What better way to kick off a Tuesday morning than with yet another batch of the latest Mercedes reviews?  We couldn't agree more, so to get things underway today comes yet another installment of our now famous Review Roundup segment.  In this episode, a total of three Mercedes models (the C 200 K Estate, the SL 500 and the ML-Class) are all put through their paces, giving those of you considering the purchase of any a small glimpse of what to expect from each.  As is the case with all our Review Roundups, you can find portions of each Mercedes review as well as links back to the full articles immediately below.

Enjoy.


Mercedes-Benz C 200 K Estate (via Carpoint.com.au)
Reviewer's rating: 

"The C 200 K's 1.8-litre supercharged in-line four-cylinder engine was reworked for the new C-Class and is a decent mill combining elasticity and reasonably frugal manners. Mated to the standard-fit five-speed automatic with self-shift, the C 200 K Estate uses 8.3L/100km.  As noted in our C-Class review, the auto wants for a cleverer shift but does offer smooth driving when pottering around town.

The Estate has the same composure on the road as the sedan with good body control in corners and a firm but forgiving ride.  We won't argue to what degree the standard-fit Agility Control system helps the wagon pick up its heels, but at the wheel the Estate's handling proves sharp and nimble. Steering feel is like the sedan's: somewhat remote at straight ahead but consistent and responsive.

The new Estate's sportier looks and handling, and a couple competitor-rivalling selling points -- where it matters, like extra space and easy-op tailgate -- should help this wagon win new buyers."

Read Full Review »



Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (via Auto Express)
Reviewer's rating:  2nd place (out of two)

"Overall, it seems Mercedes has spent far more on engineering than its rival [the Jaguar XKR]. There’s the new Airscarf, overhauled COMAND system, seatbelts integrated into the seats and the fact that, even when the top is lowered, accessing the boot is easy, thanks to electric motors that raise the folded lid.

Don’t think the SL is flawless, though. A mesh wind deflector which distorts rear visibility really isn’t good enough on a £78,000 car, and the cabin design is disappointingly similar to before. The ergonomics are fine – the low-slung driving position is excellent – but the tacky silver trim is out of place. Neither does the button-heavy dash have the clarity and simplicity of the XKR’s layout.

When it comes to speed, though, the two cars are evenly matched. At 1,910kg, the SL carries an extra 195kg and, with 388bhp and 530Nm, it gives away 22bhp and 30Nm, yet this pair were separated by fractions of a second in all of our acceleration tests. The SL500’s 5.5-litre V8 doesn’t quite have the low-down urge of the Jaguar’s supercharged unit, but it’s smooth and refined. Combine this with a linear power delivery, and the Merc is deceptively fast, aided by the slick-shifting seven-speed gearbox.

Relaxed yet muscular, the V8 is extremely well suited to the SL. This is a roadster that’s able to play sporting or laid-back roles with ease. As a cruiser it excels on smooth roads, soaking up the miles. On more testing tarmac, although the body feels a fraction tauter than the outgoing SL’s, it’s not much quieter or stiffer than the Jaguar.

Revisions to the suspension mean the SL is more nimble and precise than its predecessor. But although it’s pleasantly quick cross-country, the Merc isn’t a responsive sports car – it far
prefers to take things easy and cruise along."

Read Full Review »



Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (via Times Online)
Reviewer's rating:  Unspecified

"Noticeably quieter and more refined than the previous-generation diesels, the V6 makes the petrol options virtually redundant and promises acceleration to embarrass all but the most committed of petrol-lovers, together with economy nudging the 30mpg mark.

In response to strong diesel sales, Mercedes-Benz added two more oil-burners to the range this year: the 190bhp ML 280 CDI (in effect a detuned ML 320 CDI, as it has the same 3 litre diesel engine), and a mighty ML 420 CDI, with a 4 litre V8 producing 302bhp.

While most buyers will rejoice in the ML’s progress, there are two areas that may frustrate. First is the deletion of the seven-seat option. Despite competitive seven-seat offerings in the guise of the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes keeps the latest ML as a strict five-seater and instead directs larger families to its R-class and G-class models.

The second big change is the absence of a manual gearbox. Some towing purists may see this as a limitation, but the reality is that the standard seven-speed automatic will handle almost anything you throw at it. Combined with a column-mounted gear-selector, it makes for a leisurely but effective transmission system.

The ML’s optional air suspension system comes into its own on the road, endowing the big Mercedes with almost limousine-like levels of comfort and vastly reducing body roll. Take the ML off road and, if the car is fitted with the optional Off-Road Pro pack, that same air suspension can be raised to increase the car’s ground clearance. With a full 2ft of wading depth, the committed ML driver is unlikely to be troubled by a summer flood.

Whether you intend to cruise, tow, mud-plug or just lug, the second generation of Mercedes-Benz ML is about as good as any luxury used 4x4 you can buy."

Read Full Review »



And before I go, a huge thanks to our friend Shiv, who was gracious enough to send us two of the aforementioned reviews.  As always my friend, we sincerely appreciate it.