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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  Long Live the 320 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Yarb - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Youre insane if you dont buy this SUV and even nuttier if you dont get a 320 instead of the 350. This is a great all around SUV. The gas mileage is not too bad, and you get real off-road capability if you need it (and sometimes up north you need it in the snow, regardless of what the advocates of "carlike" SUVs say). I think the 320 is a fantastic bargain right now. The dealers are motivated to sell, and I cant tell the difference in power between the two. And when push comes to shove, you just cant beat Benz customer service.

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  Why go for an imitation when MB is best? - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Walter - December 31 - 7:33 pm

  I expected an excellent vehicle and Mercedes-Benz delivered far more than that in this 2006 ML350. Each and every segment and system is flawless. With the air-ride it handles like a sports car, nimble and sure footed, and the power plant runs you down the road like a bat outta hell. The highway mileage is about 24+ cruising at 70 MPH, around town about 17mpg. After looking and driving all the other manufacturers current offerings, many had some similar characteristics, but none had them all in such a well put together, comfortable, and driving machine. A must buy for any serious luxury SUV shopper

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  Great family car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Crocker Highlands - December 20 - 9:53 pm

  We purchased our ML with 42000 miles as a CPO vehicle nearly two years ago. Since then weve been to the dealership only twice for scheduled maintenance. The car is incredibly dependable, performs well on most surfaces, handles well, and hauls just about anything you can throw at it. We love it and would buy another in a heart beat.

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  buy something else - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ptowmdriver - December 16 - 10:00 am

  my ML320 has had 37 service calls in 48 months, 19 of those for the same 3 problems (locks malfunction,windows malfunction, window controls stop working). I love driving the car but it is terribly unreliable. Fortunately I have a great dealer who picks it up at my home and brings me a

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  Mercedes Service Managers Nightmare - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Mike Payne - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The first day we brought it home, it wouldnt start, and had to be towed back in! Then the GPS wouldnt work, Oh yes, the telephone technology was obsolete from the date of purchase. Mercedes knew about it, but their rep told us, you paid for a phone, you got a phone. Then there are the windows. Ask anyonw who has owned one. The switches are bad. On at least five separate occasions the windows wouldnt roll back up. the cupholders, the Service Manager at Towson Valley Motors said, "Oh,they all fall out!" Oops. Almost forgot the glue that comes up from the window and makes a mess that can only be cleaned by the dealership. Another, "it happens all the time!"

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  Borrrring - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Kiwi_Susan - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best SUV I could find....but thats not saying much. After owning 4 other non-SUV Mercedes, I call this car my Alabama-redneck Mercedes. While I understand that this car was built in the US - it doesnt appear to have the smart German engineering that Im used to from my previous MB. What a shame of a car.

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  Much better than Porsche - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Ultimate Machine - December 11 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the AMG63 for my wife to replace her Porsche Cayanne S. She was hesitant because she really loved her Porsche, but after driving it for few days she fell in love with it. The ML63 is so much fun to drive that I almost like it more than my CLK AMG convertible. I cannot imagine anyone not liking this SUV. If you have $95,000 to spare there is no better family car to have. I guarantee it.

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  2008 ML320 CDI Diesel - way to go! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Peter Shiakallis - December 10 - 5:40 am

  Bought the ML320 CDI after much consideration vs the BMW X5. It is better than advertised on MPG! I get 24- 28MPG around town and 30-32MPG on the hiway! Minimum 600 - 700 miles per tankfull! Plenty of power and torque that no gas engine can match! No black smoke and no noise! Americans should re-educate themselves about diesel! No hybrid can match the power and range - period. It is way ahead of any competitor in this range and I am 100% satisfied and as a previous Mercedes Benz owner - this the best I ever had!

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  Tenth Edition - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By K.Garnes - December 9 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased the ML after trading in the Lincoln Navigator. I purchased it for my wife who loves the look and comfort of the vehicle. I like the sound feeling and how easy it drives. We recently took a short two hour trip and found it to be all we expected and more. We have previously owned 6 SUVs in the past but this by far is the best SUV we have ever owned. For that matter it just might be the best vehicle we have ever owned. I would purchase it again without any reservation.

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  A ride to have - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Mj V. - December 8 - 1:06 pm

  This is a ride you must own in order to tell a story. What a beauty to own! This is my first ML 350 and I wouldnt have chose anything over this SUV. Its a solid built for the road, a powerful yet luxurious ride. The suspension is beyond words. I am excited about this purchase and thrilled to know that Ive bought this 2005 body style. From the pics Ive seen, the 2006 ML-350 looks too much like the RX 330. Less of an on and offroad SUV and more of a crossover sedan and car. Dont like it.