Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2012-2015 review

Big, butch and bold, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has never been a car for the shy and retiring. This is the third generation of the SUV – a car that has always tried to satisfy the desires of those after a rugged and capable off-road machine as well as a large and luxurious SUV, a car that can cut it in the valleys of Cornwall and the heights of Chelsea. Think of it as a German Range Rover.

Its three-pointed star on the grille almost guarantees a warm welcome in both areas, to be honest, and the US-built M-Class is a popular choice in this class. This model upped the comfort and the efficiency, but retained the car’s classy and imperious nature; it was eventually replaced in 2015 by the GLE.

Under the bonnet, you could choose between a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel (ML250) or a 3.0 diesel V6 (ML350). For performance freaks, there is also an ML63 petrol version with a whopping 518bhp.

There are two trim levels and neither is lacking in equipment. SE Executive is more comfort-oriented and has subtler styling than the alternative AMG Line. All cars are well equipped as standard, though, with dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and leather seats, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and Attention Assist, a system that alerts the driver if he or she feels drowsy. In addition, buyers of new cars could specify a number of varying packs that added more safety, comfort or convenience kit. It’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a car that’s specified with those, as long as the price hasn’t been artifically inflated as a result.

On the road, even the ML250 displays an impressive spread of torque, meaning most won't feel short-changed. The V6 is decidely the more explosive unit of the two, though, and gives the car a little more oomph. The ML63 goes like stink and will see off the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.8sec.

It would be fair to say that the car is set up with comfort as a priority over any hot hatch levels of agility. It has a softness that precludes hard driving, although the steel-sprung suspension and four-wheel drive system are capable of holding the car on an even keel even during modertely enthusiastic cornering. Its comfortable ride is welcome, though, and it simply dismisses road irregularites.

Likewise, wind and road noise are impressively low, although there is a gruffness to both diesel engines. The general air of quietness matches the smart interior, while fit and finish is both classy and sober, with a solidity that matches the purpose of this middle-class bolide. Space up front is excellent and there’s more than enough room for three in the back, too. The boot is large and positively cavernous with the rear seats down.

Shop around and you might find an M-Class for as low as £17,000; this would be for an average-mileage car with a full history, bought from a trader or privately. Spending between £18,000 and £20,000 should net you a 2013 or even 2014 car with the same criteria, while £20,000-£25,000 will bring good 2014-2015 cars from an independent dealer. Expect to pay upwards of £30,000 for an ML63 in good condition.

If it’s the ML63 – a lot. Its claimed average fuel consumption figure is just 23.5mpg. More impressive is the ML250, which has a claimed average of 46.3mpg, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 159g/km – that's remarkably good for something that carries so much heft. The ML350 has a claimed 39.2mpg – likewise impressive for something that has plenty of punch.

Annual car tax is based on CO2 emissions for cars of this age and will be high for all models – and in excess of £500 a year for the ML63. Insurance groups start at a high 41 and go up to top-of-the-group 50, so expect big bills there, too.

Servicing is also expensive, although parts are readily available and found in several other Mercedes models. For cars more than three years old, you might find it better to take your car to a specialist independent servicing outlet rather than the main dealer network, because this will defintely be the cheaper option.

Unless you need the extra torque of the ML350, we’d stick with the ML250, because it's plenty fast enough and slightly cheaper to run. Likewise, SE Executive trim is well equipped, so unless you find an AMG Line car for a good price we'd stick with that.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML250 CDI SE Executive

Like the M-Class, the BMW X5 has a four-square and handsome appearance that, combined with its premium badge, adds much kudos to its appeal. It’s good to drive, spacious inside and not bad off road. Prices for used cars are reasonable, too.

The Range Rover is the most iconic car in this class. It's the best off road and the most luxurious when on it. Its reliaibility is a constant source of concern, though. If you can put up with that, you’ll have quite a car – smooth, refined, imperious. One of the best in the world, some would say.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here