Edmunds Technology Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec
The "Tec" in the model designation of the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec refers to the 3.0-liter V6 "clean" diesel powerplant that Mercedes claims can go over 600 miles on a single tank of fuel, as well as the AdBlue exhaust-injection technology that reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions by up to 80 percent. Our test vehicle (sticker price $58,885) was outfitted with such an ample amount of in-cabin tech that the model name could also refer to all of the electronic goodies available on this eco-sensitive crossover.
But like the trade-off in acceleration and the higher price relative to its sibling ML350, the ML320 BlueTec comes up a bit short in some of its technology offerings.
For example, while our test vehicle offered plenty of options for playing digital music files and feature-rich iPod integration, it's not nearly as flexible as the gold standard Ford Sync system. And it's about 10 times more expensive. You have to pop for the ML320's Premium 1 $3,850 option package, which also includes a 40 GB hard-drive navigation system with a rear-view camera, Harmon/Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system and Sirius and HD Radio. This includes the iPod/MP3 Media Interface, which consists of a proprietary cable that plugs into a port in the glove box on one end and has both an iPod-only connection and an aux-in plug.
With an iPod or iPhone plugged in, music is accessed via the somewhat clunky COMAND interface or the more convenient steering-wheel controls. While iPod info is viewed on the 6.5-inch monitor in the dash, control of the device -- like other aspects of the sound system -- isn't available directly from the monitor, since Mercedes doesn't provide a touch-screen like some of its competitors. Another way to access digital music files is with the handy SD card slot just above the in-dash monitor, and files on a car can also be downloaded to the Music Register hard drive, although it only has 4 GB of capacity.
The Logic7 audio system sounds better than most premium systems, but as with the iPod-integration, the controls aren't always easy to use. But it was much more intuitive than the $1,850 Rear Entertainment System (RES), which consists of an 8-inch screen attached to -- not integrated into -- the back of each front-seat headrest, two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control and a DVD player and RCA aux inputs integrated into the back of the center console.
Not only do the screens stick out like sore thumbs, but the system is difficult to operate. The system does allow playing independent sources on each screen and each set of headphones so that one backseat passenger can watch a DVD in the rear player while the other watches to a DVD loaded in the in-dash six-disc changer or an aux video source. But unlike the full featured -- and less expensive -- rear-entertainment systems in some Ford and Chrysler vehicles, the Mercedes RES doesn't allow access to every audio source in the vehicle, such as satellite and AM/FM radio, and figuring out how to access a DVD playing in the in-dash changer was a big challenge.
But at least I was able to use the RES. I could not get the Bluetooth system to pair with either of my phones, an iPhone 3G and Blackberry 7130c, after multiple attempts. But if you can get your phone to connect to the system, it has features such as address download (from a phone or a memory card) and voice tags.
The vehicle's navigation system worked well and was easy to use. It has innovative features such as Traffic Lane Recommendations to help a driver figure out which lane or lanes are best for carrying out a maneuver and, more importantly, which are not. It also has off-road navigation capabilities and the ability to add real-time Sirius Traffic reports.
Bottom Line: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec is a great vehicle for those concerned as much with fuel economy and the environment as they are with luxury and style. But the tech part of the BlueTec is not up to par with what one expects from this segment of vehicles.
Edmunds Tech Ratings (10 is best):
Audio: 7
iPod/MP3 integration: 8
Bluetooth: 5
Navigation: 7
Ergonomics: 6
Overall score: 6.5
- Posted by
- Doug Newcomb November 24, 2008, 12:00 PM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Car Audio and Electronics
- Technorati Tags:
- BlueTEC, Car Electronics, Car Technology, Clean Diesel, iPod, iPod Integration, Mercedes-Benz
The Bluetooth works great with my iPhone 3G.
You have to go to the right in the screen you have up, where it says "options" and select "external authorization"
Then on the iPhone, go in and add a device like normal. You have to initiate contact from the phone, sort of backwards. It works the same way for blackberries and palms, too.
It will download my phonebook, addresses, and everything. And, you can control an iPod from the main screen using the round pad to the right.
RTFM? Or email me with MB or Volvo technical questions- I'm the resident product specialist at my dealership.
That round pad to the right is a terrible interface. COMAND is only just tolerable when a control WHEEL is located at the front edge of the armrest, like the C-class. But the reach to this static pad on the passenger's side is annoying, and the 5-buttons aren't nearly as user-friendly as the wheel.
As for R'ing TFM, I hear you, but gimme a break. If a car has more manuals than I have offspring, if the sum total won't fit easily in the standard glove compartment with room left over, or if total number of pages gets even halfway to the 1,000 mark, then the tech is overly complicated and the MMI (Man-Machine Interface) department needs help.
Yeah, they definitely are hefty books. But, when I got my iPhone 3G the first thing I did was go play with it in all the cars in our showroom (currently an ML63, CL65, S63, C63, CLK63 Black Series; I love the view from my desk), and it took me no longer than 2 minutes to figure out the new MB system. (Perhaps it's just intuitive for me? I didnt RTFM before I tried) And this interface is a complete departure from the previous adapter system, which sucked. But the new bluetooth interface is much nicer, and cheaper.
It seems that half the manuals are walking people through every single option on the car systems. I agree it's overboard, but some people (me) do read them and want to learn EVERYTHING about the cars. I've literally spent 5 hours on a delivery before.
I read the manual from cover to cover on every car I test ... which is about 52 manuals a year, roughly one a week. I'll call a product specialist if I have a particular problem figuring something out. But if I am not successful after multiple tries (and after reading the manual several times), as with the Bluetooth system in the ML320BlueTec, then how will the average consumer fare?
Bottom line: The Bluetooth system in the ML320 BlueTec wasn't at all easy or intuitive to pair a phone with, compared to, say, a BMW or a vehicle with Ford Sync.
On page 107 in the COMAND manual (on the same page you would go to if you looked up "Bluetooth" in the index), it says, very clearly, if you get the message you photographed above, to follow the procedure I outlined above.
I figured it out literally in 2 minutes, when I got my new iPhone. Without reading the manual. I find it rather intuitive, but everyone's sense of intuitiveness is different.