Watching a new ML320 teeter between two slippery mounds of red Alabama clay, dragging itself resolutely over the obstacles with any wheels--or wheel--that could find a scrap of traction, made it clear that we were observing an advance in the state of the art of sport-utility drive systems.In fact, that first demonstration, held for worldwide members of the motoring press near the new Mercedes factory in Alabama, suggested that this fresh-sheet-of-paper SUV might just be the best in the business. And subsequent seat time has done little to dispel that notion.
Then again, best is a tricky word in the automotive lexicon. Comparative ratings of sport-utilities--or any other vehicles--are defined by their design and execution in terms of the perceived wants and needs of a particular market segment. But market segments don't buy vehicles. People do. And one buyer's best may have no appeal at all for the next.Click here to read more