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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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By John - April 21 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had this car for over 3 years and I love the car - the way it handles and performs. Also, its built so well, I feel so safe driving it. Ive owned Japanese SUVs in the past, but its no comparison. I will never go back Lexus or Acura

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  1998 ML320 - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By p_iyer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The good: relatively quiet interior easy entry/exit in spite of being a tall vehicle The bad: poor build quality brakes wear out prematurely poor transmission, jumps in and out of gears at low speeds Excessive wind noise at highway speeds

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  Own it. To know it. - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MJ. Velus - April 16 - 5:23 pm

  PROS: Luxurious cabin furnishings, plush ride quality and a strong range of engines. CONS: Not much cargo space,mediocre fuel mileage with V6.

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  Best luxury SUV on the market - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By NB Driver - April 12 - 6:33 pm

  Lexus has no chance on this one, for the time being, as we did consider the GX 470 and many other SUVs. Standard equipment on this car is unbelievable and the ride is irreplaceable. Great job MB

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  ML430 Sport 2001 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Angelo - April 11 - 11:40 pm

  I love the vehicle. Was growing tiered of squeezing into my Lexus coupe. I am 6 7" tall and love the head and leg room

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  Uncomparable! - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By GAMH - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Had it for 3 years and virtually no problems (SRS relay replacement and 1 passenger seatbelt replacement). If there has been anything else wrong it must have been fixed during regular maintenance (love the FSS!). Drove it from TX to MD this summer, besides the excellent drive I only spend $100 in gas both ways! Involved in rear end collision by 18 wheeler and NOTHING happened to the passengers, the cabin nor frame (loved the quick SOS assistance). Repaired to perfection by MB. No complaints. If I dont keep this one I would certainly buy a new one. Look forward for the new design.

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  So Far - So Good - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Edward Car - March 31 - 10:00 am

  With under 500 miles on the ML320, all is performing fine. I did notice however that the ML320 has gained a lot of weight since 1998. This weight increase probably accounts for the reduction in gas mileage over my 1998. The 2002 is a vast improvement over the 98/99 model. ML’s have always handled well, and they are awesome in light off road travel. The 2002 is a credit to MB for continually improving their products. Go for it.

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  The new ml 320 2002 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Vito - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my new ml320 2002 model. Its fun to drive and its loaded with features. Nothing beats a Mercedes Benz. I dont think I will ever go back to either a Japanese or American car ever again.

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  Mercedes should add more optons - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Fay - March 22 - 12:53 pm

  I own two Mercedes trucks. One 2001 ML430 and a 2006 ML350.The ML430 came with more options like a giant sunroof(sky view top),it came with a designer colors option, heated seats came standard, navigation came standard, the Ml430 is slightly smaller but still came with a 3rd row seat package(Ml350 didnt)it also came with a safe under the passengers seat. I think Mercedes needs to bring back those options and come up with more because Mercedes-Benz is suppose to be extraordinary mine looks extrodinary on they outside but its really ordinary under its flashy outside and Mercedes-Benz logos.

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  99 Mercedes ML320 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Colorado - March 16 - 12:30 am

  My wifes car. Wonderful for her - sits high with great visability & comfort. The AWD is supurb here in Denver - great in snow and it doesnt eat up tires as I feared it would (we get 40K miles per set). Gets only 20 MPG on highway at 75. (I dont even try to determine our mileage in the city!) Reliability has been better than some other owners reported: Replaced air mass sensor (expensive!) at 55K miles (it caused transmission to shift late or not at all). Replaced front brakes at 40K and 73K; rear brakes at 73K. Brakes/rotors are expensive, but very, very easy for a do-it-yourself project. (Brake parts for four wheels cost me about $350.) Transmission cant be serviced by non-MB shop.