Overview & Reviews

While Mercedes-Benz will always be a quintessentially German automaker, its M-Class SUV has always been an American at heart. To begin with, it's built in Alabama and has been since it first burst onto the scene as one of the first luxury SUVs. The U.S. of A is also the M's primary market, as its sizable dimensions and mostly thirsty engines play much better in Frankfort, Kentucky, than they do back in Frankfurt, Germany.

Regardless of its origins, however, each generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has been better than the last. This is especially true of the second generation, which replaced the original model that soldiered on through eight years of subpar reliability and build quality. As such, used shoppers are urged to consider the M-Class from 2006 and later. If you're interested in a newer model, however, the latest, third-generation M-Class is a subtle evolution of the previous one, upping the ante with even more power and features.

Although it's undeniably a solid choice for a midsize luxury SUV, there are many worthwhile and less expensive competitors in the premium SUV segment. As such, it's certainly worth a look around before you settle on this Germanic American.

Current Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class midsize luxury SUV's exterior styling strikes a balance between traditional M-Class cues and the latest ones from the Mercedes-Benz line. As always with a Mercedes, however, it's the quality of construction and all-around feeling of solidity that make it stand out. Other key strengths include its diverse engine lineup, comfortable seating and excellent brakes. With only five seats, however, it's less family-friendly than some rivals that offer third-row seating, and its price can be considered quite expensive.

The current M-Class is available in four different trim levels defined by their engine: ML250 Bluetec, ML350, ML400 and ML63 AMG. All come with a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive ("4Matic") except for the ML350, which can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Under the hood, the ML250 Bluetec has a turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel with 200 horsepower and a healthy 369 pound-feet of torque. The ML350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft. The ML400 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 329 hp and 354 lb-ft.

A beast apart from the rest of the lineup is the powerhouse ML63 AMG that boasts a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with 518 hp and 516 lb-ft. Output is even greater -- at 550 hp and 560 lb-ft – if you opt for the AMG Performance package. The ML63 AMG also includes active roll stabilization, sportier suspension and steering tuning, 20-inch wheels, stronger brakes and special interior trim.

All M-Class models come similarly equipped with standard items like a sunroof, a power liftgate, heated power front seats, the latest COMAND electronics interface, Bluetooth and an emergency communications system. Optional highlights include a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry and "multicontour" front seats with massage functions. The On/Off Road package is notable for its adaptive air suspension (that improves both ride and handling qualities) as well as its two-speed transfer case, six-mode terrain selector and underbody skid plates.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class' brisk performance and strong brakes. Handling is confident enough around corners, but the electrically assisted steering is a little too light in effort and lacks the subtle feedback we've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz. Interior quality is excellent, as expected, though the more rounded dash design reminds us more of the distantly related Jeep Grand Cherokee in its appearance than its squared-off Mercedes siblings. Overall, the M-Class is solid choice for a luxury SUV, but as there's so much to choose from in this segment, taking a look at a few different competitors as well is a good idea.

Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class Models
The current third-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class debuted for 2012. The following year brought the optional On/Off Road package (replacing the Dynamic Handling package) as well as the massage functions for the front seats.

Note that these M-Class models differed from today's lineup in terms of a few engine offerings. Specifically, compared to the current ML250 Bluetec, the 2012-'14 ML350 Bluetec had a more powerful but less fuel-efficient turbodiesel V6 with 240 hp and 455 lb-ft. Also available those first three years was the ML550 with its 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 good for 402 hp and 443 lb-ft.

The previous, second-generation M-Class was produced from 2006-'11. Though similar in appearance to the current model, this M-Class differs in its engine choices, hydraulic versus electric steering, slightly lower-quality interior, and electronics controls that were less user-friendly than those of its contemporary competitors.

This generation was introduced with only two trims. The ML350 came with a 3.5-liter 268-hp V6, while the ML500 was powered by a 5.0-liter 302-hp V8. Both came similarly equipped.

The next year saw two additional models join the line. The ML320 CDI featured a relatively fuel-efficient diesel engine (215 hp, 398 lb-ft of torque) that didn't have California emissions approval, while the performance-oriented ML63 AMG came with a 6.2-liter V8 good for 503 hp. It also included a number of other performance and handling upgrades.

The ML550 replaced the ML500 for '08, boasting a 5.5-liter V8 good for a much healthier 382 hp. The following year saw the advent of the 50-state-compliant and renamed ML320 Bluetec, along with a base rear-wheel-drive ML350. Every ML also received a face-lift front and rear and an available updated COMAND system with Bluetooth phone connectivity.

For '10, the diesel model became the ML350 Bluetec and received a smidge more torque, but the bigger news was the addition of the ML450 Hybrid. Featuring a gasoline-electric hybrid system co-developed with BMW and General Motors, this ML featured a 3.5-liter V6, a pair of electric motors and an advanced transmission for a total of 335 hp. It achieved 22 mpg combined, which is good, but the cheaper Bluetec managed 21.

In reviews, our editors found the second-generation M-Class imparted that feeling of impenetrable solidity one expects from Mercedes-Benz. With the optional air suspension, the ride quality was impressively supple. Behind the wheel, one will find plenty of room and excellent support from the premium multicontour seats, as well as superb cabin materials. Major downsides included fussy electronic controls, pokey acceleration with the V6 engine, and higher ownership costs than some other luxury SUVs.

