We declared the ML 250 CDI a winner
just three months ago. But can it fend off a fresh challenge from the much
improved Audi Q5?
What’s new?
When pitched against the BMW X3and Volvo
XC60 in our January 2013 issue, the Mercedes ML 250 CDI easily outdid its
competitors. But now, with the arrival of the much improved Audi Q5, A things
might not be so easy for the big Merc. The face lifted Q5 seems to be a big
step up from the old car – it promises to ride better, has a new eight-speed
automatic transmission, the design is more appealing and the cabin has got some
upgrades too. Another advantage this particular Q5 has in this test is a much
more powerful 3.0-liter V6 diesel motor.
So is the smaller-hearted, bigger bodied
M-class with its more premium status too much of a compromise in terms of
performance compared to the Q5 3.0 TDI, or will its well-rounded luxury package
take another scalp?
Audi
Q5 3.0 TDI vs Mercedes-Ben ML 250 CDI
What are they like to drive?
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI: 4/5
Mercedes-Ben ML 250 CDI: 4/5
The ML 250 CDI is powered by a 201bhp,
2.2-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine rather than the 255bhp 3.0-liter
six-cylinder diesel in the ML 350 CDI. But before you question this engine’s
refinement, you should know it is pretty quiet for a four-cylinder motor and is
smooth too. What’s more, its performance is also surprisingly good. Sure, an
8.8-second 0-100kph time makes it around two seconds slower than the ML 350
CDI, but in most driving conditions you really can’t feel the power deficit.
It’s only when you are on an open road that you find the ML 250 CDI takes some
time to gather more pace. This is also down to the seven-speed automatic gearbox,
which doesn’t respond quickly to sudden changes in throttle input. Even tugging
on the beautifully finished paddle-shifters doesn’t help much to this end.
No such problems with the Audi Q5, whose
eight-speed automatic gearbox is almost mind-reading in the way it changes
gears based on your driving style. Considering the Q5 3.0 TDI is a size smaller
than the ML and has 245bhp on tap, it is easily the faster of the two. It is
blisteringly fast for an SUV of this size. On the highway, the Audi manages to
pull off some slick overtaking moves and maintains high cruising speeds easily.
The tall eighth gear also means the engine always feels very relaxed and
composed; this is apparent from the moment you start the engine. At idle, it’s
almost impossible to tell if the V6 is running. The engine is smooth, refined
and relaxed.
Ride & handling
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI: 4/5
Mercedes-Ben ML 250 CDI: 4/5
Another point worth noting is that the ML
250 CDI makes do with conventional steel springs, as opposed to the more luxurious
air suspension that its bigger brother the 350 CDI gets. This is not as bad as
it sounds, because the 250’s ride isn’t all that different from the
air-suspension version. The low-speed ride is a bit firm, but it flattens out
beautifully as you go faster. And like all Mercs, this one is absolutely,
unshakably stable at high speeds. This unflustered nature and the incredibly
well-insulated cabin make for a very calm and relaxed motoring experience.
Q5
3.0 TDI's performance is on an another level compared to the Mercedes
The ML is not as engaging to drive as the
Q5 – it’s not particularly eager to make quick direction changes and you can
feel the near-2.2-tonne weight moving about during sharp maneuvers. But then
again, it’s not too sloppy. With all-wheel-drive grip and a steering that’s
wonderfully fluid in its action, there’s some pleasure to be had in driving it
on a smooth, flowing road.
As for the Q5, gone is the fidgety ride of
the old car; it now feels much more supple and bump absorption is first rate.
The softer spring and damper settings means the Q5 glides over most surfaces
without much fuss and low-speed ride is much better than the ML’s.
ML
250 CDI performs adequately and the engine is pretty smooth and refined
Despite its size and weight, the Q5 is
fairly decent to punt around corners. The steering is typically Audi - light
and effortless, but devoid of feel. The four-wheel-drive setup is biased
towards road driving, which gives the SUV a nice handling balance when the
going gets brisk. Apart from the base Premium variant, all Q5s get adjustable
dampers, and if you set them to Dynamic mode, it surprises you with its
agility. Body movements are well controlled, and it grips willingly and steers
accurately.
