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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  Best of 16 Vehicle Ive owned. - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By GinJersey - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Of the 16 vehicles (cars, vans, SUVs) Ive owned, this has the best value and utility. I have over 48,000 miles, and although there have been some minor problems with the rear seat, the over- all performance and use-ability of this vehicle is great. There is lots of room, great visibility, enough power to pass trucks and great braking. I have never driven a vehicle with more "sure- footedness". I am never fearfull in the rain or snow. The comfort level is very good, and I get 20 MPG over-all (22 highway).

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  Merc + suck - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Flipp Wilson - November 29 - 10:00 am

  So I bought this mint used 430 with 16,000 miles on it and boy was i burned. Been in the shop 7 times in 6 months. Door latchs, window lifts, winshield washers, seats, mirrors, electronics, on and on. What an idiot for thinking mercedes meant a solidly built car.

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  Dont buy one - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By millerp - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The build quality and reliabilty is terrible. I have never owned a car or truck this bad.

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  Id buy another - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By don831 - November 24 - 11:10 pm

  I love this truck. I have put 100,000 miles on over the last 5 years with minimal maintenance. Typically get 21-23 mpg hwy/ 15-16 in town. Not bad for a 6,000lb truck. Down side is brakes! Mercedes recommends changing pads and rotors, very pricey and they wear very fast. I would buy another in a heartbeat, but this one may not wear out.

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  good car - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mycar43 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car as an executive car with 6000. miles on it. I really like the car however it has been back to the dealer at least 4x since purchased. seat belts always hang when released this has caused many dents in my door jam from the kids closing the doors with the seat belt hanging in the door jam. many cracks in the interior panels which service replaced, glove compartment door broke, as well as problems with the drivers side window not working.

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Vicki - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first Benz and positively my last. The SUV in general was pretty good until a couple of months later after I purchased it (brand new) Its been a nightmare since then. Something had to be fixed every now and then,at least 3-4 times a year.When it was still under warranty,it wasnt a big deal. Then big things started breaking after the warranty expired. I can now say its a piece of junk. My 2 Lexus RX 330s and a Nissan pathfinder in the past had not been in the shop for repairs collectively as my ML was. Finally got rid of it and traded it for an Infiniti. Whew! what a relief.

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  Exterior design does it for ML350 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mike sab - November 8 - 1:46 pm

  Hands down rides much nicer than BMW X5. Needs leather standard on a vehicle of this caliber. Brakes are a little mushy if I had to complain at all.

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  ML550 - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By nelson - October 30 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car 11/29/08 with 10 miles.This is the best car I have driven to date. The ride is smooth, excellent for long trips. Control and nav are relatively easy to use, not complex as some indicated. This is my first MB. I have 1200 miles on it so far so its too early to assess its reliability. I absolutely love this car so far.

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  I love my Mercedes - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Nathan - October 29 - 6:40 pm

  Although I only purchased this vehicle one month ago I have been out on two road trips (over hill and dale) of 600 miles or more each. I have owned a number of quality vehicles over the past 35 years and SUVs in particular for the past 7 years. I have found the ML320 CDI Turbo Diesel to be far superior in every category to our 2000 Toyota 4 Runner Limited (gold edition).

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  Unreliable M - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By DisappointedMFan - October 29 - 3:36 pm

  Just got my 2007 ML350 less than a month ago, and I am already experiencing problem with the vehicle. The passenger seat gets soaking wet everytime after a carwash. After taking the car to the dealership, I found out the seal on the windshield was not tight enough and the water was accumalated down through the side door and squirt it to the seat. They have to end up taking the windshield off and reseal the leak. I have not had any carwash since I got the car back, and I will keep you all posted. For the money I paid for this truck, it was sure a big disappointment. No wonder the consumer report rated the ML350 as the most unreliable SUV in its class this year.