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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  2000 Mercedes Benz - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By greggmitchell - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Levels of service by Mercedes Benz has been outstanding. Problems have been few but included seat heaters, drivers side window switch.

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  ML430 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By omega1849 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is a powerhouse of fun to drive. The car responds better than any SUV I have ever driven and it has a fully integrated GPS system (1st of its kind). My only problem with the car is the low profile tires, which I have had to replace every once a while.

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  Junk - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By da fred man - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used, love driving it, been in the shop 8 times, getting rid of it before the warranty runs out. What a disappointment!

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  best and safest suv on the road - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jojo A. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Be ready for heads turning and lot of your friends want to test drive your car! with the package I got makes the car stands out with the other competitor. I have the inspiration package that adds a lot of sportiness inside, with the engine and transmission upgrade I never had problem in trying to go around on the freeway. Very easy to maneuver even in the most zigzag road. The most important is the peace of mind about the safety of the vehicle 10 airbags with 24 tele assistance which comes with 1 year from the manufacturer. Overall happy with my decision of getting rid of my old suv and bought this car. Makes me enjoy driving again!

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  Biggest Mistake of my life - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Taken for a ride - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After 10 days of ownership an electrical short burned a hole in the headliner- in three years the engine has been replaced, 3rd set of brakes, fuel pump, srs system, abs failure, power steering problems, windowswitches, fuses, rattles, broken seat and heater, blown a/c--poor acceleration/decel- tranny issues undiagnosed. NEVER again- No one will give me a decent trade-in due to the vehicle history.

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  Only MB not built in Germany! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AlexSeng - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ML320 for 6 months and its been at the shop for 4 times. The problems were 1. Gear shift Stuck, 2. Back seat could not unfolded. 3. Low range malfunction. 4. strange siren sound from under the foot well (MB dealer could not find the cause). I just got a letter from MB that there is a recall so I need to take my car in for the fifth time. The service advisor at the dealer told me shes seen a lot of ML320s with poor quality and said it might be because they are built in Alabama instead of Germany to cut cost. One of my friend bought a Acura MDX at around the same time and used to envy my MB, but now I regret that I bought my ML320.

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  Love it! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Smithtenn - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our third ML. Have two now. Great for traveling. We feel much safer in this vehicle than any we have owned. Navigation system is excellent. Now have over 75000 miles on this one and 50000 miles on wifes 2001.

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  Impressive diesel SUV! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Scott - June 5 - 6:03 am

  Very surprised how well this diesel SUV handles. Extremely comfortable on the highway. Backing off a few mph significantly increases fuel mileage and can exceed sticker.

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  Love it! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By joes - May 31 - 10:36 am

  Bought as a certified vehicle with 25K on it. Now has over 100K and is as solid and smooth as ever. Minimal problems were covered by warranty. Gas mileage better than expected (16mpg in town/20mpg on road). Great vehicle. I am looking for another one with the diesel engine.

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  Hey, its a Mercedes!!! - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mrrx - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had some issues. My power switch panel went out at 4000 miles, the car rattles a bit, and it drinks gas, like its going out of style. But, you know what, I still love the car and besides, its a Mercedes. Is it the best vehicle Ive owned, obviously not, but I know that if any of us had a choice of a vehicle to be in, in an accident, most of us would opt for this vehicle. We all take a chance when we buy a car, Ive had 2 lemons in my life time, including a 2000 Honda Accord and a 2001 Diamante. All Im trying to say is that, overall, the ML320 is not bad at all, especially when you consider the safety, luxury and confidence a Mercedes provides.