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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  Dont Buy the Star - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By German Unengineering - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought a used ML 320 in good condition. First thing I noticed was the rough ride for a "Luxury SUV." Averaged 12 miles a day since I owned it. The next day after bringing it home had to have the gas gauge fixed. It never read accurately afterwards. Then with less than 29000 miles had to have smog components replaced. Final straw was a "computer module" failure that left me stranded. Wrote to MB, U.S.A and they failed to take accountability for the product they market and sell. Traded it in for a Japanese luxury SUV and will never have anything to do with German engineering built in the U.S.A. MB reputation at an all-time low with this one.

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  Solid Performance form my ML430 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By RM - September 2 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my ML430 in 04 with 22K miles and some remaining factory warranty. I have had some minor issues but for the most part it has been rock solid. It has used 3 sets of brake pads and a set of rotors over 90K miles. I did have a leak from the power steering pump that required service. The only issue now is that the interior is beginning to show its age. I use this car to tow a race car trailer long distances, it could use a but more power. The Nav system is very dated now but still works OK but there are no data updates anymore. Back seat fold-down system is just plain dumb. Like everybody the glue from the door insulation melts onto the windows on hot days. I still love this car!

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  The ML320 is Dead - Long Live the ML350! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By scottg - August 31 - 2:00 am

  The ML320 is dead -- replaced by the much-improved ML350. I bought the Inspiration Edition and have been very pleased. The upgraded interior has sport seats and better leather, both lifted from the ML55 AMG, and wheels and tires from the ML500, which make it handle much better on dry roads than the old M-Class. The new 3.7 liter engine of the ML350 has enough new power and torque to give the M-class new vitality. It also has terrific second-row seats that fold perfectly flat to the height of the load deck. I am very impressed with the quality of the new M-Class Inspiration Edition. It finally drives and feels like a "German-made" Mercedes-Benz.

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  ML320 new engine mounts - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By yorgo8 - August 30 - 9:03 am

  The car is fun driving; safe and sturdy, even on slippery roads. The dealership offers excellent support. But the cars reliability is poor. Even under warranty it required many repairs. And lots more thereafter. Excessive costs to maintain vehicle make it unattractive. Support from MBUSA not great either.

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Garlen - August 29 - 7:50 pm

  We ordered one with iPod connection, trailer hitch, Parktronic, running boards - no packages. The factory messed up the order the first time, the dealer did everything possible and the re-order was correct. We could not be happier after a thousand miles or so. We have a Garmin Nuvi 660 for GPS, so the navigation problems people mention do not effect us.

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  50k junk - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By bernard doran - August 25 - 10:00 am

  vehicle has been in the shop more times than I care to remember, I bought this for my wife thinking it was the best I could do for her. It really hurts to see what a piece of junk this thing is. She still likes it, but I have grown to hate it. also have a SL500 with 75,000 mi it cost over 6k in repairs last summer as it has continous electrical problems. It appears that MB has no quality. MB shop said to consider what they mean when thay say "engineered like no other" I thought it meant great cars. Bernie Doran Centerburg, Ohio

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  My first and last MB - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By atria - August 25 - 10:00 am

  18m of problems.Many unscheduled visits due but not limited to: xenon lights (x2),cooling reservoir,brakes, brake lights,wipers,ashtray (x3),radio, trip computer. Nav. system/ heat/cool,flawed big time.MB too cheap to authorize a replecement with the DVD based system..If it aint broke (to pieces) dont fix it! Who pays for my wasted pers/profes time? Did not get my moneys worth.My wifes,same age,RX300 has not been back except for an oil change.Ill get rid of it soon and Ill never look back.

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  No Lemon Here - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By HappyWithMine - August 20 - 4:36 pm

  Despite so many negative reviews of the ML-class, our experience with this vehicle since purchasing it new has been one of trouble free driving. While its true that some of the plastic interior materials are of lower quality than one would expect from Mercedes Benz, the fit and finish of the vehicle has been excellent. I really have no complaints about this SUV. It has always started; the AC is perfect; no electrical issues; the drive train is sound; the chassis is solid and squeak-free. Perhaps weve just been lucky, but after 65,000 miles this Benz has been at least as reliable as my old Mitsubishi Montero...which was the best car Ive ever owned.

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  My New SUV - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By LoriLuLu - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Had it 2 weeks. It rides too much like a truck but otherwise Im very happy with it. My last Mercedes was a sedan and the ride was much smoother but hated being the little guy not Im big and tall like all the other SUVs.

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  ML350 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mmthskr - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as "Cross over vehicle" to reduce cars in the family. Use MBZ now both as in town car and as an SUV for snow covered mountain transportation. First trip in the snow car performed very well. No slipping, easy handling. Plenty of room for cargo and a large dog. Easy to handle and park in the city as well.