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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  MERCEDES IS STILL A MERCEDES - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ZALMOXES - June 27 - 2:00 am

  INCREDIBLE CAR . THE RIDE WAS SMOOTH , THE ENGINE IS PEPY, THE INSIDE IS VERY ERGONOMIC. I WOULD PREFER A MERCEDES VS A BMW X-5, BUT DO NOT FORGET I AM 44

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  solid value - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Scott Rachelle - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable SUV. Its not a big load hauler or a tow vehicle, but load up the family and a bunch of suitcases and drive this ANYWHERE! Ive had a Chevy S10 Blazer, and the M- class handles snow and slick roads MUCH better.

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  Lame as the others say - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By SKS - June 16 - 10:00 am

  In three years, Ive been to the dealer for many issues from the SRS light (twice), CD player, seats slide, Sunroof chatters, Brakes go out at 25K (undersized I feel), driver window switch, ESp light, etc. Tires wear out around 28K. My carfax report can tell it all. Very disapointed in a 45K MB, would have been better off in a Denali, Tahoe, or Ford. Friend has two ML and no problems?? Go figure.

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  Going Strong - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Joey Martin - June 13 - 9:03 pm

  Just turned 140K miles. Only oil changes, tires and brakes. No problems, amazing..

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  10th anniversary edition - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By bergtold - June 12 - 5:06 am

  This is my 4th ML by Mercedes. This is a real Mercedes-Benz compared to the 3 other MLs I owned. I think it is better in every way. The interior is the biggest upgrade. I like the 10th anniversay features, special leather, badges, exterior headlites, and tail lites.

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  Delivered unit not equal to the test car - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Daniel Fraser - June 9 - 2:33 am

  The car wanders & needs to be constantly corrected - the steering is dead/sloppy in the center position. Steering wheel will not return to center and must be pulled back. The engine idle is rough & goes up and down and causes a vibration in the cabin at the low idle point. Braking at times hits a sticking point that can be pushed through but then the brakes comes on hard and fast. At 5000 miles and multiple trips to the dealer I recieved no help from the dealer or MB USA. I asked them to purchase back the car the answer was NO My advice - dont purchase this car. It is not the quality product I expected. The dealership was pompous when I tried to explain my concerns and dissatisfaction.

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  Whats Up with the ML320? - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Carl Chappell - June 5 - 7:33 am

  Easy to enter the vehicle. Good, firm, fronts seats with good adjustments for different sized people. Do not like the CD player being in the back of the vehicle. Good fit and finish. Engine noise not too bad, wind noise is negligible. Fuel economy is near 20. Good view from from seats, fair from the back. Transmission is smooth and responsive. Auto shifter is fun. Pulls 2000 lb. trailer with relative ease. Sound system is good with above noted exception.

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  Amazing - 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jay - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Many improvements and changes since my 02 ML-320. Averaging 28.4 mpg combined driving for first 1400 miles. For highway driving- 29.7 mpg. GPS shows where ULSD Diesel stations are located. Good safety features- Transmission will go to park (P) if you open the door. Doors have reflectors so if the door is open in dark, will reflect when hit by other light source. Actually is lighter than 02 ML, and a little longer. Very well done.

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  Original Owner now 17 years - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Eric Martin - May 28 - 2:41 pm

  The best thing I can say for my 2000 ML 320 is that every time I test drive another SUV with the temptation to buy something new, I am more appreciative of my ML. The vehicle remains rock solid, and extremely comfortable. Granted, I only have 90K on it, but because it is from local use, I have put the interior through a lot of use. The leather seats were a wonderful choice, and are still flawless. Yes, there are sometimes repair issues, but over the past 17 years my average monthly cost has been well within the range of ownership of any premium vehicle. Ill probably drive my ML until the wheels fall off, and only God knows when that will be!

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  2000 ML320 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MB newbee - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV last month before doing my usual online investigative work. I admit I bought the vehicle because I liked the drive, image and I actualy fit behind the wheel (64"). I have 6 months left on the factory warrantee and I am having the local MB dealer check out the usual bugs reported in the reviews I read here. I notice some folks love the ML320 while others seem to hate it due to build quality. I hope I got one of the "good" ones..