Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes M-Class

Four-cylinder ML 250 mixes economy and premium appeal

On paper the efficient, entry-level M-Class has a lot to recommend it, while its upmarket image is unrivalled. It’s also hugely practical and well equipped. However, its four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is a disappointingly gruff performer and the ride is uncomfortable.

The new Mercedes M-Class hasn’t had the easiest start in life. When we tested the range-topping ML 350 CDI, it finished in a distant third place behind the Land Rover Discovery 4 and Porsche Cayenne. As a result, there’s a lot resting on this entrylevel ML 250 BlueTEC. Can it succeed where its more expensive brother failed?

Advertisement - Article continues below

On paper, it certainly challenges the strong eco-friendly credentials of the hybrid Lexus. Thanks to its efficient four-cylinder diesel, the Mercedes promises to match the RX with 44.8mpg fuel economy, while CO2 emissions are just 20g/km higher, at 165g/km.

Better still, apart from its badging, the newcomer is indistinguishable from the pricier V6 version. That means you get an imposing stance and straight-edged styling, plus eye-catching 19-inch AMG alloys. And when it comes to upmarket premium appeal, the three-pointed star badge beats its rivals hands down.

Inside, the M-Class feels just like any other Mercedes. There’s the same upright dash, logical layout and quirky single stalk for the indicators, main beam and wipers. The build quality is top notch, while the column-mounted gearshift is simple and the high-set driving position perfect. It’s not as well equipped as the RX, but you get sat-nav, Bluetooth and Artico fake leather trim.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

20,100 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £17,800
View Niro
C4

2022 Citroen

C4

11,725 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £14,495
View C4
6 Tourer

2021 Mazda

6 Tourer

34,773 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £18,495
View 6 Tourer
Up

2018 Volkswagen

Up

40,500 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,999
View Up

Yet while the ML 250 isn’t as lavishly appointed as the Lexus, it is more practical. There’s a huge amount of space for occupants, plus the vast boot will swallow 690 litres of luggage. Fold the split/fold rear bench flat and the capacity increases to a van-like 2,010 litres. Unfortunately, the commercial vehicle comparisons also extend to the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel’s gruff soundtrack.

Still, with 500Nm of torque, the M-Class turned in surprisingly strong times at the test track. It sprinted from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds – only a second slower than the more powerful Lexus. Yet on the road it needs to be worked hard to keep up with its rivals here, despite smooth and prompt shifts from the seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite bulky dimensions, the Mercedes feels reasonably agile and grippy through a series of corners. The steering isn’t as direct as in the Lexus or VW, but the ML 250 suffers from less body roll. The pay-off for this poise is a firm and crashy ride around town, while at higher speeds, the car can float over big bumps.

However, a proper four-wheel-drive system and standard hill descent control means it has the RX beaten off-road. Without options, the Mercedes costs £6,615 less than the RX, at £45,388. It also has strong residuals and returned a best-on-test 33.0mpg. Yet it’s a more expensive company car than the Lexus, while to get near the RX’s spec you’ll need to spend at least £4,000. Factor in a coarse engine and poor ride, and the M-Class faces an uphill struggle.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025