It loses some features and two cylinders to its elder sibling, but it comes with a killer price tag and is actually bigger than the more expensive Audi Q5. The inconvenience factor of diesel is minor, especially with the help of a smartphone or Mercedes-Benz's telematics system. In this process the potential of the new transmission is exploited to the full. The ride is quiet, too — with no road noise or diesel clatter finding its way into the cabin. A double turbine torsional damper with centrifugal pendulum and the torque converter lock-up clutch with return spring ensure the extremely refined operation typical of the brand.
We just wish the seven-speed automatic gearbox was a bit quicker-acting. And like all Mercs, this one is absolutely, unshakeably stable at high speeds. The most important thing when deciding between any two vehicles should always be safety, both passive and active. We limit this trip to just three riders including driver so that we can fold down one of the rear seats to fit all our gear inside. Flat out, it will hit 100kph in a respectable 8.
All together, there's not much more to say, in this case I wouldn't even consider anything but Mercedes Benz. Follow and , along with RideApart on Instagram. Finally, we get to the powertrain. So this off-road test was a total bust. . If you're a hot rod, you'll probably be disappointed in the gas version anyway. The low-speed ride is a bit firm, but it flattens out beautifully as you go faster.
The ride to the mountain is smooth, easy and drama-free. Behind the second row, there's 23. We pile in some friends, throw in our gear and charge toward the mountains in search of cold weather. Part has to be based on your guess about the future of fuel prices -- I can't help you there, except to reaffirm my belief that fuel prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Mercedes-Benz has always been on the forefront of diesel.
ReliabilityManufacturers have been building their reliability reputation for decades now and, generally speaking, it appears that both brands display similar results in faults and breakdowns, all the models observed together. The updates involve above all a modified engine control unit with combustion management, which in particular during the warm-up phase regulates the injection of diesel fuel for each cylinder in dependence of the combustion air. The higher prices get, the more important efficiency becomes. OverviewWell, these are two pretty similar cars we have here! Both vehicles belong to the suv segment, which is generally a very good thing safety-wise, still it doesn't help us solve our dilemma, does it? They make controlling and directing the airflow in the front cabin a precise art, a delight for the comfort-oriented. VerdictMercedes Benz appears just a bit more reliable, although the difference is truly marginal. If you're a conservative driver, you might not ever notice the 1.
I'm only here to help. The transmission is fitted with a new type of torque converter with a high efficiency of 92 percent and a wide spread of 9. Fuel consumption is more or less the same. This unflustered nature and the incredibly well-insulated cabin make for a very calm and relaxed motoring experience. Considering they both belong to the suv segment and utilize the same 5-door suv body style and the 4 x 4 wheel drive system, it all comes up to the specific diesel engine choice they offer. It impresses with fast gear changes and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for delightful cruising and with gear-change strategies designed to increase traction in terrain. As a driver, I quickly became enamored of the 2.
After they've been riding around with me for a while, I ask them for their impressions of the vehicle. Unfortunatelly, I don't have enough insight that would allow me to comment in more details on the specific models level. Nevertheless, let's not forget that people have different preferences and needs, so what really counts is your personal feel. That's the official data, while our visitors describe reliability of Mercedes Benz with an average rating of 4. Moving further on, let's take a closer look at some additional safety-related facts. An extensive package of measures makes a cut in fuel consumption from the previous model by around nine percent to 6.
We've always craved the instant horsepower of the gasoline engine, rather than the steady torque of a diesel. We could charge through snowbanks, satisfyingly smash those half-melted piles of slush, and scrabble for traction over mud-covered surfaces. When it comes to fuel economy things look pretty much the same for both cars, averaging around 5. I often test out diesel vehicles on my passengers without ever revealing the fuel type. It is capable of scooting from 0 - 60 mph in 6. The M-Series was originally designed to replace the iconic G Wagen — a rugged, military-grade machine equally at home on the streets of Monaco as it is the dunes of Namibia.
Still, it has that proper, semi truck-like clattering one expects from a diesel, giving this kid hauler a much-needed dose of toughness. Diesel passenger vehicles are common around the world, but they're still rare in the United States. Headroom is good, and outward visibility from all seats is superb. The gas version is faster, no doubt. Flop the second row flat easily done , and 54.