Mercedes ML350 AMG Sports Edition

For those who still don’t know, 'SUV’ stands for 'Sport Utility Vehicle’, a term that was born in the US market during the 1990s which categorized a 4x4 vehicle that had a dual-purpose capability. It could be used in the forests transporting heavy stuff and it could also be used for recreational purposes or even sending the kids to school.
 
However, in the early years of the SUV, the models were mostly basic 4x4 models which received more comfortable cabins with extra convenience features, making them like those in passenger cars.
 
After some ten years, especially after the Japanese began to offer the new generation of SUVs, the manufacturers came to realize that many people bought SUVs not for the capability but for the looks, space and high seating position. The majority hardly used their vehicles off-road apart from going down to the beach on the weekend or visiting construction sites if they were in business. The most 'exciting’ thing they would probably do would be crossing a flooded stretch of road!
 
This new understanding of the actual usage of the SUV led to a 'softening’ of SUVs and more focus was given to comfort and in some cases sportiness. Where SUVs used to have slab-sided styling, curvy shapes started appearing. 
 

Even AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz came up with their own versions of the Mercedes SUV models (including the G-wagen) and the latest one which is now available in Malaysia is the ML350 AMG Sports Edition.
 
This new version, announced this week by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with a pricetag of RM555,888 (excluding insurance), shares the same overall design as the latest M-Class generation which was launched a year ago. However, it’s clear that AMG has given it a more macho appearance with distinctive cosmetic changes that make it stand apart from the standard version.
 
The AMG front apron with matt chrome underguard and integrated circular fog lamps with chrome surround completes the front section of the model. At the rear, the AMG apron with underguard in matt chrome. The AMG twin oval exhaust tailpipes with AMG lettering conclude the aggressive rear design.  There are also running boards along the sides, finished with an aluminium-like appearance.
The 21-inch alloy wheels are said to be the largest of their kind to be offered as standard fitment for the Malaysian market. 
 

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which produces 272 bhp can take this ML350 from standstill to 100 km/h within 8 seconds, it is claimed. Power delivery goes to all four wheels all the time, the amount of torque to each wheel determined by the grip levels and managed by a powerful on-board computer.
 
The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission is standard and operates on a direct multiple downshift principle. This means that, when changing down quickly, the individual gears do not necessarily have to be selected in sequence.  Instead, individual gear ratios can be skipped if required, a difference from sequential shifters. Manual gear shifting is possible via the paddles on the steering wheel while the shifter itself is a short stub on the right side of the steering column. 
 

Stepping into the interior, it can be seen that ARTICO leather is provided and the ambience has a sporty feel. Being a Mercedes, the emphasis would be on luxury and comfort of course but there is also practicality and functionality in the way many areas have been designed, as would be expected of a SUV.
 
The COMAND APS telematics system, with its 6.5-inch colour display, has a 40GB hard disc for storing navigation data (which means quicker access for faster route calculations). The COMAND APS also comprises a DVD-changer along with a 4GB music register for storing up 1000 tracks. If this is really insufficient, portable audio devices and USB thumbdrives can be connected so you have your personal selection of music.
 
The standard audio system is from Harmon-kardon, one of the big names in the audio world. Concert hall ambience comes from a 610W amplifier boosting the music through 12 speakers strategically positioned around the cabin to give the best reproduction. 
 

Convenience systems that come as standard are seats with memory settings for both front seats, a reverse camera and PARKTRONIC. 
 
As with the standard ML350, this AMG version also has the off-road pro technology package installed which enhances the capability of the vehicle. With the AIRMATIC package (also in the standard version), the fording depth is 600 mm and ground clearance is 299 mm, with a 45-degree slope capability. The AIRMATIC Package also improves ride comfort on road as well as off-road dynamics
 
The M-Class has always set the benchmark in terms of safety in the SUV segment. The occupants are safely surrounded by a sturdy safety cell with 8 airbags to provide cushioning during an accident. Bi-xenon Active Headlights provide a broad and bright spread of illumination on the darkest roads.

Related article: Mercedes ML350

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