It takes about $50-plus to fill up an ML500 or ML350 with premium unleaded, which makes the more economical V-6 an attractive alternative. The new ML350's latest-generation Mercedes V-6 is just 14 horsepower short of the old M-Class's V-8 and 34 horses short of the new 24-valve 5.0-liter. It's the rational choice, and with a base price nearly 20 percent lower than the V-8, belongs in a different sub-segment. The ML350 doesn't have the same sense of urgency of its more powerful brother, and you'll have to be more judicious about pulling out into traffic. But the V-6 is smooth, quiet, and refined. When launch calls for full throttle, it sounds raspy, ripping off clean, satisfying and quick upshifts from the seven-speed automatic at the redline.
The V-6 versus V-8 isn't the only reason for a near-$10,000 price difference, of course. Popularly priced versions, costing about $50,000, won't have full leather for the seats. Our sample had a manual-tilt steering wheel, manual front headrests, and manual tailgate lift/closure, versus power controls in our fully optioned $64,000 ML500. The one infuriating omission is that the ML500 has a handy extra drawer in the center stack of the dash, good for mobile phones and key cards, not included in the ML350. Why? The ML350 also lacked the ML500's optional three-position adjustable suspension damping, but the ML350's handling is plenty decent without the option. It takes a fast curve with substantial roll, but has good grip and a feeling of control and enough feedback to keep you out of serious trouble. The ML350's steering did feel a bit too light on-center, a problem we didn't have with the ML500.
The ML500's base price is $49,220 with destination, while the ML350 starts at $40,270. With so many options offered, $50,000 will be the going price for a typical V-6. That's a lot of money for a model launched eight years ago with a sub-$34,000 base price designed to appeal to those who thought they couldn't afford a Benz. The good news for bargain-hunters is that with high residuals, leasing will again be the easiest way into one of these.
No, the new M-Class doesn't pretend to be a truck. But if you need a crossover and you want a Mercedes, that's good news.