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:

• 

  Alabamas Finest - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ngb3 - August 27 - 1:13 pm

  An excellent, competent vehicle on the road. Pretty good off road too. Very comfortable and safe. Good economy given the size and weight of the car. (Avg 20 on highway, 16 in city.) All switches are where they should be. Computer takes some getting used to, but its easy when you know what youre doing. Practice before you go on the road. AC is very effective. Gearbox is one of the best I have seen on any vehicle. Very roomy inside. Airbags everywhere ! If you want an 8 seater, wait for the R-class. This is the most quiet SUV Ive ever driven...Watch the speedometer. The vehicle is deceptively fast. Besides the large blind spot at the back, theyre worth the wait and the money. Well done Mercedes !

• 

  The best ever! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By LHP - August 26 - 3:13 am

  What an unbelievable vehicle. Ive always thougt the 91 Vette was the nicest car I have ever owned. The ML 320 CDI is now number 1. With all the concern about economy and emissions, it seems diesel is better than hybrid and E85, so I wanted a diesel. This car has far surpassed my expectations. I have never found driving more exciting, and Im still learning about all the little gadgets and conveniences. I leased this one for 33 months, but expect to buy next time.

• 

  The Best - 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Paul T Toth - August 21 - 6:29 pm

  We decided to let go of our 2003 S500. I have been researching for the past 3 months. I had previously owned a 2007 RDX that I put 200k on. I found a 2014 ML350 with 15k at Naples Mercedes Benz. It had almost every option, including the 20" wheels. I found the ride, comfort, styling and safety features to be everything I was looking for. The absolute plus was my wife loving the ride and the way it gives her a commanding view. (she is taking the ML 350 and I know have to drive our CLS 550) Oh well... maybe the weekends for me. We haves now traded our CLS550 for an identical ML350.

• 

  Style, Performance & Comfort. Best Combo - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By plasty - August 20 - 12:00 pm

  Absolutely impressed with the performance and handling. The styling is aggressive, but tasteful. The acceleration is excellent for a rather heavy "small" SUV. Steering is elegant and smooth. Shifting is excellent. A bit sluggish on an uphill during hwy cruise, but if you push on the gas it responds nicely. The nav is typical of European cars, however, it is functional and one should not be too picky. Likewise, the turn signal is a little lower on the stalk, but takes 15 min to get used to it. The gear shift is great. Electronic shift is great. All said, a definite buy!

• 

  pretty disappointing - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Longtrain - August 20 - 2:00 am

  My rating number does not tell the full story. My wife and I love the truck for all that is Mercedes. We both agree though that the build quality is poor. Sure all the stuff is fixed under warranty, but going to the dealership every month and a half gets old. I should have known what I was in for when the door broke on delivery. Failed window switches, radio glitches, hoses that develop holes - in addition to shoddy work at the dealer. Cant say I would buy one again, and in fact, are shopping to trade it in on something else. Really thought I would get something more for a $500 a month payment.

• 

  Not a bad car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By zekester1 - August 18 - 11:49 pm

  Bought this car new, and have no problems other than replacing brake lights and the fuel filter ($3000+). Ive 118000+ miles and have no serious complaints other than shoddy switchgear (sunroof switch is broken). Roomy, decent gas milage (23mpg+) and fully-featured, this I believe is my perfect car. However, the 8-quart oil requirement makes for expensive oil changes when using synthetic ($100+).

• 

  Exactly what I expected - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Roscoe18 - August 18 - 7:46 pm

  Its no RR Sport. Not as fun- but 27.4mpg hwy and between 20-22 overall. The gas mileage is great and less carbon emissions. Diesel engine noise is annoying. Porsche will win if they can combine sport and "green" in the new Cayenne!

• 

  m-class - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ml500 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven.

• 

  modern technology sub - 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By hiponaj - August 12 - 6:13 am

  i ouwned several sub cars over the years but so far,my new Ml350 4matic Mercedez Benz 2013 is the best of all.It drive very smooth,very quite and steady even at high speed driving.Smothness of gearshif operation.I like the modern tecknology that came with it no need to use key to start,the Harman Kardun surround sound is amazing,the HD radio sounds terrific,and all the electronic controls are just great.The navigation syatem and back-up camera,blind spot assist are great witch save me from minor accident.

• 

  Ml 350 ??? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By R2r - August 8 - 6:00 am

  Bought this Suv new. after 4 years with 25000 miles i replaced front and rear brake pads and rotor and 4 tires.After 6 yrs with 35000 miles need a pair of ball joints and door assembly.