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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  Superb, Enjoy every minute driven - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By M. Hashem - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd ML after a 98, 2000. This is it! All bugs fixed, hardly goes to the dealer for any problems. Best part is the free Service for the warranty period. If people buying a cheaper fors or GM would add the service cost they would find it cheaper to own an ML and safer too. Advice; Dont miss the convenience option, I love the lights under the rearview mirror, and the folding outside mirrors

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  Mercedes - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By smith - December 7 - 6:03 am

  From the moment I drove my ML350 off of the car lot I felt like I was just behind the wheel and the Mercedes drove me home. The SUV handled like a sports car and hugged the road. I parked the car in my garage and I didnt want to get out. Much better than my wifes BMW X5. Im truly impressed.

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  well satisfied - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BRLMNKZ - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my third ML 320 in three years, due to my unwillingness to wait for body repairs after being rear-ended and after a tree limb incident. Performance is better with the 2001 than the 2000, and the 2001 is tighter and more quiet than the 1999. All are solid and secure on the road, and handle beautifully. No mechanical problems with any.

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  Great SUV! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By audioduke - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I bough mine in Sept 2000. I stayed away until late 2000 model year after hearing quality issues on 1998 and 1999 models. I wouldnt touch these first 2 year model! For 2000, MBZ revised the interior and presume all the issues found on 1st 2 years. Hey, I had NO PROBLEM with mine and cant see why there are so many who whine about their car. We took it in for 1 yr service and Bellevue MBZ dealer also replaced the sunroof motor. I guess there may have been a "silent" recall. What can I say? Just love this SUV!

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  04 ML500 is Amazing Value! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By SoCal - November 30 - 3:13 am

  After launching the worlds most unreliable SUV in 2001 Mercedes took the ML took this project back and put significant improvements into each subsequent year. The 2004 is a solid truck with great towing, solid handling, great performance for its weight, and an outstanding daily driver. Unlike the X5, cargo space is tall and the cabin roomy. Bumper to bumper length of an Accord for easy parking and tight turning radius. Good in the snow, decent mountain climber and enjoys the twisties! Stay away from the 2001 but youll benefit from the bad reputation in the following years and get exceptional value.

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  What an amazing SUV - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By greginnh - November 29 - 10:23 am

  This will be my third ML. Having owned 2002 and 2004 versions, I was very disappointed with the second generation ML and strayed from the MB brand for a few years. Now comes the 2012 which is the third generation and it totally blows away all previous models.

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  ML500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By dano - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Terrific SUV that has shown zero quality issues other than the brakes squealing in cold weather.

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  My second m class - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mike clouser - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought 1998 m class and it was back a lot at the dealer for repair and had poor air conditioning for Ok. The 2002 came out and after driving the 98 I could easily see the improvement. The 2002 is phenomenal. It does everything well; has many features the 98 did not have, handles better and has never been back for any warranty work despite 16ooo miles the first year.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By soccermom - November 24 - 7:30 am

  The 2006 Mercedes Benz ML550 is a huge step up from the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. At less than 1 mpg difference than the 350 the 550 is definitely the king of the road. Buy the ML550 over the ML350 (if you can find one) and youll be a whole lot happier.

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  2008 ML 320 CDI - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By cfrazier - November 23 - 8:33 am

  As others,looked at RX250,X5,and ML. Came to MB ML in looking for SUV with better than average MPG. Diesel won me over and liked exterior above others. As some have noted, nav (need touch screen, improve intuitive flow) and signal stem (proximity to cruise control) need updating/improvement. MB could use better value packaging like Lexus. Start w/ P2 and tailor to need. Downshifting non-issue with slight and logical modification of driving habit. Very pleased with choice.