Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (2005 – 2012) Review

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (2005 – 2012) At A Glance

3/5

+Comfortable ride, tidy handling, excellent engines including 320 CDI, plenty of safety kit, upmarket interior.

-Only has five seats, a BMW X5 is a sharper drive, expensive to buy new.

Insurance Groups are between 43–50
On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

Life is full of compromises. Do you choose the Rioja because you like it, or the Chardonnay because she likes it, or settle in between for the Viura? Do you buy a small house near your work or big house 30 miles away or a medium size house in the suburbs? Do you go for a prestige 4x4 that's good off the road or one that's good on the road or one that's half good at both?

Until recently those were the choices you faced. LandRovers of all types (apart from Freelanders) were brilliant off the road but dismal on it. BMW X5s and Porsche Cayennes were the opposite. Mercedes MLs, being the first posh ‘lifestyle' SUVs, were neither. Only VW Touaregs and Range Rover Sports have proved surprisingly good wherever you point them.

With the new ML, Mercedes has decided that it won't make the decision for you. Instead, it sells the car in three different spec levels with three different wheel sizes, makes self-raising air suspension optional, and, for serious off-roaders, offers serious off-road gear as a factory fitted option.

Mercedes Benz ML 320CDI 2005 Road Test

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (2005 – 2012)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (2005 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

93%

Real MPG

11–36 mpg

MPGs submitted

240

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

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Ask Honest John

How does the ULEZ scrappage scheme work?

"My daughter has an 11 year old diesel Mercedes M class that is current valued at approx £11K but is non ULEZ compliant. She lives within the boundary of the scheme. Given that it is too good to go to the ‘crusher’, sale or part-ex are her only options so were she to part/ex it, would it also qualify under the scrappage scheme and if so how do the mechanics of it work? Does TFL issue some kind of certificate of qualification to give to a dealer etc?"
The ULEZ scrappage scheme will shortly be expanded to anyone living within the ULEZ zone will be eligible to apply, although the criteria (if any) for this expanded scheme has yet to be confirmed. You can read the current criteria here in more detail https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/scrappage-schemes/car-and-motorcycle but in short you can be paid £2,000, or a cash sum plus transport passes if you scrap a non-compliant car. Given your daughter's car is worth £11,000, scrapping the car under the scheme would represent a substantial financial loss. If you sell or part-exchange the vehicle it cannot then be scrapped by you, as you will no longer be the owner.
Answered by David Ross

What are the best tyres for my Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

"I'm hoping you can offer some advice. My car needs new tyres to pass its MoT. I'm currently using Pirelli P Zeros. I do a lot of towing (up to max allowed for this car). What replacement tyres would you recommend, and would 'all-weather' tyres be a better bet?"
All-season tyres are rated very highly by our readers for their comfort and winter road handling. I'd recommend Michelin Cross Climate or Continental's AllSeasonContacts - both are praised for the low road noise and soft ride comfort.
Answered by Dan Powell

Should I buy a high-mileage Mercedes-Benz ML?

"I currently have a 2013 Nissan Qashqai petrol. I've had it from new, but really want my dream car, which is a Mercedes ML. However, I can only afford a 2007 or 2008 model with high mileage, but been told that buying a high mileage Mercedes-Benz is not a problem. Is this true? "
The MB badge does not guarantee problem free and the ML is in fact an American car, not a German car.
Answered by Honest John

Electrical fault with Mercedes-Benz ML

"I am having trouble with my 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Sometimes when I turn on the ignition the electronics do not turn on and the car will not start when engaged. If I turn the key off and try again it may or may not work but it will work after a few tries. I noticed the problem about a month ago but it seems to be getting worse. Can you offer any insight? "
Reads like a bad earth to the glowplugs relay, or failing glowplugs. That's assuming it's a 350CDI, which most 350s are.
Answered by Honest John
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