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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  2007 Mercedes ML-350 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mnmark12 - August 15 - 11:46 pm

  Recently purchased ML350. Did extensive test driving with Volvo Sport, BMW MX5, Lexus GX470, and others. The more I drive this vehicle the more I like it. Too new to say much about reliablity. Interior is a nice refined look and feel. Everything is easily within reach, not difficult to understand/use. Bought P2, sport, heat, and lighting packages, ipod integration. Love all of it. I do wish it had better acceleration, but for a 6 cylinder it isnt bad. Volvo sport is faster and corners better, but ride is stiffer, could hear muffler more, and the back seat was tighter (surprisingly) than the ML. Like BMWs (have 740i), but X5 ride was also stiff and its the 1st yr of the model

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  Be Warned of Low Quality & RipOff Labor. - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Andres Callegari - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Be Warned of Low Quality & Rip Off Labor prices. there are large number of failing componenents (fuel pump, steering components, sensors, brake switches, ignition coils, etc) that will let you stranded.. The labor is a rip off for a low quality component vehicle. $600.00 for changing a coil, $280.00+ for oil and filter changes, $1000.00+ for fuel pump changes. MB customer service is a joke and dealers are a nightmare. MB refuses to perform TSBs unless you get stranded. Value went from $45,000 to a dealer trade in value of $20,000 in 2001 to the year 2003.

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  One of the best in the class. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Peter - August 5 - 8:30 pm

  Compared to the previous years model, the redesigned 2006 model is more stable on the road, has better suspension, and perfect acceleration in this line of SUVs. Test drove Infiniti, BMW, Acura. ML is by far better in pretty much any of the categories - road and curve handling, braking, acceleration. Fun to drive.

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  Magnificent ML350 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By marka - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Best SUV Ive ever owned or driven. Plenty of power, sure-footed on the road, sleek cruiser on the highway. Excellent traction in Wisconsin wintry ice and snow. Plenty of room for golf clubs, luggage, passengers. Luxury features with exceptional functionality. Controls are intuitive and easy to operate. Quiet and solid ride.

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  New breaks at 16K mileage on my 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD! - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By csunikki - August 1 - 7:36 am

  This is my 4th Mercedes and I was excited to upgrade to the new 2012 ML350 in January 2012 with the new body design when it first came out, but with ONLY 16K in mileage, I have to get NEW Brakes! Really?!?! In my GLK350, SL500 or my C class, or even with my Hyundai Tuscon, I never had to get my done until after 30K because they would last that long. SO Im shocked. I only drive 4 miles to work and Im just really pissed off. They said my back breaks was all the way down to the sensors. But at 16K mileage?!?! I didnt have that issue with my Z4 BMW and Im thinking of going back to a BMW with their 5 yr maintenance plan. Has anyone else had an EARLY brake issue??

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  From Beemer To Mercedes Forever - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BeemerNoMore - July 31 - 6:43 pm

  Just leased the 2007 ML350 in Alabaster White for my wife. This car feels great. Solid ride and construction the stereo is amazing. Controls are well placed and easy to see and understand. Checked out the X5 but hey, this is a Mercedes. Does anything compare?

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  M series ALL WHEEL DRIVE - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By PSM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle except fuel efficiency is average suv

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  An exceptional SUV - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By New_Merc_Fan - July 31 - 6:40 am

  The new ML 350 is a pleasure to drive compared the previous model. Very aerodynamic with good acceleration. Interior styling is awesome. Road handling is fantastic and it handles turns exceptionally well for an SUV. Navigation system is great. Its been a great experience so far.

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  Used 1998 ML320 - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By tja623 - July 30 - 6:01 pm

  I just bought a used 1998 ML 320. What a gem!!!! Plenty of power/torque, good acceleration, and an AWD system that handles itself great in the snow. Everything works, leather is in perfect condition, Bose stereo is fantastic, everything is what you would expect from a Mercedes Benz. Previous owner was a Mercedes Technician, so the vehicle was very well maintained. His wife hit a deer, and he didnt feel like making necessary repairs. So I got lucky, being a co-worker of his, he basically gave me the car for 2K and i had to repair the vehicle myself. A fender, hood, & bumper later, and Im four wheelin in the snow!!! You would never know this thing is 15 years old with 200k miles on it!!!!!!

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  Love the SUV - Hate the minor repairs - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Gatortomk - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The car has been perfect for us in terms of design, comfort, features, durability, etc. Our gas mileage has been better than expected at 18.6 city and up to 23+ highway (I confess to having a heavy foot so its often only 22). Brakeware has been super too; 45,000mi front and rears are still OK at 72,000mi. But, had to replace fuel pump, windshield washer checkvalve, "baby safe" seat sensor, and an instrument panel bulb. Nothing major, but even with good service (and free loaner cars) its been a hassle some time.