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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  ML350 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Sebastian - May 21 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased a new 2007 ML350 in April with the Premimum II and heating packages. I think the front and rear heated seats and heated steering wheel will come in handy this winter. It is alabaster white and has the sport package chrome accents and chrome running boards)with the 19 inch Rukbat six twin spoke wheels, chrome door inserts, etc. The car is a blast to drive and has plenty get up and go. It will corner and stop on a dime. It gets great gas mileage for the type of vehicle it is, and is a definite eye catcher. I have had many compliments on it. It is my first Mercedes, but not likely my last.

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  Better Luck Last Year - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By KL - May 19 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 1999, then a 2002 ML 320. We set our hopes too high for the 2006. So far we have been less than satisfied. It has been the shop for erratic transmission shifting in stop and go traffic, and the transmission is noisy when shifting into park, reverse etc. Lots of plastic, you can see the Chrysler influence. No additional storage under seats. On the open road, the ride is smooth and more quiet than previous models. Hope they figure it out because the overall design is great. I should have kept the the 02 at least until they worked out the kinks. Although, we may have a lemon on our hands.

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  Good overall, but expect a bouncy ride - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By John C. - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Traveling in my ML 320 at 65 mph over a rough stretch of freeway is a very bumpy experience. The bumpy ride makes the entire back end of my ML 320 rattle and shake. This effect is unnerving at times. On smooth road surfaces, my ML 320 is a very nice riding SUV. Would I buy another ML 320? Probably not.

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  Best mid-size SUV on market - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BEN-Z - May 14 - 12:30 am

  The rumor is true, when you buy a Mercedes you expect nothing less than the best in everything; and that is what you get. 2003 ml350 w/ sport and comfort pkgs. Cant say enough good things about the car, gets better gas milage than expected! Truely the classiest yet most fun to drive SUV on the market. There is definately a reason the star turns heads no I know why! All of our expectations were met. Sincerely, Extremely Pleased Mercedes-Benz owner

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  Thought it would be better - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lbf - May 8 - 10:30 am

  Great car until it hit 107,000. New power steering pump $1000. Next month emmission air pump $1400. Drove it 4 miles check engine light came on again. Must clean engine vents. Maybe cleaned externaly for $650. If that does not work - $2000+. m selling the car. Lots of little stuff goes wrong.

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  ML500 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jagvinder Singh - May 5 - 12:40 am

  The ride is very smooth. Its very spacious fon the inside. Its easy to park, and/or able to be u-turned in a small space. It doesnt run, but instead flies, while kissing the road. Its a must-have toy, though it gives only 20.5 mpg on the highway.

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  Awsome ML320 y2000 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Doug Thomas - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This SUV (2000) is by far the most outstanding vehicle in the SUV class. I have been in, driven, and tested others both on and off road. The ML320 has the most outstanding combination of off- road and on-road, convenience, safty, and comfort. Did I mention safty? The ESP is awsome and has proven itself to me (no details). Everything in this vehicle is quality. From the wheels to the door knobs. The electronics are also awsome and never fail. kudos...

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  Fine looking piece of junk! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By steve - April 2 - 9:20 pm

  This cars exceptional styling belies the fact that just about everything that could go wrong with it will! It regularly goes into the shop with the unexpected. Brakes lasted less than 1 year. Transmission dealybop less than 3 months. Many more repairs----all costly. Never buy this car without an extended warranty!

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  Cant believe made such a costly mistake - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By dontuknome - April 2 - 1:10 pm

  Well when we took it for a test drive before buying was kind of impressed. Probably the feeling of "Mercedes" took over. But after about a month since we bought it, started hearing squeaky sounds from the back. Cant even pinpoint where they are coming from but surely while driving can here them. It has just about 800 miles. Cant imagine what it would be after few thousand miles... If I had the extra dough would have preferred BMW..

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  Problems - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By merc5 - April 1 - 6:11 am

  I have had this vehicle for 2 years and 5 months. Service has just finished replacing all of the front end bushings without an apparent cause for wear. 29522 miles of almost all highway miles and good roads. No off roading. After one year my gas gauge started malfunctioning. Service had to drop the tank and replace one gauge. I had a 2000ML with various problems including the same gauge issue. Nine years later and still issues that should never have happened. Mercedes service has been very good but none of these things should happen. Integrity is lacking. Too high a price to spend the time in service for things that should not fail so quickly. Transmission could shift a lot smoother.