The first-generation Mercedes M-Class debuted in 1998 with the ML320, which was motivated by a 3.2-liter V6 with 215 hp. More standard equipment was added in 1999, as well as a more powerful and luxurious V8-equipped ML430 model. Detail improvements in 2000 included an interior freshening and optional third-row seating on all M-Class models, and in 2001 the TeleAid emergency calling system became standard across the lineup. These early ML models suffered from extensive quality-control issues that often resulted in expensive repair bills, so we wouldn't recommend them as used-car purchases.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was reworked and improved in 2002 with the modification of more than 1,100 parts and the substitution of the ML500 for the previous ML430, now featuring a 5.0-liter V8 packing 288 hp. Telltale signs included new bumpers, clear-lens headlights and restyled mirrors. In late 2003, the ML350 replaced the ML320, featuring a larger 3.5-liter 232-hp V6.

Mercedes was also first to market with a high-performance luxury SUV, offering the ML55 AMG from 2000-'03. Sold in limited numbers, this pricey ML had a 5.4-liter V8 good for 342 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, along with a sport-tuned suspension.

User Reviews:

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  We love our 320 ML - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By fcl2 - March 3 - 3:30 pm

  This is our first ML. We have enjoyed a lot. It is really safe and confortable and fun to drive. Fuel economy shouldnt be an issue when you buy a SUV, there are plenty of GEOs out there if that is what you are looking for. My wife love it, she can put 2 strollers, lots of shopping bags, 2 big car seats, 2 friends etc. I feel my family is safe when they ride in this car. There have not been important reliability issues and we are planning to buy again a ML. Service was great and 100% better than BMW.

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  A nice SUV overall - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By FFS - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is one of the safetest vehicles currently available. Its handling and ride quality are very good. The exterior styling is nice. The interior styling is ok. The instrument panel is, for the most part, ergonomically layed out. The third row seats are a nice option to have. The new auto climate controls for the front and the back work well. However, the sun sensor is a little too sensitive. As far as reliability, our vehicle has been solid and we have had zero problems to report in the last year. There are currently a lot of choices available in the premium SUV market, but MB is staying with the competition.

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  2003MBZ320ML - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By tiplada - February 26 - 2:00 am

  feel safe because of 8 air bags ( 2 front , 2 side , and top ), smooth ride feels like sitting on the sofa at home , auto light on as standard, auto matic shade so it wont be to bright in the car when the sun shines on glass and auto lock , antitow , alarm system all standard make the passager feel just like sitting in the comfort of living room at home , teleaid and conciege system , 3 build-in pre- program garage door opener

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  Good but... - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By smath - February 22 - 5:13 pm

  Knew the car for all its life so bought it when it was being sold. I was mentally prepared to face issues but figured Id treat myself to a Merc for a little while. Maybe because I was prepared, or maybe I was somewhat lucky, I didnt think the car gave me too much trouble - just enough to remind me that I bought it with 70K. For the 2 years and 20k miles I put on it, apart from the regular maintenance, I probably spent 1k, mass air flo sensors, brake pads and a couple of visits to check the check-engine-light. For its utility, saftey and the fact that its a Mercedes, I have no regrets on owning it except maybe when I hit the gas stations lately.

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  Wonderful - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Ray M - February 19 - 6:26 pm

  It is an excellent and quite ride and the entertainment package makes the sound system sound phenomenal. Also the power for a V6 is excellent and blows away the Cayenne that I sold last year.

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  Wasted money - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By michael - February 15 - 11:00 am

  My 1998 ML320 has 67K miles and it is the worst car I ever had. The car had multiple repairs on windshield/sunroof motors, various sensors and transmission parts. But worst of all is the security system. For the last 7 years, keys had to be changed 6 times ($105- 150 a piece)due to a faulty chip. They also had to be changed every time the battery would be gone. I was stuck several times, and had to interrupt a trip and be towed. Once you reach a total of 8 keys, you have to change locks and computer parts (approx $5500). When tried to complain to MB, they have a standard answer- keys are not covered by warranty and there is nothing we can do. Dealing with MB service is very frustrating experience

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  Poor Drive - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By I500X - February 14 - 12:30 pm

  I was expecting a lot more from a Mercedes. This has to be one of the poorest performing cars in its class. The handling is poor and vague, the accelerator is vague, and the brakes are vague! This car has vague written all over it. What is it really for? Mercedes made a stab at the SUV market and, in my opinion, failed miserably. The one thing that they do well with this vehicle is having Mercedez Benz luxury. Its great to be driven in thiscar but its horrible when it comes to driving it. It gives me no confidence,no power, and no feel.

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  2004 ML500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By TGI an 04 - February 13 - 8:10 pm

  Its no secret the early MLs were plagued w/problems. By 04 Merc was trying to win back consumers and my ML was a great value. All the bells and whistles, no defects, price reflected poor reputation and turned out to be a solid performer! From formal outings to hauling kids, lumber, furniture and landscape rock - still looks good as new.

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  We love this car! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By baj764 - February 12 - 11:00 pm

  This is a vast improvement over previous M-Class vehicles. They were nice but not like this. The direction that MB has gone with the M, R & G Class vehicles is great. I believe that they set the standard for how a luxury SUV should be.

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  Not A Mercedes - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Not Happy - February 8 - 4:33 am

  I trading in my 1996 Ford Explorer XLT in on a 2001 "Mercedes Benz" ML320. I traded in my T-O-T-L Explorer because while reliable, it had interior rattles. My brand new ML320 rattles worse. In addition the ML had the following failures: 1. Power windows. 2. Automatic door lock system. 3. ABS system. 4. Poor front and rear plastic bumper fit. 5. Poor driver side side-view mirror adjustability. 6. Uncomfortable front leather seats. 7. Rear seats do not fold down flat.