Against 418 other V6 cars rated 2013–2015, the ML-Class trails their 21.6 mpg average by 1.6 mpg, about $142 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 2.1L 4-cyl (2015), does 25 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (2002–2007), 14: $1,207 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz ML-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1L 4-cyl | 22 / 29 | 2015–2015 | $1,536 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | 20.5 / 24 | 2010–2011 | $1,745 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.5 / 24 | 2007–2008 | $1,829 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 16.8 / 21.8 | 2006–2015 | $2,065 | |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 14.3 / 19.7 | 2012–2014 | $2,356 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 14.7 / 18.3 | 1998–2003 | $2,370 | |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 14 / 17.7 | 1999–2001 | $2,510 | |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 14 / 17 | 2004–2005 | $2,560 | |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | 13 / 17.8 | 2008–2015 | $2,560 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 13 / 16.3 | 2002–2007 | $2,743 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2015) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2013–2015 | +$142 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,683 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class gives up 5.3 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 17.7 in the city, $499 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2015) | 17.7 mpg | $2,169 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5.3 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the ML-Class changed over the years
The ML-Class peaked in 2015 at 20 mpg (17.7 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 14.5 — 5.5 mpg apart, or $728 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2015 model gains 2 mpg against 18 for the 2014, with 3 versions instead of 2.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 17.7 / 23 | 3 | $1,920 | |
| 2014 | 16 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2013 | 16 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2012 | 16.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2011 | 16.3 / 21 | 3 | $2,133 | |
| 2010 | 16.7 / 21 | 3 | $2,098 | |
| 2009 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2008 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2006 | 13.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 2005 | 13.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2004 | 13.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2003 | 13.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2002 | 13.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 2001 | 14.5 / 19 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2000 | 14.5 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,477 | |
| 1999 | 14.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 38 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — 10 engines across 1998–2015. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,683. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class get?
20 mpg combined, 17.7 city and 23 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 15 to 25. Across every year since 1998 the ML-Class has averaged 16.9 mpg.
Is the 2015 ML-Class more efficient than the 2014?
Yes: 20 against 18 mpg combined, about $213 a year less to run.
Which ML-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 20 mpg combined (17.7 city, 23 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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