Mercedes Benz

Despite recent and significant increases in the cost of diesel fuel in Canada and the United States, Mercedes-Benz has pressed on with its diesel strategy, introducing BlueTec clean diesel technology to its range of sport-utility vehicles in North America.

The redesigned ML - as well as the GL and R models - will still be available with the same diesel-powered 3.0-litre V6s that are currently offered but they will now integrate a second version of BlueTec technology, adding the injection of an aqueous urea solution into the stream of exhaust gases in a move to further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. This will ensure the engine’s certification in all 50 U.S. states. It will meet 2015 emissions standards well ahead of their introduction.

Labelled AdBlue by Mercedes-Benz, this injection process creates ammonia, of which 80 per cent is reduced to harmless nitrogen and water by a fourth catalytic converter located downstream known as the SCR converter. The end result is that BlueTec-equipped SUVs achieve an 80 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.

The aqueous urea solution is held in a separate on-board tank (28-litre capacity for the ML and R models; 32 litres for the GL) and its rate of consumption is very low - only 0.1 litres per 100 kilometres. This means the tank can be refilled at a Mercedes-Benz dealer during regular service intervals of approximately every 20,000 kilometres.

That’s the rocket science involved in this newest version of the BlueTec process, but, truth be told, one is never aware of the Rube Goldberg scheme taking place in the exhaust system of a diesel-powered ML. You just drive, enjoying the low-end torque that is the hallmark of a diesel-powered engine, secure in the knowledge that you are doing your little part for the environment, even if you are driving a large SUV, the likes of which have lately become popular moving targets of environmental activists worldwide.

My average fuel consumption was 10.5 L/100 km, which is quite exceptional given the size and weight of the all-wheel-drive ML, which is fitted with the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, as are the GL and R models.

Styling-wise, the ML gets redesigned bumpers and new lights front and rear as well as a new grille with silver louvres and chrome highlights. Inside the cabin, the driver faces a new four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Mercedes-Benz engineers have also designed a new telematics system that integrates Bluetooth technology and a new media interface, enabling passengers to operate an iPod by way of the centre console display and the audio control keys on the steering wheel.

The ML’s look is slightly different and there are minor tweaks here and there, but the real story lies under the hood or, more appropriately, under the vehicle itself.


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