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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  The little truck that could! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MBOwner - December 6 - 9:33 pm

  We bought this for normal everyday driving. Found it to be reliable and capable. Great engine and transmission. The box on frame design is a bit too rough, but the feel of durability is amazing. It has more umph than my old GMC. The tire wear was on the high side as was the brake wear. Stopping a 5000 truck takes a lot of brake lining. Excellent visability, nice looking, easy to maintain. Avg about 20mpg. Clean and efficient. Handles people, things and long drives like a pro.

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  Best Yet - 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Brad - December 3 - 6:10 pm

  Bought this for my wife who spends her weeks between NY, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. It feels so solid and safe. Love taking long drives, looking forward to New England this summer.

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  ML350 New Owner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Fordpi - November 30 - 2:23 am

  We have only put about 600 miles on it. I am a strong Toyota fan and my husband loves his Yukon, but the comfort of the ML350 is inspiring. We continually fight over who gets the Mercedes. The seats wrap around you and the ride is quiet. It is roomy, but not too big.

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  ML 320 Review - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By New MB Fan - November 28 - 9:43 pm

  I was skeptical with the reviews and dont listen to them. This is a luxurious SUV and fun to drive. I previously owned a Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. This is a much better SUV. Diesel is smooth, quiet, clean and gets 20/25 mpg. Ride is exceptional and corners like a sedan. AWD is noticable only when used, not when turning. It hauls a boat effortlessly and has great low speed get up and go. NAV/radio and Bluetooth work great. I have experienced 0 problems and it goes 550 miles between fillups. I highly recommend the ML 320 to all. A nice looking SUV and a lot of car for the money.

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  ML320 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By vmystikilv - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I got my ml new and i have loved it ever since...it feels and rides like a good or better yet great car and for the price it was the best SUV on the market at the time and maybe now...The only gripe that i have is that my model did not have automatic climate control, but they have finally added it to the 2002 model

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  Sadly, Poor Reliability/Quality - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By unhappyOwner - November 21 - 10:30 am

  Bought the new 2006 ML350 in April. Same complaint as a lot of other owners, the transmission is erratic at low speed, it would sometime downshift hard at low speed for no reason. The service guy said this is fixed with new programming. However have not have chance to verify it, since the car is still in the shop for major repair. After driving for 3600 miles, the low engine oil indicator came up. Brought the car to shop and found engine oil leaks in multiple places. The car is in the shop for about 3 weeks now, requiring parts from Germany. Would very much like MB to take the defective ML350 back. This is all too sad, the car is high performance and fun to drive without doubt.

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  MY ML 500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BUDDY - November 16 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR TO DRIVE, IT IS VERY FAST AND A VERY GOOD RIDE. THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY ML500 IS NOISY BRAKES, REAR TIRES WEARING OUT PREMATURLY AND BAD CUP HOLDERS. DEALERSHIP STATES THERE ARE NO CURRENT FIX FOR ABOVE PROBLEMS BUT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THEM. ALSO IT SEEMS THE PAINT IS VERY THIN. IT CHIPS VERY EASY.

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  love my benz - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Bonnie Crone - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 320 almost four years. I love my 320, have never had it in for anything other than service. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  I like the M-class - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By hellenemd - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car fully. The power is more than enough to go when I need to go and it has already saved me problems on the road by just the get up and go it has in reserve. Transition to fast from slow is effortless and the engine barely breaths hard in producing that power without hesitation.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By S600SEL - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the ML500 12 months old and got a great deal, nearly half off and with a 100,000 8 year warranty. I cant believe I lived without GPS for so long. It is not as smooth as my S- class but now I can haul stuff. I would not want to be in another car after a serious accident last year. I will take poor milage for the safety trade-off.