The Mercedes ML model is the now discontinued mid-size SUV that was replaced by the GLE a few years back. The ML-class SUV was extremely popular before the discontinuation, and there is a fair bit of interest for these models on the secondhand market in recent years, especially for the latest models.
The ML350 is an SUV that is capable of light off-roading, but most ML models were specifically used for on-road purposes. Even though the ML350 is a fairly capable vehicle, without proper tires all cars are doomed to never reaching their full potential.
The ML350 is rated for 255/50R19, 265/45R20 tires, and all the tires wearing these specifications are going to fit the ML350 just fine. Mercedes and many independent dealers and tire shops recommend tires made by Yokohama, Pirelli, Falken, Nitto, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Toyo, Michelin, Atturo Hankook, and Goodyear.
Best summer tires for the ML350
The Mercedes ML350 is fairly large and heavy, and because of this, the ML is rated for fairly wide tires. For summer driving purposes most tires are aimed to achieve the highest possible level of grip without sacrificing comfort.
Summer tires have to be able to withstand A, B, or C levels of resistance to heat build-up, with the A-rated tires being the most resistant and the C level tires being the least resistant. Summer tires also offer the highest level of performance, but without the considerable amount of wear associated with dedicated ultra-performance tires.
Specific performance-oriented summer tires recommended for the ML350 range from Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires, or the Atturo AZ850/800, and the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport. For summer touring purposes ML350 models are recommended to use the Goodyear EfficientGrip ROF tires.
If you want to achieve the highest levels of performance during the summer, without the comfort sacrifice, specific tires like the well-proven Goodyear Eagle F1 tires or the equally well-known Pirelli P-Zero’s are sure to offer plenty of grip. Other ultra-high performance-rated tire options for the ML350 are the Continental ContiSport Contacts or the Michelin Latitude Sport 3’s.
Best winter tires for the ML350
Choosing the proper winter tire for your ML350 is highly dependable on the specific region you live in, the amount of snow and ice, and the temperature range you are likely to experience in the winter. Winter tires are made differently, with a different purpose in mind.
While summer tires are usually keen to offer amazing grip, comfort, and quietness, winter tires are mostly aimed to achieve the highest level of safety and security on slippy surfaces. This is especially important if you plan on driving your ML through snow or ice, or you are planning to use the ML for longer, more frequent journeys.
Specific snow and ice tire options range from the well-known Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 or the Continental WinterContact SI tires and the Pirelli Scorpions. Some tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, or the Yokohama IceGuards are also recommended for snowy and icy driving conditions.
If you plan on taking your ML350 into seriously icy conditions, studded tires are also an option. But be aware that studded tires are made specifically for extremely slippery conditions, and they are not made for frequent use on paved surfaces. Studded tire options for the ML350 are the Hankook Winter Pike’s, Toyo Observe G3-ICE tires, or the Atturo AW-730’s.
Best All-season and ultra-performance rated tires for an ML350
All-season tires are made to represent a middle ground between the extreme winter condition-oriented snow and ice tires and the softest more summer-friendly tires for hot sun-paved surfaces. Even though all-season tires are not made to compete with any of their dedicated cold or warm counterparts, they are still able to offer decent performance for most situations.
The best all-season touring tire options for the ML350 are the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus, Michelin Premier LTX, Toyo Celsius CUV, Continental 4X4 Contact, Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF, Dunlop Grandtrek Touring A/S, Michelin Cross-Climate SUV, or the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season.
Ultra-performance tires are made to offer the highest level of performance, but they do suffer when it comes to wearing, comfort and longevity. Ultra-performance tires are rated for track and road use, but they are not made for snowy and icy conditions.
The best ultra-performance tire options for the ML350 are the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2’s or 3’s, Continental ContiSportContact 5’s, Pirelli P Zero PZ4, Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV.
FAQ Section
Why do SUV tires cost more than regular tires?
Many SUV tires can cost even twice the amount you’d have to pay if you had a sedan. This is mostly because the tires rated for SUVs are larger, sturdier, and sometimes oriented for mild to heavy off-road use.
Many other variables can also affect the final price you are paying at a tire shop. Such variables are shipping costs which are usually higher for SUVs as SUV tires are usually larger and heavier, and they might require more balancing as well.
What is the average life-span of SUV tires?
Many variables can sway the lifespan of SUV tires in either direction, but it is generally agreed upon that tires should at least be inspected or even replaced every 6 years or so. And you should most definitely replace your tires every 10 years maximum, regardless of how much tire tread is left.
Modern-day tires have specific designations on them that tell you the age of the tire. Some SUVs are heavier than others, some are primarily being used on-road, while some of them regularly traverse tougher terrains. All these variables can drastically decrease the average life of a tire.
What are the worst tires for an ML350?
In case you were wondering, a few online outlets have been raving about cheap Chinese-made tire alternatives to respectful, well-known brands like Continental, Michelin, or Pirelli. Some of those brands are called Chaoyang or similar, and most of the internet is not fond of these types of tires.
There is a general consensus about cheap tires, in the same way, there is a general consensus on cheap alternatives for everything. Money talks, and you get what you pay for. And you should never cheap-out on one of the most important aspects of car ownership such as tires.
