Bigger V8 for ML

MERCEDES-BENZ has achieved the unlikely goal of providing considerably more power and torque with a bigger engine for its ML500 SUV while at the same time reducing fuel consumption.

The latest ML500 is now fitted with a 5.5-litre version of the previous 5.0-litre V8, boosting power by some 60kW to 285kW, with torque climbing 15 per cent from 460Nm to 530Nm.

Now on sale in Australia, the new ML500 has a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 12.9L/100km travelled, down from 13.4L/100km with the previous 225kW engine.

Fitted with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

Priced from $120,874, the upgraded ML500 is almost $4000 more than the superseded model.

Other models in the ML have also risen in price, but only by about $1000.

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-class range pricing:
ML280 CDI (a)	$78,874
ML350 (a)	$88,874
ML320 CDI (a)	$91,874
ML500 (a)	$120,874
ML63 AMG (a)	$160,874

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Read our drive impressions of the Mercedes-Benz M-class range