2009 Mercedes ML320 BlueTEC, Part Three

The 2009 Mercedes ML320 BlueTEC is certainly a comfortable ride, but would you feel comfortable with one in your driveway?

Why you should buy the 2009 Mercedes ML320 BlueTEC:
You equate sitting up high with safety, diesels with saving money, shiny things with luxury, comfort with performance, shopping with sports, and CSI with entertainment. As a member of the mass affluent you're not rich enough to be special, but have enough money to at least think you are. You married your husband for his money.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You have a strong aversion to minivans, ones masquerading as SUVs or otherwise. As a member of the truly wealthy, you need a vehicle that conveys the blue color of your blood and can be used to haul dead game back from your shooting estate. You thought diesels were supposed to be fuel efficient. You thought Mercedes were supposed to be made in Germany by lab coat-wearing, scheisse porn-enjoying technicians. You married your husband for his money, but in this case its real money.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: Yes
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes
Very Serious Businessmen: Yes
Sheiklets: No

Also Consider:
• Lexus RX 400h
• Land Rover LR2
• Volkswagen Touareg TDI
• Audi S6 Avant
• BMW X6 xDrive35i
• 1984 300 TD Wagen with suspension lift kit

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Mercedes
• Model: ML320
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $48,600
• Price as Tested: $58,165
• Engine type: 3.0-Liter V6 Diesel
• Horsepower: 210 HP @ 3800 rpm
• Torque: 398 lb-ft @ 1600-2400 rpm
• Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic w/paddles
• Curb Weight: 4,974 lbs
• LxWxH: 188.5" x 71.5" x 83.7"
• Wheelbase: 114.7"
• Tires: P225/50 R19
• 0 - 60 mph: 8.0 seconds
• Top Speed: N/A
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/24 MPG
• Jalopnik Fuel Economy: 23 MPG (city/highway mix 25/75)
• NHTSA crash test rating: *****/*****