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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  Holy Cow! My Starship is now an Uber ! - 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By James - January 31 - 8:50 pm

  My Mercedes Benz ML-350 continues to be as trustworthy and fun to drive as it was when I wrote my original review. Since my last review, I decided to become an Uber driver in the metropolitan area just northwest of my hometown. Its an 81-mile commute one way, but Benz is so reliable and such a joy to drive that I hardly realize time and distance. Of course, most of my passengers are amazed by the quiet cabin, smooth ride, and handling of my pre-owned certified Mercedes-Benz. Many of the riders range from 20-somethings to middle-aged professionals. Most of these passengers leave my car with a smile and write positive comments about their experience on their Uber apps. Since September 2017, I have logged more 200 five-rated trips. Oh, the stories we could tell from our rides across Central Ohio plains. Needless to say, I wouldve have done it with my starship.

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  Best car yet! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Arnold - January 27 - 9:03 am

  This has been a wonderful driving experience .The Diesel is very smooth and quiet and the highway milage is regularly over 28 mpg with average usually around 25 including city. The interior systems are fun and easy. The lift gate is great and at the right height to the ground and the space is more than ample.

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  Lots of electronics-many things go wrong - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By wertheryng - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my 2000 ML320. However, I hate taking it into the shop. Now, it is coming off warranty, and Im worried about the total cost of ownership. Heres some examples of the problems: Electronic Window Switch broken Loose Lower Power Steering Cooler Line Fuel Pump Insufficient Glue Residue on Door Window Noisy Drivers Side Door - Strap Loose Rear Seat Stuck in Down Position SRS Controller Needs to Be Replaced and More

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  Sad story - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By DC-10-30 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  In 1998, after watching Jurassic Park featuring the original ML320, we headed towards town to wait-list and buy it. Big mistake. They were so rare that we werent able to test drive. Only through broshures. Our #1 ML was full of problems, so Mercedes offered to trade us to a 99 ML320. The instrument panel (lower) collapsed mysteriously, and the trunk hinge rattled like crazy. Traded in for a 02 ML320. The new bumpers look worse. I should have got an X5 or RX300. I currently also own a 2002 S430, and its WORSE than the ML

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  love my new ml320 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By dakotahjoe - January 20 - 8:20 am

  My new ml320 is everything I expected it to be. The ride is solid. Mercedes qulity from front to back. Dont believe the whiners. Its a great SUV.

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  ITS NOT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By JOHNNYBGOODONLY - January 17 - 10:00 am

  IT STILL RIDES ROUGH - EVEN FOR A LUXURY VEHICLE. SHOULD HAVE GONE TO LINCOLN.

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  Its about time. - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By HBL of TYSONS - January 17 - 7:53 am

  I have worked for Mercedes for over 10 years. Always known its the safest car in the world and the craftsmenship is A+. Finally I leased one and even more excited then I could have imagined. There is no one noise at 80mph+. The stereo system with over 600watts is awesome. The suspension system with the upgrades to agility control cant be beat. It even almost makes sharper u-turns than my motorcycle. The Nav is hard drive based and is almost immediate when using. The voice control system is awesome and can even be tweaked to understand people with accents, like my wife who is from Romania.

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  Great SUV! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By spikeya4 - January 11 - 7:03 am

  Having heard some initial horror stories about reliability, there was a tinge of nervousness mixed into all of the excitement of the new car. I had the ML350 built-to-order and waited over three months for its arrival. Since that point I can tell you it was worth the wait and the reliability has been outstanding! This SUV is solid both inside and out and my only problem was that the power lift gate would not seal (which was fixed promptly). I am very impressed with the quality and appeal of this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone in the midsize SUV arena, it far surpasses anything from BMW/Lexus/Volvo, etc.

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  Reliable family car - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ahering - January 10 - 8:00 am

  Bought it with 35,000 miles and I have just put 37,500 more miles in 4 years. It had brand-new tires and brake-pads when bought and it is just about time to replace them. I have spent about $500 a couple of time extra for repairs (not regular maintenance) and my only complaint would be that I have to keep an eye on the engine oil level. If I drive over 70 miles per hour on a hot day, it will surely burn oil. Other than that I am pleased with this SUV.

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  I Love My Truck! - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rsjenkins - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 735i BMW to my current ML430. After 61000 miles I enjoy it more and more. My lease is up and I have ordered a new ML500...same color and all. My only doubt is whether I would be better off buying "old faithfull"