LCT-free pricing for Benz ML 250?

Mercedes-Benz is yet to finalise local pricing for its new M-Class SUV, but buyers of the 2.1-litre turbodiesel sitting at entry level should be spared the added cost of the Luxury Car Tax (LCT).

According to the importer's Senior Manager Corporate Communications, David McCarthy, the ML 250 Bluetec is expected to be a "sub-seven litre" SUV, meaning its ADR 81/02 fuel consumption figure will be 7.0L/100km or less.

In accordance with a dispensation worked out by the Greens during the previous round of haggling with the federal government over the LCT, any vehicle that is fuel efficient enough to record such a low consumption doesn't incur the LCT — up to a higher threshold of $75,000 at least.

When the new M-Class range arrives in the first quarter of next year, the ML 250 will bring with it a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel capable of delivering 500Nm of torque, McCarthy advised motoring.com.au in the lead-up to the first drive of the new SUV by Aussie journalists. Asked what sort of buyers would choose the ML 250, McCarthy was uncertain, other than offering "original M-Class owners, of course".

As reported previously, the figure quoted for the ML 250's fuel consumption is actually around 6.0L/100km. McCarthy believes that the ML 250 for Oz will likely return a slightly higher figure; more like 6.2L/100km.

Despite its frugal fuel use and even weighing "two tonnes", the new ML should prove capable in the towing role and Benz is likely to specify the vehicle for serious offroaders in Australia. Could be just the thing for cashed-up grey nomads who still like a bit of adventure in their lives, but don't have ready cashflow to indulge all their dreams...

Faced with the observation that a two-tonne vehicle developing 500Nm of torque, yet still sipping fuel at a rate below 7.0L/100km is a jack of all trades, McCarthy just smiled and said: "It's an interesting mix, isn't it?"

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