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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  Excellent SUV in Rain and Snow - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Clee - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Surefooter in rain and snow!

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  More UTE than SPORT - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Steven Kirschner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Mercedes, but not our first SUV (we have had Jeeps in the past). We stepped up for lots of reasons - Safety, performance and Status (this car is used in a sales environment). The ML500 is simply an amazing vehicle. It is comfortable and FAST. I would prefer a smoother ride with less jostling over the bumps in the road, but the trade-off for that kind of safety seems well worth it. The ML500 has had its share of little picky issues - namely a touchy fuel gauge and mirrors that do not adjust with the memory seats. Again, small potatos for that kind of peformance. It feels like a car that will last forever!

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  Super SUV - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Master D - June 1 - 10:00 am

  When i first saw the car i thight it was a minivan, but when i drove it the first time it was like a miracle. It was fast, and agile. People do tell me though that the car is more expensive than the BMW x5, but i wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  ML 350 an excellent buy! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By CarGuy - May 26 - 11:53 am

  The 2006 ML350 is the best buy I have ever made. Its beautiful inside and out. Its SO much fun to drive, it rides like a car, not an SUV. It handles superb in the snow. A great buy for anyone. Believe me, if you buy this car, you will not regret it.

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  Love it despite electrical issues - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lindaw - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car BUT I had electrical issues at 60K miles which lead to an $800 fix. Dealership told me the underside of the car was wet too frequently, but no off road usage and was garaged when not driven. Also have had to replace the drivers window switch 4 times - opened 4 times a day every day for tolls, but my Honda did fine with the same drive.

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  Stoked - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By HNG-TEN - May 22 - 6:23 pm

  It was hard to find a loaded ML500, and I had to pay the price, but IT was worth it! Smooth just dosnt describe it. It will get up and go. I had an 03 E500 before this with good luck and service. I have had and still own large GMC SUVs but this is in another class, Distinctive body style, not a hybrid. You cant confuse this with a Toyota. Great attention to detail. Benz did it up right!

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  MB SUV - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Izzo - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Got the 350 with Inspiration package and worth the extra buck. Much more luxurious than previous 320 model. Excellent leather, wood panel, fatter tires and silver grille. Handling and performance very predictable.

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  The original bench mark SUV - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dave L - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The ML is still one of the best SUV values and was the bench mark for the current crossover SUV. I think anybody looking for a true SUV will not be dissapointed...

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  Awesome SUV - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By KKawz - May 9 - 10:00 am

  It seems strange to me that alot of these reviews are so negative about the M-Class. Other than a few minor problems (mainly switches and dashboard lights) my ML430 has performed admirably. It has impressive power and acceleration for its heft; the best qualities come out in high-speed driving. It feels very solid, and has that Mercedes vault-like feel. Also, it has cool styling that doesnt sacrifice function. Very luxurious and comfortable, yet doesnt have a real boaty ride like on some other SUVs.

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  First Mercedes Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By wofatbill - May 7 - 10:06 am

  Ordered this vehicle in January and did not get delivery until May. This is the only thing that disappointed about Mercedes. After almost 6 months and just over 10000 miles, I have found very few shortcomings and many pleasant surprises. The most pleasant has be fuel efficiency. Overall combined mileage is right at 27 MPG. Trips up and down the east coast this summer registered almost 30 MPG, both better than the ratings on the sticker. Solid construction, quiet operation, real luxury feel, terrific acceleration and very comfortable seats among the most pleasing characteristics. Only disappointment so far is iPod integration bug which MB has promised to fix. Highly recommended.