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:

• 

  A Legacy? No ... But fits me well. - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Yura83 - May 25 - 9:16 am

  05 is the last year for the truck-like frame body, as well as the 5 speed automatic trany. Performs well off- road and in snow. As most other Mercedes, the unique electronically controlled gas paddle will have you looking for others in your mirrors. Car feels somewhat rough on turns even with BAS helping out. If you like extreme ride comfort, get an s- class ... after all you are buying a truck. No 50 mpg for this baby, but not a Hummer either. Both interior and exterior features lack one or two items, but generally satisfying. Overall fun to drive, especially in blizzards. This model is sometimes known for few reliability issues, which are usually covered under warranty. Fun to drive

• 

  ML320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By PH - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Mercedes and wont be the last. Shortly after buying it my wife and kids were T-boned by another driver on my daughters passanger door. The other vehicle had to be towed away and the police told us that any other vehicle would have resulted in injury to my daughter. In the ML she was shook up but not injured as there was no intrussion to the passanger cabin dispite significant damage to the door. My wife was able to drive away. Repair was to replace the rear passanger door no damage to frame. This impressed me as to this vehicles safety.

• 

  Mercedez-Benz ML 320 - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Mike Bowling - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have thouroughly enjoyed my ML 320. I bought it used, which can be a scary thing, but have never had a problem with it. Handles very well and is fun to drive.

• 

  Better looking than 2009 model - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Bhhm - May 16 - 9:46 am

  Love the car. Got it a week ago and Im most impressed with the power under the hood. Its like taking off in an airplane, you just dont feel the transmission shifting. I took it on a 600 km trip and performed with "flying" colors in the fuel consumption department.

• 

  M.B. has lost a customer for life - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By EMILIO - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 ML-320 that was so awful the dealer gave me a great deal to get out of it into a 2000 model, which he claimed was much improved. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Among the problems were nagging Check Engine lights that came on every so often, stuttering power locks that sometimes locked and sometimes didnt, a/c which was improperly wired, center arm console which would bubble-up (was replaced three times), a/c compressor blew its fuse every so often (had to travel with spare fuses), expensive brakes that would last only about 20,000 miles, and, of course, the five times in three years the car would not start and had to be towed.

• 

  Wow!! Great SUV!! Very Happy!! - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By markss2 - May 10 - 12:36 am

  My last car was a Cayenne V6. I like the new ML much better. I cant say enough about every aspect of the car and the great dealer, MB of North Olmstead Ohio. You should be willing to travel a long long way to do business with these guys.

• 

  Mercedes ML after one year - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By David - May 9 - 12:56 am

  The ML 350 compares favorably with my old BMW X5 in comfort and design with the following exceptions: Not as sporty a ride as the X5. BMWs just drive more like sporting cars to me than Mercedes. Lack of low-end acceleration. The X5 and ML that I had are both 6-cyl models. I havent compared acceleration times but the Merc doesnt seem as quick. The new 6-sp transmission on the ML has a whine to it that can be annoying. The radio controls embedded within the nav screen on the ML are not intuitive. Poor positioning of the cruise control stalk. Ill be happy with the ML but not as happy as w/the X5. Cant wait for the reported development of the BMW X6!

• 

  Four-years this month - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Oxford15 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My wife (principle driver) loves this car; Im less enthused, but its been much more reliable than what Consumers Report would lead one to believe. Other than regular maintenance and recalls, weve had: replace the cassette deck; adjustment of door latches x2; front brake pad replacement (27K); drivers power window switch replaced. Could be better for a car at 40K miles; but could have been a lot worse.

• 

  ML-350 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Debhazz - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive and classy style. I chose the Bordeaux Red & really like it as it is not a color I see often. My only complaints are the gas mileage and the rear loading cd player. Impressive vehicle. Plan to keep it many years.

• 

  WHY CANT THEY FIX THE SMALL STUFF - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By VeryVeryDisappointed - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Squeaks abound and other noises appear from no where. There is not even 1,500 miles on the vehicle yet! Several electerical problems and MB Doesnt even respond! ITS A LEMON!