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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  2006 ML350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jdgreav es - July 24 - 11:30 pm

  This model is much improved over the 2004 ML350 that I previously owned. This is my 5th ML and is far superior to previous models.

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  Great Handling SUV, Some Big Nits - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Barry - July 20 - 3:10 am

  My 2007 ML 500 is the best handling and riding SUV I have been in. Really enjoyable to drive, corners extremely well. Seats are really comfortable. Cargo space is pretty roomy. Biggest complaint is delay in acceletration: Car "jumps" after 1 sec or so delay when stepping on the gas. Gas mileage is terrible. Also the automatic tailgate only goes about 3/4 of the way up, and so if you dont remember to push it the rest of the way up with your hand, you will bang your head on it if you are more than about 5 10"(which I have done about 100 times). Final complaint is navigation is very hard and slow to program, especially if you are in a hurry.

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  Best SUV for its class - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Thuan - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall I enjoyed the vehicle though I do a lot of highway miles and I think its great for any long trip because it rides like a seden.

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  its been great - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By katana1127 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  bought brand new and my 2nd ml320. no major issues so far, handles great rain or snow. would buy another.

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  My Problems- Disappointments - 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By purple1447 - July 10 - 6:30 am

  Just to share my story. I purchased a ML350 SUV in 2013. Nice looking vehicle and I was ready to enjoy. Well, here is what happened. First, I had a problem with the drivers seat. They fixed that after two tries. I did hate to complain, but the vehicle cost a lot of money. Second problem. I have a noise somewhere near the steering wheel and tires. It sound like a screw was loose and the vehicle could come apart, or at least the front part. I took the vehicle in, the man said it was ok. NO. NO. I went back a week later and they kept it for 12 days. They say it was a coupling near the steering whell and the bushing. Well, they fixed that too. Still, the problem is not completely fixed.

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  Best SUV I have ever driven! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Purple-Ginger - July 6 - 5:36 pm

  Have had the car for couple of months now. Great power under the hood - the turbo really makes a difference. The fuel economy is excellent. Once you get the hang of it you can get about 32MPG highway and about 20 city - I get about 25-26MPG for 50-50 city/highway. Not bad for an SUV with this size an power. Cant mention enough about the torque! All in all the best SUV I have driven (compared to Lexus, BMW models). Have taken it to the mountains - starts with ease and pure pleasure to drive up hill - gasoline engines are no match to the power!!!

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  Over 20 visits to dealer in 24 months - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Sad in St. Louis - July 4 - 2:00 am

  What a sincere disappointment this vehicle has been. After having everything from pieces falling off of the inside to the car stalling out while driving, not to mention the week we couldnt get it to go into reverse causing us to cancel our vacation...the Merecedes area rep hung up on me when I asked if they could do anything to help us out since apparently we had a problem vehicle. Doesnt that make you feel good about dealing the the company? When it drives, we love the car but since it isnt that often...well, we are looking into something else for our next car.

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  the best choice - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By johnmb - July 3 - 8:47 am

  For a pre-owned SUV, there is probably no vehicle available for the money that provides the overall features including impressive fuel economy, style and useful utility. This 2007 includes all of todays competitor’s features that I wanted including Blue tooth, Navigation, Satellite and I-pod integration. It simply can’t be beat. Overall handling is great, it’s very smooth and quiet however the engine doesn’t have the ‘snap’ off the line that would make it superb. I don’t have much positive to say about the stalk style gear selector. It’s odd at best and in my opinion further compromises any sport feel to the interior working the controls. Also, you have to get used to putting it into Park with the only assurance being the ‘bing’ sound rather than any true visual reassurance that a shift lever shows. All in all, it’s a great car for a great value delivering a combination of desirable qualities.

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  The Ultimate Luxury SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By HCJ3 - June 30 - 4:36 am

  This is the best luxury SUV on the market. My wife and I each bought the 2007 ML 350. Ride quality is the best. It handles well. The visibility is the best. It is a platinum class driving experience in a luxury SUV. Everything is well thought out. Everthing works well. You cant wait to drive this SUV each day. It handles any driving experience. It is far superior than the the new BMW X5. The Comand system is the best. The navigation is easy and works better than any on the market. All of the controls are well thought out. Everything is integrated. The option packages make this SUV unlike any on the market. Test drive them all. This is the the one you will buy.

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  Nice car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By drjay71 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, amazing luxury, solid feel