeared in other tri-star models including the S-class. While greenies are still not about to hug the ML500 for its environmental friendliness, the new model actually consumes a little less fuel than the previous car. It now has an ADR81/01 average of 12.9L/100km, down slightly from 13.4. The engine is paired to a seven-speed automatic and a permanent four-wheel drive system. Adjustable air suspension is now standard for the ML500. The price has risen since its 2005 launch, from $116,900 to $120,874, but the new car does have some extra equipment, including a reversing camera and self-cleaning Xenon lights with cornering function. Model release date: 1 October 2007 to 1 September 2008 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelThe second-generation ML was launched in Australia in September 2005. At launch, the range consisted of three models including the ML320 diesel, ML350 petrol V6 and the petrol V8 ML500 V8. The ML500 ran the 5.0-litre V8 with 225kW and 460Nm of torque, using a three-valve per cylinder design, as opposed to the previous four-valve per cylinder set-up. (Mercedes has since reverted to the four-valve set-up for its V8s.) Benz aimed to make the 2005 ML models more refined and road-friendly than the previous model. An optional "Off-Road Pro" package was available for those few owners who would venture off sealed roads. |
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