M-Class vs. FX30d

Luxury SUVs offer distinctive and amazing driving experiences

By Kim Tae-jong

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming more and more popular here as they are equipped with premium features such as powerful diesel engines with high fuel efficiency and are available in stylish designs. Now, competition in the luxury SUV market is fiercer than ever, meaning that drivers have more choice.

Some of the outstanding models are the new M-Class from Mercedes-Benz and the all-new Infiniti FX30d from Nissan, both of which hit the market early this year.

It’s hard to say which one is better through simple comparisons, but one thing is certain; their distinctive features offer totally different driving experiences.

Upgrades

The two vehicles are upgraded versions of previous models.

The FX30d is the first diesel powered member of the FX lineup. Previously, only FX variants with 3.5 and 5-liter V6 petrol engines were available. In fact, Infiniti ambitiously launched the luxury diesel vehicle for the first time.

But the new addition conveys the FX philosophy that combines sports-car performance with SUV functionality.

Since its debut in 1997, the M-Class has constantly evolved to offer comfortable driving experiences whether on racetracks, off-road courses, city streets or highways.

Design & Interior

At a glance, they both successfully attract immediate attention with their quite distinctive designs.

The two models are of a similar size, although the FX30d is slightly longer than the M-Class while the latter is taller than the former.

The M-Class is 4.815 meters in length, 1.935 meters in width and 1.815 in height while the FX30d is 4.865 meters in length, 1.925 meters in with and 1.680 meters in height.

But the first impressions they give are quite different. The new M-Class has a masculine appearance, more faithful to conventional SUV designs, while all-new INFINITI FX30d’s curves are unconventional and unique.

The front of the M-Class features a huge grille and a long bonnet with aggressive air-intakes at the base of the windscreen that give an impression of strength and power.

Meanwhile, the FX30d has a sportier look, which obviously seems to share the same design as Infinite’s luxury sedans. This is a nice “fusion” of an SUV and a sports car.

Getting inside either vehicle offers a completely new experience too.

The M-Class feels more spacious than the FX30d, but that doesn’t mean you will feel uncomfortable inside the FX30d.

The two models have also upgraded their so-called command systems, which control the car’s audio, video and navigation, to become more user-friendly, allowing drivers to enjoy driving in greater comfort.

Performance

The M-Class has three variants ― the ML 250 BlueTEC, the ML 350 BlueTEC and the ML 63 AMG.

The base model M-Class has a four cylinder diesel engine, delivering an average fuel consumption of 11.9km/l, and only emits 168g/km of CO2.

Using Mercedes’ twin-stage turbo-diesel 2.2-liter engine, it offers 204 horse power (hp) and 51kg.m of torque, channeled through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is available at 79.9 million won.

The higher range models show better performances with different power trains but of course drivers pay more for that. The other two models are priced at 92.4 million won and 150.9 million won.

The FX30d is priced at 79.7 million won. Through a simple comparison, the FX30d performs better than the ML 250 BlueTEC because it is equipped with a 3-liter diesel engine, which offers 238 hp with maximum torque of 56.1 kg.m. Its average fuel consumption is 10.2 km/l.

Although they have different hearts, the two SUVs offer a nice balanced driving experience and their seven-speed automatic gear box promises smooth acceleration whenever necessary. They seem to never disappoint drivers when they encounter various challenges such as going uphill, negotiating slippery surfaces or off-road terrain.

Minor flaws

With their superb features, it’s hard to find flaws in the two vehicles. But there are some minor issues that can bug drivers.

The diesel engine in the M-Class is surprisingly quiet while the FX30d makes comparatively disturbing noises, although they are quieter than most other diesel SUVs. In particular, while driving inside underground parking lots, the noise can become very annoying with the windows open. But of course, some may actually enjoy the weighty sound of the engine.

Meanwhile, driving the M-Class can be dangerous due to a blind spot, caused by a limited view through left side-view mirror. It is highly recommended that purchasers install an extra mirror or make use of the Blind Spot Assist system to reduce danger from this when driving the M-Class.