Despite being around since 2012, we鈥檝e yet to lay hands on a current-generation Mercedes-Benz ML. The ML sits squarely at the center of Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 current sports-utility universe, with the GLA and GLK models below, and GL and G above. Having only previously sampled the 4.7-liter V8 in the E-Class coupe, I can鈥檛 comment on its character in the ML550 - though the lighter E proved to be an absolute rocketship in that configuration. Nevertheless, this turbo six is smooth and torquey in the ML400 and never feels lacking in the power department. Is it as fast as the old V8? Not likely, but around town where these things are actually used, it鈥檚 equally unlikely that many would-be owners will miss the V8. Sedans, though, can鈥檛 touch the utility of the ML400. Stretch-out space front and rear is ample, and the cargo area is well-finished and roomy. In general, the interior is a nice place to spend time; quiet, well-assembled, and all the parts that matter are lined in either leather, almost-leather, or our tester鈥 檚 optional matte finish wood trim. Also leather-lined are the multi-contour heated and vented front seats, which feature a configurable massage function that really melts away the miles on long trips. Overall, the interior isn鈥檛 quite as tech-laden as something like the newest high-end BMW X5, but I鈥檝e found Mercedes鈥?infotainment interface to be easier to use than iDrive. It鈥 檚 a cosseting vehicle for sure, the ML. The ride is muted and unperturbed by either crosswinds or road imperfections. 80k seems like a tough pill to swallow for a mid-sized SUV. Still, I suppose it鈥檚 easy enough to option an X5 up to (and far beyond) the same price level. Compared to the X5, the ML400鈥檚 pricing falls somewhere in line between the 6-cylinder 35i and 8-cylinder 50i models, as do its power and torque figures. Mercedes-Benz provided the vehicle for testing purposes and one tank of gas. Photos by the author.

Despite being around since 2012, we鈥檝e yet to lay hands on a current-generation Mercedes-Benz ML. The ML sits squarely at the center of Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 current sports-utility universe, with the GLA and GLK models below, and GL and G above. Having only previously sampled the 4.7-liter V8 in the E-Class coupe, I can鈥檛 comment on its character in the ML550 - though the lighter E proved to be an absolute rocketship in that configuration. Nevertheless, this turbo six is smooth and torquey in the ML400 and never feels lacking in the power department. Is it as fast as the old V8? Not likely, but around town where these things are actually used, it鈥檚 equally unlikely that many would-be owners will miss the V8. Sedans, though, can鈥檛 touch the utility of the ML400. Stretch-out space front and rear is ample, and the cargo area is well-finished and roomy. In general, the interior is a nice place to spend time; quiet, well-assembled, and all the parts that matter are lined in either leather, almost-leather, or our tester鈥檚 optional matte finish wood trim. Also leather-lined are the multi-contour heated and vented front seats, which feature a configurable massage function that really melts away the miles on long trips. Overall, the interior isn鈥檛 quite as tech-laden as something like the newest high-end BMW X5, but I鈥檝e found Mercedes鈥?infotainment interface to be easier to use than iDrive. It鈥檚 a cosseting vehicle for sure, the ML. The ride is muted and unperturbed by either crosswinds or road imperfections. 80k seems like a tough pill to swallow for a mid-sized SUV. Still, I suppose it鈥檚 easy enough to option an X5 up to (and far beyond) the same price level. Compared to the X5, the ML400鈥檚 pricing falls somewhere in line between the 6-cylinder 35i and 8-cylinder 50i models, as do its power and torque figures. Mercedes-Benz provided the vehicle for testing purposes and one tank of gas. Photos by the author.

