Yet another batch of Mercedes reviews have managed to make their way to our attention on this lovely Wednesday afternoon, meaning, of course, that it's time for a fresh new Mercedes Review Roundup installment.  In this episode, testers weigh in on the Mercedes BlueTEC SUV range (specifically, the ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC), the C-Class and the pre-owned B-Class range, so if you're in the market for any, you'll now have another opinion as to what to expect from each.

As always, you can find excerpts from each review as well as links back to the original articles immediately below.

Enjoy.


Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC SUV Range (via AutoWeek)
Reviewer's rating:  Unspecified

"All models share the 3.0-liter diesel and seven-speed automatic combination. For '09, AdBlue--an aqueous urea solution in an onboard 28- to 32-liter tank--is injected into treated exhaust gas, which runs through a converter, reducing nitrous oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. The AdBlue tank is replenished as part of regular servicing. Mercedes is the first manufacturer to register 50-state diesel SUVs.

The only 'diesel' clues are discreet Bluetec badges on front fenders and rear hatches. When you push the ML320's start button, there's no shudder, vibration or clatter. Engineers paid particular attention to controlling high-pressure injection-system noise and isolating vibration with body and engine bearing mounts.

These vehicles make big torque, 398 lb-ft holding between 1600 and 2400 rpm. The engine is rated at 210 hp at 3800 rpm, and with the tachometer dial marked in widely spaced 200-rpm increments, each marker carries big weight.

Accelerating hard from rest, there's instantaneous, locomotive-like push. Power flows smoothly, effortlessly and quietly. Full-throttle upshifts, also smooth, happen at 4000 rpm indicated; if you're paddle-shifting, the tranny shifts itself before it lets you overrev. Indicated rpm at speeds of 40, 50, 70, 80 and 100 mph are 1400, 1600, 2100, 2650 and 3000, respectively. Midrange acceleration is strong at 50 to 70 mph and 80 to 100 mph.

Four-wheel-drive systems carry over, and the Bluetec powertrain qualities were the same for ML, GL or R--dip your toe into torque at any time. An '09 5.4-liter-V8 gasoline ML550 model makes more horsepower (382 at 6000 rpm) yet less torque (391 lb-ft at 2800 to 4800 rpm). The driving experience in the gasoline model was busier, and the power was more explosive and higher up than with Bluetec, which was more relaxed in nature, in some ways more refined. Midrange acceleration was quicker in the gasoline model. Mercedes estimates that the gasoline model goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and returns 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, versus an ML320 Bluetec's 8.0-second 0-to-60 and 18/24 mpg. We saw 22.5 mpg with a heavy throttle foot.

Bluetec adds 200 pounds, yet these substantial vehicles still handle 'smaller' than they are, surprisingly agile, with very little roll and great curve appeal."

Read Full Review »



Mercedes-Benz C-Class (via Fifth Gear)
Reviewer's rating:  2nd out of 2

"For the test we'd chosen the similarly specified 2.0-litre TDI A4 and the C200 CDI Sport, which both came in at around £30k after options. Despite the Merc's larger 2148cc engine, the A4 has a torque and power advantage, which was obvious on the road. The A4 also came with a manual 'box which was altogether smoother, compared to the auto in the Merc. The C-Class felt sluggish and heavy at times too; the delay in gear changes with the auto 'box didn't help its case, and even with the option of manual 'flappy-paddle' controls it didn't respond quite as quickly as we'd have liked.

Our first part of the journey took us on the motorway where the C-Class' auto is a real asset. We're big fans of automatics in traffic jams - which the average motorist will be all too familiar with - as although it won't perform a "Parting of the Red Sea"-type miracle, it does help alleviate the strain of crawling on the clutch. However, on our test the roads were unusually clear, and we were able to make good progress. They both make excellent motorway companions; the A4's slight power advantage proving useful when overtaking, but the C-Class benefited from a quieter cabin and more comfortable front seats.

The motorway also gave us chance to get to grips with the cars interior, which is where the C-Class is let down. Unlike the outside of the car, the interior is basic and uninspiring for a premium branded car. The sat nav/infotainment screen in the C-Class feels under-developed, and its monochrome display looks dated while the dash could really benefit from some touches of chrome against the drab plain black plastic. It wasn't lacking in equipment though and had everything you might expect from a car costing the sharp end of £29k. The A4 on the other hand came with everything and the kitchen sink, but cost slightly more at £32k. With its soft leather seats it's a much smarter interior than the C-Class, while the stylish dash and cockpit feel more driver-orientated, appearing to envelop the occupants. There's also a full colour screen which hosts the sat nav and displays images from the rather neat reverse parking camera.

As we reached the B-roads; the A4's case became even stronger. The Merc's lower stance and stiffer suspension proved excellent for the windier sections of the road and with the gear box set to manual it can be good fun in the C-Class, but on a less than smooth surface it crashes over bumps and potholes. On the same bit of road the Audi - despite its size disadvantage (some 122mm longer than the C-Class) and larger 18-inch wheels - is more assured; only the largest potholes seeming to fluster it. It's also incredibly precise and fluid around corners and the gentler ride feels altogether more sophisticated."

Read Full Review »



Mercedes-Benz B-Class (via TimesOnline)
Reviewer's rating:  Unspecified

"Unlike some car companies, Mercedes names its cars in a straightforward fashion. The B-class sits between the A-class compact people carrier and the C-class saloon. Mercedes markets it as a “sports tourer” yet its styling suggests that whoever is at the wheel will be spending more time on the school run than at Silverstone.

The engine lineup confirms this: virtually identical to that of the A-class, it is a mix of economically minded four-cylinder diesels and petrols. The hottest, a turbocharged 2 litre petrol, provides a glimmer of sporting prowess, but with a relatively modest 140bhp propelling a not insubstantial mass of 3,020lb, the B-class performs with the reluctance of parents at the school sports day.

And then there’s the interior. Open any of the long doors - designed to give toddler-carrying parents easy access - and any illusions of a sporty driving environment are dispelled. With its five individual seats, ample headroom and acres of space, the B-class cabin is about making family life as painless as possible.

Of the three petrol models - B 150, B 170 and B 200 turbo - the best all-round option is the B 170. For drivers hooked on the more flexible power delivery of a turbocharged diesel, the 140bhp B 200 CDI combines reasonable performance with fuel economy of 45mpg-plus.

On the road the B-class fails to live up to its 'sports tourer' tag. Drive slowly about town and its suspension feels too soft, unable to mask poor surfaces and potholes, but as speed builds the ride feels overly firm and harsh.

Despite its shortcomings on the road, for many the prestige badge and impressive carrying ability will seal a deal for a used B-class. However, you should at least test-drive the competition. There are equally family-friendly alternatives without the premium price tag."

Read Full Review »



And to Shiv:  many thanks for the tip my good sir; we sincerely appreciate it.