 Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
VS |  Mercedes Benz ML Class |
Here’s a quick comparison between the 150 series Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the all new 2012 Mercedes Benz M-Class (W166). It is hard to believe that this model replaces the model that replaced the last series that only went on sale in 2007. We liked the look and quality of the prior series so we are interested to see how it compared with the Prado due to the similar pricing.
The brief history of the M-Class is an interesting oddity as everyone we talked to did not rate the original pre-2007 model highly as the original BMW X5, it’s direct competitor. In fact very few would consider one as it was just expensive with little street cred. It shares (and still does) the platform with Jeep and cheap quality interior/exterior, reliability issues probably did not help it either. The 2007-2012 series fixed the problems with the original series especially the interior which was probably the best quality out of all the SUV we’ve sat in but still overpriced compared to the BMW. So lets see if the new 2012 series will finally bring the M-Class a bit more prestige.
The new M-Class is a more conservative on the outside yet very similar to the old model. We still prefer the older design though. It’s interior shares the same design elements as the current C and E Class saloons so there’s nothing wrong with that but it doesn’t look quite right. The quality parts and integrated COMMAND system make life easy but it does take a few hours to get familiar with. So don’t forget to tick the Harmon Kardon system which is one of the best sounding stereo systems you can buy.
We’ve written heaps about the 150 series Prado already so can only add to the comparison between the M-Class by saying that the top range Prado is a bargain compared to the base new M-Class. Not only do you get more equipment but the LandCruiser brand image in the Toyota but longevity and reliability (unless you get a lemon which applies to both cars). The materials used in the M-Class, when optioned correctly are some of the best which may help with the choice between the two. Although everyone understands that the Toyota is also designed for genuine off road work the interior needs better materials to compete.
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| 150 series LandCruiser Prado | Mercedes Benz M-Class |
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| Engines | |
| 1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified) Quad Cam with Dual VVTi EFI 4 Litre (3956cc) Claimed 203Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM 1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified) |
651 (ML250) 642 826 (ML350) 276 955 (ML350) 157 982 (ML63 AMG) |
| Weight | |
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Kerb weight 2190 – 2435 Kg |
FROM 2175Kg Towing capacity up to 3500kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 150 litres IL6 Petrol 11.5 litres per 100km (Auto) IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto) |
93 litres 651 950 IL4 Diesel 6.4 litres per 100km 642 826 V6 Diesel 7.3 litres per 100km 276 955 V6 Petrol 8.9 litres per 100km 157 982 V8 Petrol 11.8 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto or 6 speed manual Overall height/width 1845/1890 Overall length/wheelbase 4930/2790 Track (front/rear) 1585/1585 Tyre size: 265-65-17 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
7 speed Auto transmission |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 32 Departure 24-25 Breakover 22 Min ground clearance 220mm Water Fording depth 700mm Max 4WD system: AWD with selectable modes |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
| 150 Series LandCruiser Prado performance | 651 950 IL4 Diesel 0-100kph 9 secs 642 826 V6 Diesel 0-100kph 7.4 secs 642 826 V6 Diesel 0-100kph 7.6 secs 157 982 V8 Petrol 0-100kph 4.8 secs |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $55,990 – 91,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2012 $81,990 – 177,900 AUD |
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