ML 350 or 250 AMG Sport??

[Abb]

I am looking at buying a new car for the boss. Was going to be the RR Evoque but due to how small it actually was we have decided to look into the ML. I have just began researching the W166 Sport in either 250 or 350 in used guise, and would appreciate anyones thoughts or experiences of the pitfalls/plus sides of ownership.

 

[SimonRJ]

I bought my new ML350 back in January 2014 and have done just over 12k miles - each mile with a smile on my face. I test drove the 250 and it went really well for such a heavy car and I wouldn't knock it at all. However, when I heard the sound of the 3ltr V6 I was sold! An excellent car and no regrets - fuel consumption is never close to published numbers but I tend to get late 20's round town but managed 36 on a run the other day. Good luck!

 

[gbjeppm]

I have the 250, and have done 25k miles, and have never regretted the decision. The 4 pot twin turbo is amazing.

The 180 quid or so VED is also a nice suprise.

Over 25k miles, my computer is telling me 33 mpg average. I have seen 42 on a run.

Also the W166 boot is massive. Yet the car does not feel enormous to drive. I really like the W166.

 

[Abb]

Thanks for all the replies gents,much appreciated. My wife will be going from an Audi S4 (4.2 V8) to the ML, so either fuel figure sounds appealing, the £180 VED sounds nice oppose to the £500 we are currently paying!
Guess we will have to test them both and take it from there.
One thing I have noticed, all the ones for sale (250 & 350 AMG sport) dont seem to have anything in the way of 'extras' fitted. Would be nice to find one with a pan roof, keyless, reverse camera etc, but it looks like I may have a major task on my hands! Whats the standard level of equipment like, to live with on an every day basis?
Thank you once again.

 

[gbjeppm]

Whats the standard level of equipment like, to live with on an every day basis?

Mine has, and these are my thoughts:

Comand (I think to be honest I could live with Becker Map Pilot, but you need to have comand for reversing camera)
Heated Seats (great)
Memory Seats (important for me)
Folding Mirrors (depends where you park)
Pano Roof (I love it, but its something else to go wrong)
Reversing Camera (I really like it)
Ambient lighting (unnecessary)
Extra large fuel tank (nice to have)
DAB (unnecessary)

 

[Red C220]

Seriously consider the previous model Range Rover sport HSE if you're looking at the ML350. It really is a nice place to be.

 

[Abb]

Seriously consider the previous model Range Rover sport HSE if you're looking at the ML350. It really is a nice place to be.

I did, unfortunately it instantly became too dated for me when the new shape was launched.

 

[Abb]

Mine has, and these are my thoughts: Comand (I think to be honest I could live with Becker Map Pilot, but you need to have comand for reversing camera) Heated Seats (great) Memory Seats (important for me) Folding Mirrors (depends where you park) Pano Roof (I love it, but its something else to go wrong) Reversing Camera (I really like it) Ambient lighting (unnecessary) Extra large fuel tank (nice to have) DAB (unnecessary)

Is all this standard??

 

[gbjeppm]

Is all this standard??

None of the above is standard on the sport.

 

[gIzzE]

Have you considered the new Discovery Sport, it is very nice.

I have loved my old W163 ML, liked the W164 but not as much and found the W166 a step in the right direction but preferred the Discovery Sport and the X3.

I bought an X3 with a view to buying a Disco Sport in 12-18 months when the new engine is out, either new if the new engine is alot better or one of the ex demo early models.
However, after getting the X3 I have fallen for it big time, so we shall see if I bother with the Disco Sport.

They are worth looking at though imho.


I found the ML250 too slow, the ML350 was quick enough, but was back to 27mpg on my usual days driving. On the 90 mile run I do often it showed 31mpg.
The X3 I bought in 20d guise and it was nearly as quick and saw 43mpg doing the same. On the 90 mile run it got 51mpg.

The W163 costs £120 to fill ip for around 500 miles, the X3 is costing me around £57 to do the same.

I used to see 18 and 24mpg from my S4 Avant by the way.

But it was also how much nicer the X3 felt to drive, it was more focused, better seats, and more comfy.

Don't get me wrong, after trying just about everything out there in suv and estate guise, I liked the ML, and nearly called about an ML350, but decided I was sick of £400-500 a month in fuel. If fuel doesn't bother you the ML is nice, but I still like the Disco Sport more.

 

[flowrider]

I am looking at buying a new car for the boss. Was going to be the RR Evoque but due to how small it actually was we have decided to look into the ML. I have just began researching the W166 Sport in either 250 or 350 in used guise, and would appreciate anyones thoughts or experiences of the pitfalls/plus sides of ownership.

Have you looked at the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, good value, good to drive, lots of kit for the money, a real 4x4.

 

[gunning]

Have you looked at the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, good value, good to drive, lots of kit for the money, a real 4x4.

And basically an ml anyway with that engine. Fuel economy lacks in the jeep though due to technology as it's still running olde tech for the engine. Great cars though

 

[Abb]

All things considered its definitely going to be the Mercedes. If I was getting the car on PCP/HP etc then other cars would be in the mix, but as I only have a budget of circa £32k incl the part ex, and its a cash purchase (possibly the wring thing to do, as I keep getting told, but am a little old fashioned and like to own things), the ML makes sense, as it seems to be a decent motor, reasonably priced for age/mileage (32k is getting a 12 plate with circa 20k miles), and of course the all important Mercedes badge!

 

[flowrider]

All things considered its definitely going to be the Mercedes. If I was getting the car on PCP/HP etc then other cars would be in the mix, but as I only have a budget of circa £32k incl the part ex, and its a cash purchase (possibly the wring thing to do, as I keep getting told, but am a little old fashioned and like to own things), the ML makes sense, as it seems to be a decent motor, reasonably priced for age/mileage (32k is getting a 12 plate with circa 20k miles), and of course the all important Mercedes badge!

Didn't realise when you said new you didn't mean "new". IMO then the JGC makes more sense as for £32k you will get a 13 plate loaded Limited Plus circa 10k miles,with touch screen nav, reverse camera, xenons, memory seats, adjustable air suspension to name just a few goodies.