Lately we’ve been talking a lot about the high-end, high-performance Mercedes ML63. Now let’s take a look at the other side of the new ML’s range, and at the Mercedes ML250 BlueTEC diesel. This one’s has a nippy 2.2-litre CDI engine with 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds before going on to a top speed of 210 km/h, and has an average fuel consumption of 6.0 liter per 100 km.

But what’s it like to drive on and off the road?

That is what Autocar hoes to find out by taking the most fuel-efficient M-Class ever for a spin.

ML250 comes with a standard 70-litre tank that let it cover around 1170 kilometres before needing to stop for fuel. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional 93-litre tank, the car can even cover up to 1500 kilometres between refuelling stops.