The robust charms of the ML350 are attractive in their own right, but have a limited appeal due to the car’s age (which shows in the cabin) and ride quality. We’re looking forward to its successor, which should deliver the high level of refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz.
Continuing to set the benchmark for luxury soft-roaders is Lexus’ RX350, which offers a truly cultured driving experience. As good as its manners are, however, the RX needs the edginess that hallmarks SUVs to really complete its package, which is still skewed towards outright on-road comfort. It needs a bit of wildness to balance out its Zen-like calm.
Making the strongest case for itself in this regard is the latest Volkswagen Touareg. Despite its powerful off-road skills (proven in Dakar rallies), it remains pliant and practical when driven in our largely urban landscape. It is this ability to conquer both the concrete jungle and the real jungle that gives the Touareg an edge over its rivals in this story.
Lexus RX350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3456cc
Bore x stroke 94mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Max Power 274bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 346Nm at 4700rpm
Power to weight 138.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8 seconds
Top Speed 200km/h
Consumption 9.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Macpherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Dueler H/C
Size 235/60 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 10
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4770mm
Width 1885mm
Height 1685mm
Wheelbase 2740mm
Kerb Weight 1975kg
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $240,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Quiet at speed, eco indicator mode, excellent interior quality, good value
– Remote Touch can be cumbersome, engine lacks low-end punch
Mercedes-Benz ML350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3498cc
Bore x stroke 92.9mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Max Power 272bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 350Nm at 2400-5000rpm
Power to weight 127.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.4 seconds
Top Speed 225km/h
Consumption 8.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental CrossContact
Size 255/60 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4781mm
Width 1911mm
Height 1815mm
Wheelbase 2915mm
Kerb Weight 2135kg
Turning Circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price $287,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Tough look and feel, Alcantara trim on seats, dominant road presence
– Busy ride, no reversing camera, height makes cabin access a bit tricky
Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3597cc
Bore x stroke 89mm x 96.4mm
Compression ratio 12:1
Max Power 280bhp at 6200rpm
Max Torque 360Nm at 3200rpm
Power to weight 133.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 7.8 seconds
Top Speed 228km/h
Consumption 9.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Eagle F1
Size 255/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4795mm
Width 1940mm
Height 1709mm
Wheelbase 2893mm
Kerb Weight 2098kg
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $268,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Brawny engine, intuitive GPS, surefooted on- and off-road in any weather
– No Bluetooth sync, air-con could be colder, boot needs more lighting
