Mercedes-Benz M-class W164, facelift 2008 ML 420 CDI V8 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz M-class:

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class , is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.
The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class moved to a unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W164, facelift 2008 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164, facelift 2008). With 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2240 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.8 s). The top speed reaches 235 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

ML 420 CDI V8 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

An exceptionally powerful diesel V8, delivering immense torque and effortless acceleration, making it a formidable performer.

Fuel Economy

Impressive fuel economy for a V8 diesel with this level of power, offering a good balance between performance and running costs.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, heavy towing, and long-distance travel where substantial power and reasonable efficiency are desired.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Luxurious and well-appointed interior with high-quality materials
  • • Wide range of powerful and refined engine options, including efficient diesels and a potent AMG variant
  • • Comfortable and composed ride quality, ideal for long journeys
  • • Strong towing capacity and respectable off-road capability for an SUV
  • • Advanced safety features for its era

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be very high, especially with petrol V8 engines
  • • Some known reliability concerns with certain engine components (e.g., balance shaft on early M272/M273) and air suspension
  • • Large size can make it cumbersome in tight city environments and parking
  • • Potentially high maintenance and repair costs due to its luxury status and complex systems

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W164: 2007 - 2008).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:M-class
Generation:W164, facelift 2008
Modification (Engine):ML 420 CDI V8 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:2008
End of production:2009
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Engine systems:Particulate filter
Power:306 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:76.6 Hp/l [7mm less]
Torque:700 Nm @ 2000-2600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 629.912 More details about the engine OM 629.912
Engine displacement:3996
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:BiTurbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:11.5 l
Coolant:12 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:17:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.2-14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.5-9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):10.6-11 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):14.2-14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8.5-9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.6-11 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.8 sec
Maximum speed:235 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.3 kg/Hp, 136.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.2 kg/Nm, 312.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2240
Max. weight:2950
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:710
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2050 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:833 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):3500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:95 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:14-21°
Wading depth:500 mm
Length:4781 mm mm [7mm less]
Width:1911 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1815 mm mm [25mm less]
Wheelbase:2915 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2124 mm
Front track:1636 mm
Rear (Back) track:1639 mm
Front overhang:866 mm
Rear overhang:1000 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):186-261 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.6 m [above average]
Approach angle:25-31°
Departure angle:24-29°
Climb angle:45°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 255/50 R19; 265/45 R20; 265/40 R21
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8J x 19; 8.5J x 19; 8.5J x 20; 9J x 21
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer

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