Mercedes M-Class or Mitsubishi Pajero in terms of fuel economy?

What would be the difference in fuel consumption between a Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDI and a Mitsubishi Pajero, all things been equal?

Thanks

Noel Lingwood (Cork Ireland)

Feb 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Expert answer

Hi Noel,

All things being equal, it'll be the Merc that'll do better. I'm comparing the 2011 model years for both as I'm assuming you mean the previous generation of Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. 

According to the official figures, the ML 280 CDI automatic gets 30.1mpg on the combined cycle, while the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DID automatic returns 26.6mpg. 

Hardly surprising really: the Mitsubishi has a five-speed gearbox compared to the Merc's six-speed unit, plus it's lugging around a heavier body and seven seats (the Merc's a strict five-seater).

Hope that helps.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe