Think family-friendly, prestige 4x4 and you’ll invariably think Land Rover Discovery. It’s a popular choice at home cruising motorways or crossing fields, but does the allure of owning a Mercedes make the M-Class a tempting alternative?
Land Rover Discovery (2004 on) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2005-2011)
Driving
Despite its enormity, the Discovery’s sprightly, handling well and with fine performance too. It’s forte is on-road comfort yet it retains the agility to successfully traverse extreme terrain. Petrol V8 engine is quick but later SDV6 diesels with automatic gearbox make for relaxing drives.
The M-Class will out-handle the Land Rover over a twistier ribbon of asphalt, less so off-road. Steering and brakes in particular make the big Mercedes feel agile. While the V8-engined ML550 packs a considerable punch the diesels are the better bet.
Practicality
Vast majority of Discoverys pack seven adult-sized seats while the M-Class only five, but boot space in the Discovery is a disappointing 280 litres. Fold all the seats flat though and, together with the perpendicular body work, it’s transformed into a luxurious van. Greater off-road prowess and a superior towing capacity make this the practical choice.
That’s not to say the Mercedes isn’t practical. It’s more than capable of carrying five adults and their luggage in comfort. Being slightly smaller than the Land Rover, it’s easier to park and manoeuvre around city centres. Trims tend to be more substantial and, less prone to scratches and breakages.
Costs
Both of these luxury off-roaders are going to be costly to run, so unless money’s no object stick to the most efficient diesel versions you can find. Land Rover dealers tend to be cheaper than Mercedes ones for servicing costs, but the Discovery has a reputation for more frequent eye-wateringly expensive repair bills.
Owners report fewer issues with the M-Class so you could end up shelling out less on replacement parts, despite the pricier dealer costs. The Mercedes’ swifter on-road performance also means they use more fuel and produce more CO2. None of this type of M-Class can match the best Discovery’s £280 band K road tax cost.
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Land Rover Discovery |
Mercedes-Benz M-Class |
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Engines: Power: 0-62mph: Economy: Fuel Capacity: CO2 Emissions: Road Tax: Insurance groups: Boot space: |
Petrol and Diesel, 2.7 to 4.4 litres 188-300 bhp 8.5-11.0 seconds 18-35 mpg 82 litres 213-354 g/km £280-£490 33-42 280-2,558 litres |
Petrol and Diesel, 3.0 to 5.5 litres 187-382 bhp 5.6-9.5 seconds 21-32 mpg 95 litres 246-319 g/km £475-£490 38-50 551-2,012 litres |
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Winner
There’s no escaping that the Discovery’s popular because it’s so accomplished in many areas. Supremely comfortable on-road, baffingly- capable off it with more space inside than a studio apartment in Kensington.
The problem is the prices for used Discoverys are like Kensington properties too. Smaller, more agile on the road and significantly cheaper, we’d recommend the Mercedes.
