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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  Our ML350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Car nut - October 23 - 3:53 pm

  We grew out of our C230 into a ML350. We live on a twisty two lane hwy so safety is a must. 5 stars all around sold us on safety. We love the looks and comfot. I love the cup holders. We looked at Lexus 330 and the safely features were optional, and my tall frame could not fit in the driver seat. Three 1,000 mile road trips a year and always trouble free and we can step out feeling refreshed after several hours. 24mpg at 75/80 mph. and 20mpg around town. Enough power to get out of the way or pass. Stable on corners too. Love the transmission and gear select. Over 45,000 miles and no problems, makes us glad we chose the ML. We also like the 10 to 15 thousand mile oil change intervals.

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  ML 350 Great value! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Chaddy75 - October 20 - 7:33 am

  Coming from two BMWs (most recent being a newer model 7 series), I was going back and forth between the X5 and ML. I decided to go with the ML since the value was much greater and I like the ML design better. Also, the standard seats on the X5 were uncomfortable. Although I am accustomed to a smooth ride, I found the ML to drive very well especially considering its an SUV. I also like how the transmission shifs so smooth. I bought the ML 350 with premium 2 pkg, parktronic, Ipod and running boards. Unlike the review from spicoli on 3/17/2008, I do have Xenon headlights, rain sensing, power tailgate, driver/passenger memory seats and rear climate control and many other cool features.

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  QUITE A SUPRISE - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By STEVE E. - October 17 - 10:00 am

  When I first started comuting in it, I was pleased with the comfortable interior. While some would like more H.P. I find it gets up & goes when entering highway traffic. I am not towing a trailer & dont feel it is underpowered for my use. Fuel milage averages 20 MPG, but 90 - 95 % of that is highway. Of course I bought it as a sport utility & have roof racks for kayacks,(noisy when hauling.) I also own a boat & constantly bring supplies back & forth, plenty of room. I like the over the head tailgate, at 61" I dont hit my head. I have gone through several vehicles in the past few years, this one will be around for a while.

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  Not just eye candy - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Cruiser - October 2 - 1:20 am

  It is a great vehicle with everything a SUV should be and then some. I have driven several SUVs, but this one lets you know the very minute you sit down in the drivers seat that perfomance and control, as well as safety, have been adressed in this vehicle. Also, the comfort and entertainment package will blow you away. In short, prepare yourself for the best.

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  The New ML - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dave Richmann - September 28 - 7:10 pm

  This new ML is entirely different than the previous model. It is smooth as glass. With a new unitized body and 7 forward gears, this car has the most car-like ride of any sport utility available today. Performance is surprisingly powerfull. Easy to drive yet rugged when it has to be. This new ML has huge interior space. Makes the RX 330 look like a Tonka-toy when you park next to one.

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  MAINTENANCE NIGHTMARE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Orlo Dietrich - September 24 - 10:00 am

  First, mine ia a 2001 model. We have had electrical problems,cooling problems, power steering problems, air bag problems, and the car is now at the dealer to have the fuel pump replaced. All in only 18 months! We live in the mountains and the 4 wheel drive system is the worst I have ever used. The worst indictment of all is that MERCEDES does not seem to care.

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  The car spoiled me - 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Blondell - September 24 - 4:56 am

  The car is very good but watch out for service and labor.

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  Somewhere between Bad and Good - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By bd - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This was my first MB and it wont be my last, but this 98 ML has tested me. The engine is flawless, as well as, the ride and handling (better than most cars). But, the minor things kill the excitement - electrical components: dash, windows, wipers. However, my service department is professional and courteous... always willing to help. Plus, the Starmark warranty is the best.

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  Nice car but many little problems. - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Fred - September 8 - 12:10 am

  The dealership is excellent and does its best, but my car had a battery drain problem that left me stranded in airport parking lots several times after long trips from Europe and Asia. After many interventions and, as long as a week at the dealership at a time, to check it out, they changed the battery. I suspect once the battery gets old it will discharge again but I only have a few months left on the lease. The car also has had small problems that should not appear on a 55K plus car.

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  mercedes 2002 m class - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By TOOTSIE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  HANDLED GREAT WAS SMOOTH WITH HARDLEY ANY EXTERIOR NOISE. CAR FELT TIGHT BUT SMOOTH AT THE SAME TIME. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS CLASSIC BUT MODERN. THIS CAR FEELS MORE LIKE A SEDAN NOT AN SUV. THIS CAR HANDLED GREAT AT HIGHER SPEED TURNS WITH OUT THE FEELING OF SWAYING OR TIPPING OVER. WAS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE DROVE AND FELT MORE LIKE AN EXPENSIVE SEDAN. RECOMMEND BUYING THIS CAR.