2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG Review

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG

World\'s Fastest, Best-handling Sport-utility.

by: Dan Jedlicka

The Mercedes-Benz 1954-57 300SL coupe was the world's sexiest sports car after World War II, so it makes sense that the world's fastest, best-handling sport-utility vehicle is Mercedes' 145-mph ML55. The ML55 even has twin hood bulges reminiscent of those on the 300SL coupe, nicknamed the "Gullwing" because it had flip-up doors. The all-wheel-drive ML55 is visually distinguished from other Mercedes mid-size M-Class sport-utes by such things as prominent fender flares that cover huge 18-inch alloy wheels and big performance tires. Unique rocker panel moldings connect the flares, and there are serious-looking chromed dual exhaust outlets. But the $64,900 ML55's main feature is its awesome 5.4-liter V-8, which produces 342 horsepower and a neck-snapping 376 pound-feet of torque. The engine is modified by Mercedes' AMG high performance and racing arm. The $35,300 Mercedes ML320 sport-ute has a 215 horsepower V-6, while the higher-line $43,750 ML430 has a 268-horsepower V-8. The ML430 is fast, but Mercedes sells the much faster ML55 because it wants to be top dog in all markets in which it competes. The ML55 accelerates like a sports sedan. It streaks to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while providing a posh, roomy interior. However, the well-equipped, 4,653-pound ML55 also is quite fuel-thirsty, delivering an estimated 14 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. AMG is a whiz at creating such a vehicle. It once was a small, independent German outfit with a U.S. operation that provided customized Mercedes models that were regulars on the trendy "Miami Vice" television show. Soon, wealthy hot car fans just had to have a sleek "AMG Mercedes." Mercedes initially disapproved of an outside firm modifying its cars, but eventually bought AMG, which also provides hot rod Mercedes sedans. AMG has modified the ML55's responsive five-speed automatic transmission to work well with the hot V-8. The automatic adapts to a variety of driving situations and to an individual's driving style. The ML55's all-independent suspension has been stiffened, and brakes are enlarged and beefed up to provide fast stops--although the pedal has a long throw. Brake calipers are painted an eye-catching glossy red. The quick steering is controlled by a hefty walnut-and-leather wheel. The ride is supple, but occasionally gets jumpy over bumpy roads. Handling is superb for a sport-utility, with a superb suspension helped by advanced traction and stability control systems. However, the ML55 doesn't handle like a sports sedan. After all, it's a sport-ute with a high center of gravity. Front occupants sit high in firm, supportive leather sport seats in the quiet interior, which has dark burl walnut trim and is reached through long doors with easily gripped handles. All doors have deep storage pockets, and the cargo area is large--although the spare tire eats up some room. The back seat folds forward in a rather awkward manner to increase the cargo area. And the hatch has a handy recessed area to help close it. Chrome-ringed gauges have white analog faces for a sporty look, but gauge numbers should be larger to allow them to be read more quickly. Power window switches are on the console, instead of being more conveniently located on the doors. Controls should be smoother, and some may dislike the in-dash video display that features an integral audio and navigation system. Rear headrests partly block a driver's view out the hatch window. The ML55 has solid construction, but rough pavement caused a fair amount of soft interior rattles to be heard. The ML55 frame is designed not to override a car's body structure in a collision. This vehicle is plenty safe, with items such as side-impact air bags in all doors. There's nothing like the ML55, which is just as well. The world probably isn't ready for another sport-ute like it.

Dan Jedlicka

Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.

Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.

Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.

In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.

Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.

Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.

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