Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes ML 250 CDI

Is the four-cylinder turbo engine good enough to haul the big Mercedes M-Class around?

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 ML 250 showcases what’s best about the new M-Class: it’s a luxurious, well made and comfortable SUV with a proper four-wheel-drive system and loads of luggage space. The smaller turbodiesel engine provides sufficient power and delivers class-leading fuel economy and running costs.That makes this car the pick of the new M-Class range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new Mercedes M-Class has to tackle the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 head-on. Longer and wider than its predecessor, it’s certainly big enough, but this ML 250 CDI has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine.

An engine that size in a 2,100kg 4x4 sounds like a struggle, but the 500Nm of torque ensures the ML is no slouch. It belies its weight with 0-62mph in nine seconds and strong in-gear response.

It’s not as quick or refined as the ML 350 CDI, but you can shift between the seven gears using steering-wheel paddles when you want to push on, or leave the box in auto mode for smooth, effortless progress. And while the engine sounds slightly harsher than the larger six-cylinder diesel, it’s never too noisy.

The steering is weighty and a decent amount of lock is needed to turn, while there’s no shortage of stopping power and very little dive under braking for an SUV of this size. Permanent four-wheel drive means there’s plenty of grip and Mercedes’ Downhill Speed Regulator system is standard.

The main benefit of the four-cylinder diesel engine is reduced running costs. The ML 250’s claimed 44.8mpg economy is 5.6mpg better than the ML 350’s and it emits 24g/km less CO2, too, at 165g/km. That’s more efficient than any of its rivals.

Inside, there’s typical Merc quality and class, solid switches and lots of kit, including keyless entry, an iPod connection, dual climate control and Bluetooth. The faux leather seats are quite firm, yet they’re supportive rather than uncomfortable, with a wide range of electrical adjustment, plus heating and cooling functions.

There’s great detailing, with silver dial surrounds and optional textured wood grain inserts. You also get a class-leading 2,010 litres of boot space thanks to the flat-folding back seats.

So although the ML 250 CDI trades power for lower running costs, it’s still an impressively swift, spacious and refined 4x4.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,606
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025