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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  2001 ml 320 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By benantioch - April 7 - 10:00 am

  9000 miles on a new 2001 ml320 has been uneventful. no service of any kind has been required.

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  ml350 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By kemde - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall performance is very good. The car is sporty yet rides extremely well. I like the size because it is not huge and it is easy to manuever in parking. The all wheel drive is particularly helpful in bad weather. The safety factor of the car is also huge.

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  1st Choice, 2nd ML - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Robert W. Jenkins - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I first owned a 1999 ML430. Replaced with 2003 ML 500. Very happy with improvements and performance. No service failures. Only complaint is that now it is necessary to remove rear headrests to fold down seats. ML500 is stylish, comfortable for long trips, and will go anywhere. It is truly at home in wil or at the Opera.

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  A Fun Drive - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Molly - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Would like to see more convenient "handles" to help you get into the car (like the Navigator has).

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  An average truck. - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Eric F - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The M-Class is a good SUV, it does everything well, but will never be able to win a comparison against other luxo SUVs

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  They could have done better - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ML 350 - March 31 - 12:13 pm

  I want to love Mercedes but they always go wrong. Mechanically is where this car falls. $310 for an normal service is way too much and cost for other small repairs are ridiculous like $20 for a new key battery. We only have about 40,000 miles on ours and every morning on a cold start there is a clicking noise coming from under the car. Also the steering vibrates a little on the highway and shakes when your ride over a pothole.

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  Great SUV - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jon W. - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 ML320 in July 2000 for $26,000, and since then Ive had nothing short of an outstanding vehicle. Ive had no problems at all with it. The engine is very reponsive and powerful, and the 5-speed driver- adaptive automatic transmission shifts beautifully. The Starmark service is great. Thereve been no problems with any electrical systems or switches, transmission, engine, or controls like others have claimed. Itll treat you good if you do the same. Take care of it and itll last you a long time.

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  Mixed Review - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By FrostyPaw - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives wonderfully, but in 1 year weve replaced the wiper motors twice, had the driver window fail, the electrical system short out and had a rupture to the power steering fluid hose. Starmark doesnt cover much of anything and the service department is second class compared to BMW, Audi & Acura.

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  Wow - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Buffalo Bill - March 11 - 6:00 pm

  Liked the looks of the SUV. Was Wowed with the engine design. As an old racer I can remember when an engine such as this was only in race cars. The 7speed auto makes my head swim, a two speed power glide was in one of my first cars. Live in the country with a mile of rough dirt road with a massive hill, does what a 4x4 is supposed to do. Would like to see the fuel mileage improve a little. Its $3.45 a gallon here. I think past history shows it will get better as miles pile up Great car. Thanks MB

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  Not bad - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By David K - March 2 - 9:20 pm

  My first MB. Has rough downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. Acceleration gets better after 500+ miles. One day after a heavy rain, the CD player failed to eject the CD and displayed "no CD" in the unit and I had to use a plier to pull it out. The rear door also failed to open at the same time.