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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  ML 320 2000 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Kar56 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Love it all the way for comfort , style and performance. Feels solid

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  Engine noise on warm startup - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ml350owner - August 28 - 2:46 pm

  Hi , I read many reviews or complaints regarding the famous engine noise or knocking that lasts 2-3 seconds only on warm start up after the car has sat for 1-2 hours but not completely cooled yet.I believe I have the explanation for it since I had the same thing in my old 1991 E260, simply the problem is that mercedes uses an oil pressurized system for the variable camshaft timing of the valves, there is different setups for cold or warm start guided by the car computer, in cold start system is fully drained but pressure not needed in that system for cold cam timing, in immediate restart system still fully oil pressurized so no noise, in between u hear the noise, no effect on engine life :-)

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  Still a Tank; interior falling apart - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mags3333 - August 27 - 3:03 am

  Our ML320 is a tank. Its been serviced well & have had no reliability issues. But, the electrical problems. These repairs cost **$$$$** so we have lived with them. Odometer light went out, radio has to be manually turned off/on, gas mileage tracker quit working. Once, when it was parked out in the rain, it freaked out & the interior lights and whistles went off and flashed until we turned the car off. We park it in the garage now. A life saver in the snow - the four wheel drive was awesome (live in FL now - its awesome on soft beach sand). We need a third row, though. The children are going to kill or maim each other soon in that back seat. We are trading it in soon.

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  Expensive. Not worth it! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By j - August 26 - 4:40 am

  Purchased this as a Starmarked vehicle with extended warranty. Have had more problems and needed repairs for a vehicle that cost as much as this did. Brakes have a squeal that our current dealer has checked at least 3 times and claim that nothing is wrong. Had the glue on the doors melt onto the windows. Now have multiple broken gadgets. Windshield wiper fluid tubes are rotten. I dont open the sunroof anymore because there is a suspicious cracking noise when it opens. The front seals at the windows are degrading, leaking water with rainshowers. Time to get a new car. Never again a Mercedes.

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  Kinks to work out - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AndyT - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Finally after 2 1/2 years of trips to the repair shop, I finally gave up on my ML. 12 trips to the shop for 8 different reasons and I finally had enough. The last straw was getting stranded by a fuel pump failure. All items were covered under the warranty but for $40,000 I at least want a car that runs for a couple of years before mechanical failures set in.

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  Mercedes SUV - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jill - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd Mercedes SUV. Previously purchased same model in 1998. The 2002 had many improvements and enhanced comfort ... great vehicle that I would recommend to anyone!

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  Mercedes SUV - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jill - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd Mercedes SUV. Previously purchased same model in 1998. The 2002 had many improvements and enhanced comfort ... great vehicle that I would recommend to anyone!

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  48,000 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By malexgcab - August 19 - 11:36 am

  Bought the car with 35K miles. The ESP is great, you dont even feel it engaging. Seats are too stiff and lots of plastic. Steering feels heavy. Replaced all 4 rotors and pads for under $400, very easy-did it myself. Our Honda Pilot and Acura MDX beats the comfort factor and drivability but I feel very secure with ML specially when raining and snowing.

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  My first Benz - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BGD82 - August 15 - 1:40 am

  I recently purchased my first Mercedes- Benz, a black 00 ML320 with 48,000 miles. I get a lot of weird looks from other ML drivers, as Im only 21 years old, but nonetheless, I love my car! It rides very smoothly and Ive got a great view of the road. The only gripes I have: 1) vehicle was leaking oil a couple of days after I purchased it; the problem was a leaky crankshaft seal and a bad crankshaft pulley, which I was told by the technician was a common problem with the V6 motor. 2) the liftgate rattles when I drive over any bump, and sounds horrible when I close it. Otherwise, its a great car to drive.

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  Sexy Beast - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By AMGNUZI - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The ML55 AMG is a "Sexy Beast". It is faster than 90%of the cars on the road. Its a fuel hunger SUV; But What would you expect for a 342 HP SUV? Its a rocket launcher! I love everything about my silver bullet.