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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  Fast and Fun SUV - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Geopap - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Very capable on and off road SUV. Very powerfull near 300hp motor. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  HORRIBLE CAR! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Daniel - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked BMW much much better than Mercedes. but 1 year i gave Benz a chance and i went and bought the ML55. I have only a couple things to say about that car. IT SUCKS. my wife has a BMW X5 4.6is and it is sooo much better than the ML. I will never buy another Benz as long as i live. You think Benz is better because they have been known longer but it is HORRIBLE! THANKS!

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  Great to drive, but ... - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By djdj - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Responsive engine, fun autostick, reasonable gas mileage (if youre careful), wonderfully comfortable seats, great sounding stereo. But every six months its back in the dealer for something else, window switches (of course), rattles, CD, radio, paint (dealers fault). The build quality is dismal

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  Its still an SUV - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ru2bsi2 - March 27 - 1:36 am

  I traded my BMW 528i for the 2005 ML350 Special Edition. If youre in the market for an SUV that drives like a sports car, that accelerates, responds & maneuvers nimbly - This is definitely it! Pinch me. Remind myself that this is an SUV. I wanted a car that had views of a truck + seats 4 adults + roomy cargo space. This is heaven! Knowing that I would give up a few things (i.e. sensible gas mileage and sports car bucket seats) - It is well worth it!

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  MB as a rugged family car - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By off_road_family - March 19 - 6:06 pm

  I needed a car in the AWD category which was suited for rough off-roading trips in the country and daily suburban mom, and which wouldnt embarass my husband when he had to park it next to his super-status-concious coworkers. For the money, this car fit the bill. Remembering there wasnt much out there in the smaller 6+passenger SUV category at the time and that this car was originally priced considerably less than the other entries in this category, like Lexus and Toyotas, I can forgive many annoying flaws. Im still a loyal owner, but I havent had any of the reliablity issues the other reviewers had, and I wouldnt tolerate them if I did.

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  Mercedes is not of the quality it used to be - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By scholla - March 17 - 9:32 am

  For the last 35 years I always had at least one Benz in the garage. Currently have a 2007 550s and a 2012 350ML. Bought both new/first owner. 550 s -19,000 miles - Air Condition not working. 350ML - 6,000 Miles - electronics defect: give wrong error messages and no error messages. Now, the ML is at the shop because the engine may have to be replaced. Local dealer in Palm Beach says MBUSA asked them to perform "more tests to identify the problem". (Car is in the shop already 3 days.) Two issues here: (1) MB now sells cars that do not work properly, even after short use. (2) How MBUSA deals with the problem: They make little/no effort to make things right. This is no longer a good make.

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  A Great Car! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mlx52 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The Mercedes M-Class has gone above and beyond all of my expectations... I live in Chicago, and I consider myself to be a horrible winter driver, however, with the purchase of this car I feel comfortable and in control of the situations that the road deals me. The interior has been vastly upgraded since the 98-model year and is now in line with the rest of Mercedes Line. The interior is flawless everything is in reach of the driver and everything is intuitively laid out. The car has been a pleasure to drive and have recommended it to all of my friends. I simply can not say enough of how much I love this car!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By The best one - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles well and enjoy the hell out of it. Yes not to good gas mileage, but fun to drive.

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  all style, no substance - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By sandra miller - March 13 - 3:33 am

  I liked the styling and the Mercedes-Benz brand. I owned an E320 and thoroughly enjoyed it but my 2000 M-Class has been nothing but trouble. Ive spent $5,000 in 12 months on repairs, brakes, rotors, leaking seals, pumps, etc. Curently, it wont run without stalling and the dealerhip cant seem to find out what is wrong. Theve had it for four days!

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  Dont let the bad reviews throw you... - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Hondo - March 13 - 2:00 am

  People who purchase in this range tend to be pickey. Ive had mine for three years now, and while the 99s did have niggling little problems, all in all this is an extremely fine vehicle. It has spirited accelleration, corners with grace at higher than expected speeds, has a cavernous hauling area in the back, and an excpetional ride. And it IS a Mercedes. Im very pleased with mine, and would highly recommend you give it a close look. Mercedes has loaded a tremendous amount of GOOD ENGINEERING into this vehicle. Read their brochure, and this will all become very clear. Well done MB.