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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  Rock Solid SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By hotlayout - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My recent lease of an M350 SE was among the easiest decisions of my car buying life. The 3.5 liter engine is extremely responsive from 2500 to 4000 rpm, the range I normally utilize, giving the car a very nimble feeling. While I see many who criticise the Ms road manners I find the handling precise and responsive. There is almost no roll when hitting a curve a bit too fast, giving the driver tremendous confidence in the steering input. This vehicle simply has that great Mercedes rock solid feel and very little in the way of harsh feedback. Fuel milage is poor, but not any worse than the Envoy or Trailblazer (we also own the Envoy). Beautifully appointed, fun to drive.

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  Mercedes Should Be Ashamed.............. - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By glacierdon - November 9 - 1:20 pm

  Its apparent that the 2000 ML 430 is a lemon. I have gone on various sites and people from all over are having the same exact problems. The windows wont roll down, the doors wont lock, the brakes always need replacing, the exterior lights are always blowing, the power steering went out, the sun roof gets stuck, the interior is coming apart, and now when I stop at lights it cuts off and wont start for about 30 to 40 minutes. this happens at least once a week. From my understanding these vehicles were built in the U.S. If I wanted an American car I would have bought a Ford. Mercedes should do a recall on these vehicles. The repairs needed on the vehicle are more than its worth. Seriously!

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  solid, safe - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Tarrant - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Safe and solid. Would purchase it again. After three years, the ML320 has been great. No problems whatsoever. Mercedes has proactively replaced some items under warranty during regularly scheduled maintenance visits. *Great* service in Texas; crappy service from HBL in Vienna, Virginia.

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  SHOCKED!!!!!!!! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By APM - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe the reviews on this SUV. Have driven the RX300 LEXUS and the MDX from Acura, the ML320 has them beat. First, it is just plain fun to drive. Then again the simple ergonomics and quality in the leather is amazing. Very quite and I am shocked at the many people I talked to who said this is a "trucky" feel to the SUV.For someone else in my category i.e. Third a must, quality in the ride, great sound system. Try a ML320.

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  Love my ML 350 - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lgasaway - October 30 - 5:14 pm

  I had a Lexus 2010 RX 350 which was a great auto. Have no complaints about that car. My Benz though is much more comfortable, very, very quiet and has good performance. The Lexus comes with more features for the same price which I lament on my Benz. I have had my Benz for 1 1/2 years now and I still love it. Best car I have ever owned. Not too happy with the gas mileage but then I knew that going in. The interior controls are just where I want them. Love the easy gear shift on the column. No problems at all and Mercedes Benz of Fresno treats me like a VIP whenever I go to their business. I highly recommend the ML 350.

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  Overall it blows away my expectations! - 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rosemr1 - October 30 - 1:52 pm

  There is not enough to say about how much I love this car. From the stylish design to how solid the car is....its just the finest automobile I have ever owned. Mercedes has won me over to the point that Ill never buy another domestic car again. And their customer service is bar none! Spending 55K on a car, I expect a certain level of Customer Service, and Mercedes has delivered. Go ahead, buy a Cadillac and see how GM treats you. We now have 2 ML 350s in the family and I honestly do not see another brand even being considered at this point! So long GM, it was fun while it lasted!

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  Never again for Mercedes - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jhduesterbeck - October 26 - 12:36 am

  I traded in my Cadillac Deville that had no problems with 112,000 miles (never one repair) for this SUV assuming that it would be more reliable since it was made by Mercedes- Benz. Was I wrong. After 55,000 miles I had to replace the drive shaft. Then the harmonic balancer went out and took everything else out with it, that cost 1200.00 and turned out to be a recall. M-B reimbursed me 200.00 of the 1200.00. I have also replaced the transmission, transfer case, rear shocks, front struts. I have put almost 10,000 in repairs in this vehicle. The only good I have to say is the safety. I was the first car rearended by a surburban in a 4 car pile up and neither myself or daughter was hurt.

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  Love my ride! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By LexingtonLawyer - October 25 - 5:20 am

  Overall, a very nice vehicle. Highly desirable, fun to drive, and way smooth looks. Have gotten many compliments and requests to "take a peek" inside. This is my second Benz and Im keeping this one for the long haul. Stable and solid ride. Good acceleration. Feel very safe whether Im in agressive, heavy traffic or bad weather.

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  Lovin it - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jay - October 19 - 5:36 am

  Just picked up the ML for my wife. We looked at the X5, Q7 and the MDX. The ML interior is great compared to the others. The ride is fantastic! I believe that whatever issues this car had previously-they have corrected. My wife is in heaven. She loves the seats and says they are the most comfortable she has ever had. The ride is very quiet and the handling is smooth. We are very happy with our choice.

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  ML 350 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By EAGLE - October 14 - 2:00 am

  With all the packages really makes vehicle looko like a high class SUV, and drive is smooth like a car.