Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes ML 350 CDI

Our verdict on the volume-selling V6 diesel version of the new Mercedes ML

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes M-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The M-Class is still a practical, luxurious and comfortable SUV. The new model’s revised V6 diesel brings improved fuel economy and performance. While the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 are sportier to drive, the M-Class strikes a satisfying balance between comfort and dynamics. If you want even lower fuel bills, go for the four-cylinder ML 250.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s been a long time since Mercedes built a genuinely class-leading SUV – but that could be about to change with the arrival of the new M-Class. Its refinement and off-road ability impressed us in Europe, but how will the car fare on tougher UK roads?

Outside, it looks imposing, with an AMG styling pack that includes side skirts and 19-inch alloys as standard. It’s also longer and wider than before, so it matches rivals such as the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne for road presence.

In addition, the luxurious interior feels much smarter and better built than the outgoing model’s. A long list of standard equipment includes climate control, sat-nav and durable artificial leather upholstery.

The efficient new four-cylinder ML 250 grabbed the headlines at the launch, but the majority of UK cars will still be powered by this revised 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Push the accelerator and it’s easy to see why: with 255bhp and a whopping 620Nm of torque on tap, the ML 350 provides truly effortless performance in any of its seven gears. It shrugs off its two-tonne bulk and sprints from 0-62mph in only 7.4 seconds, yet it also claims nearly 40mpg and emits 189g/km of CO2 – big improvements over the old car’s 32.5mpg and 230g/km.

As you’d expect from a Mercedes, the M-Class is also superbly quiet and refined. The ride is smooth, even on those sporty 19-inch alloys, while the engine makes only a muted roar under acceleration and fades into the background when cruising on the motorway. The M-Class is a great long-distance car.

Around corners, it’s also more agile than the old version, thanks to a more precise steering system. Although it doesn’t have the pin-sharp dynamics of a Cayenne or X5, it’s a more comfortable choice than either of those.

The M-Class doesn’t have seven seats like a Land Rover Discovery, but there’s room for five adults and plenty of luggage, too. You can fold the seats flat for a maximum 2,010 litres of storage room, which is pretty impressive.

Factor in the big range of off-road gadgets, such as the clever hill-descent system, and you have a great all-rounder.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025