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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  Safe and Solid - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By William Brenner - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd ML since 1998. This one is the best. 8 air bags, super brakes and handling on all surfaces. 13-15 mpg city, 20 intercity at steady 70 mph. Ive driven MLs in snow, ice, slush, 15 below zero, wet and Ive never been disappointed. Although dated after 6 years the stylingis still better than most newer suvs.

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  Fabulous - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dipu - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just GRRRRRREAT. I love everything about this SUV. I got a great bargin on a 2003 MB ML320.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dave - December 10 - 1:20 pm

  Had the vehicle now for 5 months and its everything we expected. The sporty package makes the difference for us. The vehicle hugs the road especially on turns. I have recommended this vehicle to everyone. I have read all the previous problems with the transmission, but I got the vehicle anyways and to this day, not one problem.

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  ML350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ram - December 2 - 10:43 pm

  The only problem I have had is one of the chrome wheels had a crack in it. It was replaced with no problems, except that it took 2 days to get a replacement. But the dealer gave me a replacement vehicle so there was really no problem. Another problem (but not with the car) is it is very easy to go very fast in this car and not feel like you are even moving, its so smooth for an SUV.

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  Love this car - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Car_Guy - November 29 - 5:50 pm

  Just bought the ML350 4Matic - I love this car. Im over 6feet tall and this car is the only crossover thats built for tall people. Looks sexy and drives great - what more can you ask for.

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  great car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By trip - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for a while now, enjoy it thouroughly. We did have a couple of issues, such as, power window switch going bad, power streering hose coming off. However, got an immediate first class service to address the issue.

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  An SUV that keeps falling apart - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Hoolala - November 22 - 1:43 pm

  This clunker I own has kept falling apart since 1999. Accordion skylight roof control died within 6 months, head lamp burned out in 9 month, rear cargo bay plastic sidewall cracked up and broken in 1-1/2 years, windows driver side windows control died in 2 years, one headlamp light bulb burned out in 9 months, lamp cover leaking water inside and got cataract-like problem that blocked light seriously, bad chair design that has blocked blood circulation in my right thigh every time I drive, no lumbar support that caused back pain, many mysterious noises all the time while driving, terrible OEM General tires that made the rear part skidded so dangerously every time turned. Super gas guzzler!

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  Sue For the Key Problem I did and won - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By susan - November 22 - 1:36 am

  Never buy first year of new model. The main problems are only 8 keys allowed to be made. I had 6 keys replaced first year by Mercedes who never told me that once you hit 8 keys the whole locking system must be replaced for $4500. Should have been a recall. I sued in small claims court and won. Windows switch bad in all of them. I have replaced 4 times they only last 3 months. Should have been recall. They knew these problems all along but it was cheaper for them if people sue then do a recall.

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  Awesome Dream Truck! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By 1cna1 - November 21 - 12:33 am

  I really enjoy owning this truck. After all of the reaserch I have done on it, I finally found the one that suited my needs.

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  Is it a girly SUV? - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dr. Van - November 11 - 8:26 am

  I had a choice between a RR sport, Infiniti QX56, and the ML. Benz was the best choice. It looked small from the outside, but once I got behind the wheel, I dont know what they did to the windshield or dash but, boy it is roomy. Thought it was a girly SUV, as most were driven by women, so I had to go with the AMG package, and I can say that was the best thing ever. Its been a week and 3 days since Ive owned it and I can tell you that I am the talk of my block. AMG is the way to go if you are a guy(I have yet to see an other AMG out there), and make sure you add some 22" rims as the only exterior accessory. Now that is a Manly Macho ride. I love it. As an intro to luxury SUV, this is it.