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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  good suv - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By steve270cdi - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I am from scotland and have the ml270cdi, I have read all the problems with the old model and do not like its look inside or out but the facelift modle is very good and mated to the auto mated to the 270cdi is one very smooth drivetrain. I have the rear spare wheel holder that makes it look very tough.Like an suv should.I just wish I could have had the 400cdi. I get 33 mpg and found the x5 easy to dicount. I need the low ratio gears and also the $6000 price differnce. Anyway love the car.`,

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  complete satisfaction - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rg white - November 17 - 9:16 am

  this is third ML we have purchased two for me one for wife easy acess for srs rear seats easy to raise and lower controls different than earlier models a bit more complicated quality construction throughout recommend rear tv option for stiff neck srs like myself MB service is always superb

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  A Pair of Winners - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By derleute - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 2 ML320s, a leased 1999 and a purchased 2002. In 4 combined years of ownership I/ve had absolutely no problems nor any need for warranty work with either one. They keep getting better by including more standard features every year. The emergency notification system and navigation systems are terrific and Bose sound spectacular. My only minor gripe ist the 6 CD changer belongs in the dash, not in the cargo walls. Thumbs up for American craftsmanship.

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  Lemon? - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Nas - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Had to replace the fuel pump at 36k. Warranty had expired 7 months prior and mechanics could not believe that part will go bad on a 36k ML430.

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  Good ML - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By happy - October 27 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this SUV as a second hand from the MB dealer in Vancouver Canada. When got car it had 10000 km ,the car works pretty good till now i drove about 30000 km in 8 months , it never let me down .

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  Resting on their laurels - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By duped - October 23 - 6:00 am

  Four years with this car and Im very relieved to be done. I know the service people like family. In and out of service>4- 6/yrX4yrs. Rack and pinion replaced 2Xin four years! $900 break jobs are a semiannual event. Plastic parts keep breaking (seat moldings,cup holders glove compart) Frequent lighting electrical problems, Fan, Mirror motors fixed. Rode great when bought, very bumpy after 4mos. A lemon. Maybe new model better. In the shop as I speak. Rely on Benz Quality?nevermore

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  No Quality Check for ML320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By WSG - October 22 - 7:53 pm

  All of these problems occurred in the first year: -Navigation systems sends out wrong location -Windshield wipers fail to function -Kick skirt falls off the seat -Drivers window loose in track fails to close (in winter) -Parking brake release comes off in your hand -Power window button snaps off -Computer brain needs replacement -Computer brain needs reprogramming since replaced with wrong version of software

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  2 nd year review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By no name - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop for mulitple malfunctions all addressed by dealership on SEVERAL visits and Park Places Road Side Repair service. Brake pads stink!! I am at 27,500 and told the brake pads have 10% left? Set number 3. 2nd set at 12,500 miles. Told by dealership it is due to AWD and common with their brake pads? This is my first Mercedes. Never had an issue with Japanese and US autos with AWD. To spend 50K+ on an auto and having to replace ONLY REAR pads for $311.00? That is crap!! Designers, take notice of the issues to keep Mercedes image and return buyer.

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  Mercedes ML500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jims - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Im thoroughly pleased with this vehicle. The SUV provides a comfortable ride and feels safe in all weather. Great and comfortably priced introduction to a Mercedes.

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  Great truck!!! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By garyroseyu - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I was seriously deciding bewtween a MDX and the ML320. I test drove both and the MDX has great acceleration and it drove like a car. While the ML drove like a truck and lacked the pep off the line. So, why did I buy the ML? Its simply because I wanted to turn heads with a Mercedes. At first I was not sure whether I made the smart choice. However after 2 months I have fallen in love with it. The ML is well designed. One word says it all "SOLID". I have never felt safer in a vehicle. The interior and exterior is absolutely beautiful. Unlike the MDX, as soon as you sit inside the ML luxury immediately comes to mind. I would highly recommend the ML320.