By now, it鈥檚 probably no mystery than engine downsizing is not just some short-lived trend, but an ongoing, persistent pattern that almost all automakers are pursuing to meet government-mandated CO2 and fuel-economy targets worldwide. The latest model to fall into line with the mega-trend is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400. The model effectively replaces last year鈥檚 ML550, which was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.7L V-8 producing 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is not quite as stout, cranking out 329 hp and 354 lb-ft. Also new for 2015 is the ML250 Bluetec. This is the only four-cylinder ML offered in the U.S. 鈥檚 ML350 Bluetec鈥檚 3.0L turbodiesel V-6, which continues as an option in the larger GL three-row SUV. Official economy estimates for the ML250 Bluetec have not yet been released, but its little brother, the GLK250, with the same powertrain returns 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

We鈥檙e figuring about a 2 mpg haircut for the larger, heavier ML, which would still result in an outstanding 22/31 performance. However, the redesigned BMW X5 3.5d gets 23 city 31 highway on the EPA tests with a larger, more powerful 3.0L I-6 diesel, so Mercedes is likely trying to meet or surpass the figure of its arch-rival. Finally, if you鈥檙e a fan of V-8 power in the ML, your only choice for 2015 will be the ML63 AMG, which returns with 518 hp and 516 lb-ft or 550 hp and 560 lb-ft with the optional performance package. If economy is your priority, the AMG is definitely not the best choice, with a comparatively ravenous fuel appetite of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. That said, we鈥檝e tested this Teutonic treat and can attest it鈥檚 a blast to drive. 925 destination. The ML400 will be in dealerships in August, and the ML250 Bluetec will be in dealerships starting in September.

Best offers for Mercedes-Benz ML400 lease. Buyers who are in the market to acquire a new car lose sleep over the dilemma of buying or leasing. Both options have plusses and minuses to them. Affordability and flexibility the leasing gives you are generally the biggest consideration when leasing a new vehicle. Before choosing look at your job stability and the state of your personal finances; this will help you understand what you can afford. Car leasing short term can yield payments that are less than the monthly payments of purchasing a car. Leasing a Car Lease on Specials are the best option to saving on monthly payments. When getting a car on lease specials you are only paying a portion of the total cost of the vehicle when you lease instead of the entire amount. With a decent down payment you may be better off purchasing the car and getting a good interest rate; this is ideal if you plan on keeping your car for a longer amount of time. The ownership is yours when purchasing and therefore you have more freedoms with the car than you do when you lease a car. Car leasing will almost always have monthly payments that are less than if you are buying the vehicle. You will want to make sure you can adhere to the conditions of the lease including those of the terms of the lease special. Having good timing and knowledge you should be able to get luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz lease on specials, BMW lease specials, Lexus leases, Infiniti leases, Ford leases in lease Special. In the market for an SUV or minivan; many models are leased and having lease rebates and lease specials by month end. With the financial considerations set aside, your lease or purchase decision is influenced by your lifestyle and personal preference. Do you get attached to your vehicle? Do you keep your car for more than 4 years?

The Mercedes-Benz M Class is the luxury automaker's midsize SUV. For 2015, the ML400 replaces the ML550 and its gas-guzzling 4.7-liter V-8. There's no question the SUV has better fuel efficiency and, of course, luxury, but does it have anything that makes it stand out? 1,515 option) shimmers in the sun. Aside from that striking paint, the ML400 is a handsome, if slightly generic-looking, SUV that wears Mercedes' three-slat grille with traditional fan-blade logo. Standout design details include chrome skid plates, bold character lines and LED daytime running lights. Our tester had the optional 20-inch AMG five-spoke wheels and Bi-Xenon headlamps. Those headlights have Active Curve Illumination and adaptive high beams, which came in handy on the dark back roads Lyra sometimes drives. Performance: The ML400 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 329 horsepower. Interior: For Peter, the SUV's elegant and quiet cabin is its strength. Our tester was awash in auburn brown and black leather, and real open-pore brown ash trim, which gives the interior a refreshingly organic feel. The contoured seats, in addition to being trimmed in leather (standard), are comfortable and well bolstered. But best of all, they are massaging seats.