The pace of automotive development never ceases to amaze me. A good case is that of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) over the last five years. Economic and financial pressures seem to target the biggest and most luxurious of the vehicles that some like as daily drivers. These SUVs seem to fit Canadian lifestyles very well, just look around at the number of them you see. To survive as a successful SUV these days, you have to be on the leading edge of development in order to conform to today’s tough standards of public opinion, and more importantly, public acceptance.

One manufacturer you can always count on to be at the forefront of development of is Mercedes Benz, and their ML350 BlueTEC is a shining example of what can be done these days.

I was awakened to just how different the ML 350 BlueTEC was when after one day of driving I looked down at my average fuel consumption figure.

8.8L/100kms.

I was shocked. I’d expect that figure from a sub-compact hybrid, not a 2,235kg SUV. I expect that from a gutless wonder that has an inline four cylinder, capable of about 100bhp, and a 0-100kph time that is measured with a calendar, not a stop watch, not from a 210bhp with a massive 400ft/lbs of torque 24-valve V6, that will get from a dead stop to 100kph in just over 8 seconds.

Fuel economy alone makes the ML 350 BlueTEC an acceptable SUV for today’s times.

But wait, it is a Mercedes, and the ML 350 BlueTEC is much more than just good fuel economy.

For starters, it looks fantastic with an aggressive, strong stance, and very clean lines. The exaggerated fender wells add significantly to the solid stance.

Inside the ML, there is a host of standard features such as a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, along with heated front seats. I have been taking several long trips over the past few weeks, and I can vouch for the comfort of the ML seats. When you couple the seats to the leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, just about everything you need to adjust while driving is at your finger tips.