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Mercedes-BenzM-class (2012-2015)

Used only
Medium/Large SUV
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid

£13,500Typical price

Test score

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The third-generation Mercedes-Benz M-class, launched in 2012, contends in a luxury 4x4 market that's overflowing with talent. It cuts a dash with its assertive styling and strong safety kit, and it's a genuinely competent off-roader. But is it a match for those talented luxury rivals on the road? Find out in our full review.

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What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable are Mercedes-Benz cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
Mar 2012First reviewed by Which?
Mar 2012Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

19 Oct 2023

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of three stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Which? safety

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Medium/Large SUV
Luxury	Yes
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£13,500 - £18,557
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	38.2mpg
Length	4,804mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,926mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,145mm
Height	1,788mm
Driver max height
Second row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.85 m
On sale date	01 March 2012
Lowest pence per mile cost	£18.16

Latest tested engine
Engine name	ML250 BlueTEC 4Matic 7G Plus
Fuel type	Diesel
Capacity and power	2.1-litre (204hp)
Transmission	7-speed automatic
Driven wheels	All-wheel-drive (AWD)
Fuel tank capacity	70 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	18.16p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£107
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Well-to-wheel (WTW) CO2 (g/km)	224
Braked tow load (KG)	2950kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	09 November 2011
Test programme	2001-2012

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Mercedes-BenzM-class (2012-2015)

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