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:

• 

  Excellent Family SUV - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By willy_t - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Excellent family SUV with plenty of space, comfort and safety features. DVD navigation, inspiration package and Bose audio are excellent upgrades.

• 

  Excellent! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Luis - June 28 - 10:20 am

  I traded in my E-430 with may more hps but I am extremely happy with the handling of this SUV. In terms of gas mileage, it beats other SUVs thanks to its superb 7 gears. Still it packs enough power to reach 130mph and the handling at that speed is surprisingly good.

• 

  Very Disapointing - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Arsen Khachatryan - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Our ML had problems from the first day we got it. I am currently trying to get it a lemon status. There has always been a metal on metal sound from the drive shaft, but the dealership cant fix it. The car has cut off several times under normal driving. We have had four instances when the car would not start and needed to be towed. Once my wife was driving and the power steering gave out.Just last week I was stuck in Atlanta 350 miles away from home and the car needed to be towed, because it would not start. The fuel pump and lines needed to be changed. My first and last.

• 

  Help Me! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AnnS - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Wow, I should have read these reviews before purchasing this car. Started problems after 2 years (when I brought it to Canada and it got daytime running lights). Last 3 months in the shop 5 times, for weeks on end (there now for new engine mounts (2 weeks & counting). Replaced: catalictic converter, engine discs, mass air flow sensor, rate sensor, ignition coil, alternator, etc. Battery went dead, towed in. Embarrassing! UNSAFE, I bought it for the safety & reliability! Has put me & my family in dangerous situations when it stalls!

• 

  Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Inspiration - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By SUVdriver - June 28 - 10:00 am

  On my fourth day of ownership, I was on my way to work when the truck began leaking power steering fluid. Soon I found myself unable to steer and was forced to pull over to the side of the road. I had it towed back to the dealership. A recalled part (clamp) had failed and was replaced by the dealership. Three days later I was on my way to a business meeting when, once again, the power steering fluid began leaking and I was unable to steer the vehicle. Yet again I had to call to arrange for towing back to the dealership.

• 

  My 2500 mile report - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By TommyA931 - June 23 - 8:53 pm

  Quality of workmanship seems on par with expected from MBZ, though I did have some initial reservations from 2004 and 2005 owner reviews. This SUV is very comfortable, handles and has the power of a sports car, and averages over 25MPG so far! I opted for the AMG pkg, P02, HIDs, NAV, wood steering wheel and hitch (for bike rack). My wife has an E320CDI, and we love them both! I have owned many Mercedes,Porsches and Jags, but this ML is my favorite. Its really a pleasure to drive. Hey, maybe it doesnt park itself, but a man likes to do some things himself anyway! If Mercedes has a nemises, it would be electronics. The Command System is complicated, and takes some time and study to master.

• 

  Nice car, bad service = bad experience - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jeff - June 5 - 11:30 pm

  I have had my ML 350 for 6 months. In that time it has been in for service 5 times. When the car is not in the shop, it is a pleasure to drive, even in the 6 months of snow here in Alaska. If you are going to spend the money, make sure your dealership understands what "customer service" is. I failed to do so and now find myself wishing I had taken my money elsewhere.

• 

  Best car ever - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By drew cooke - June 2 - 2:00 am

  very fun to drive and a very stylish exterior and of course its a mercedes and that means it will have great reliability

• 

  TOTAL NIGHTMARE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By KmW - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Power windows that wouldnt go back up (in a rainstorm)was my first experience. I have had to get new batteries 3x now at $35 a pop. I have had problems with my dashboard lighting up like a Christmas tree. My front brakes (according to the dealership)"went" at 27,000 miles to the tune of $300. Here is a small list of what has broken in the short time I have had this vehicle, water pump, anti theft, cd player, stereo speakers, srs, abs, there was something else but I cant remember those three letters ha ha, and most recently the radiator. Everytime I bring this vehicle in I lose it for a minimum of 3 days, as it would seem parts are hard to get.

• 

  Driven Everywhere - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By C. McMichael - May 24 - 7:03 pm

  I drive this thing +175 miles a day, 4 to 5 days a week under all conditions and on every type of road way and I really enjoy the car. It has enough room for passengers to be comfortable, but is much more comfy for me than my last 2000 ML320. For a car to stand up to what I put it through and keep going with little to no maintenance is very pleasing. A great buy and I dont even care that I have to reach over 6 inches to adjust the radio instead of the steering wheel.