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:

• 

  ML320 Report - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By cwlghl - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We have 7,000 trouble free miles with our ML320. With the red exterior we get numerous positive comments concerning its looks. The 320 engine is quick off the line, but lacks punch above 40 MPH. Fuel economy has been acceptable, nothing to write home about. Its holding its value, which is one of the reasons we selected a Mercedes. Id buy another one, but Id opt for the V-8 version.

• 

  Nu-Blu - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By djefferson - June 18 - 6:30 am

  I recently have purchased this nu ML-Bluetech after having 3 E-class benzs 2-350s 1-550 models 2007,2008 and 2010. My plan was to keep my 2010 E-550 for another year or so but during the past few months I had been looking at Suvs:Ford Edge,Jeep Grand Cherokee,BMW X5 Diesel and VW Toureag TDI/Audi Q7 TDI. Having shopped these others 1st, I took a chance a drove the 2012 Bluetech and I was presently surprised. The upgraded new interior and added torque really raised the bar against the others I was considering. Edge my ford touch?..Jeep Great Drive not efficient, X5 Sporty but too pricey w/options desired near 70k and VW Group Great overall but MB has a long/proven diesel history undisputed.

• 

  My benz is great - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jaason - June 4 - 5:36 pm

  The ML500 special edition is great. It is very good with gas. It goes from 0-60 in about 4 to 5 seconds and there is alot of cargo space.

• 

  Awesome new ride - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Texas Lawyer - June 1 - 10:00 pm

  I buy a new car about every two years and just traded in a Jeep Commander Limited with a Hemi in for this new oil burning Benz. All I can say is: WOW. This truck is the bomb, I have only driven it about 1,000 miles so far but am averaging 30mpg on the highway and about 22mpg in town. I got nearly every option, including prem packages 1 and 2 (keyless entry) and leather, etc. The ML320 is like an S class in overshoes, the ride is first rate and the gas mileage is simply amazing for such a large vehicle. The only complaint I have is that from 0-10 mph it is a little herky jerky until the turbo kicks in then it flies. The fit and finish is typical MB and is my #1 choice in a luxury SUV.

• 

  Very Good Vehicle - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Motor Man - June 1 - 8:23 pm

  Have only had it for 4 weeks, but have driven 3000 miles. So far, not a single problem. The ride and handling are excellent with the air suspension. Power is very good with the v-6 and the 7 speed transmission seems to always be in the right gear.

• 

  Diesel Power and Sublime Beauty - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mbzx - May 31 - 8:03 am

  I purchased a 2008 ML320 CDI with Premium II package in Sept. 2007 although I had been nervous about MBs less than stellar reputation in quality. My car has so far exceeded all my expectation in terms of performance and quality. The tremendous diesel power propels the car into any traffic when needed. But mostly I like driving very gently and the car rewards me with 30 miles on highways (when I am really gentle) and 23 miles in local/highway (40/60) mix on average. Its creature comfort is well designed and well executed. The car feels like a marble rolling on glass pane in highways. I am thoroughly enjoying the car and most probably will purchase GL320 CDI in the near future.

• 

  Expensive - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jsmiles - May 29 - 3:06 am

  We bought our 2000 Mercedes in 2006 because we got it for only $14,000, but this thing is horrible in reliability. The catalytic conveters went, and we could not drive it for three months. Also the car is very expensive to maintain, $80 for oil change, $600 brake changes, $30-$60 for gas. The car is a nice drive, and the interior has a nav whitch is an asset. It also has a third row seat whitch is useful. I would not recommend this car if you dont have a lot of money, but if you do, good luck.

• 

  LOVE IT! Very happy! - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By demimoore - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I havent had this car very long (just got it used), but I can tell you that so far everythings perfect and I LOVE driving it -- its beautiful, not too big and not too small, rugged yet smooth, and just feels much more solid than all of the other mini-SUVs I test drove. I think that even if it costs a bit more than average to service it eventually, itll be worth it! (My husband may have a different opinion.) :)

• 

  Terrible Service from Mercedes - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By tracy97035 - May 24 - 8:36 am

  In 2012 I researched purchasing either a Mercedes or Acura. I had exceptionally great service with Acura in the past but chose Mercedes and assumed their service would meet the same expectation. I was wrong. I ordered running boards over a year ago and still have not received them. I now had to take my rubber drivers side mat into dealership due to a recall and am told not to hold my breath for the new one. Mercedes called me to say I would be put on their "preferred" list...but still have not received these items and they could not give me an eta on them. Waiting over a year for parts is insane. I wonder what the future will hold when I need service/parts ordered. I looked at Acura today..

• 

  The 2009 MB Blue-Tech screams! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By VegasGoesBlue - May 24 - 8:26 am

  I have had this truck for around a month now and I am very impressed. It flat moves and is stable doing so. I purchased it to replace a 2002 C class MB that I loved but missed having room to haul anything. So far its two thumbs up! Anxious to take a road trip in the next 2 months. Vegas to Denver should be a good test. Maybe a bit of off road testing hopefully. The gas millage isnt anything to write about at this point but its only got 1000 miles on it. It feels like a Benz... Thats the best part!