Mercedes-Benz ML500
14 MPG The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is EPA-rated at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1071 gallons, $3429 a year in fuel, or $0.229 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2002–2006 run it averages 14 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.229 | $2286 | $3429 | $4571 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.286 | $2857 | $4286 | $5714 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.321 | $3214 | $4821 | $6429 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.357 | $3571 | $5357 | $7143 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14 MPG | 13 | 17 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 2005 | 14 MPG | 13 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 2004 | 14 MPG | 13 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 2003 | 14 MPG | 13 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 2002 | 14 MPG | 13 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz ML500 ranks 88 on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac Escalade AWD (15), Chevrolet Blazer 4WD (15), Ford Expedition 4WD FFV (15), GMC Yukon Denali 1500 AWD (15), Hummer H3 4WD (15).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 635 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 9.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz ML500 get?
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is rated at 14 MPG combined by the EPA — 13 city and 17 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 14 MPG, ranging from 14 to 14 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz ML500 cost in fuel per year?
At 14 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1071 gallons — roughly $3429 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.229 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $5500.
Has the Mercedes-Benz ML500 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 14 MPG today against 14 in 2002 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercedes-Benz ML500 efficient for its class?
It ranks 88 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG. That is 4.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.