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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  My favorite vehicle in 35 years - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Denver commuter - July 31 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my 04 ML350 in june 05 with 18,000 miles on it. I commute about 50 miles per day. Ive taken it on about 6 long-distance road trips too. 107,000 miles as of March 10 It is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Poor MPG (avg. 17.5). Wears out tires every 25,000 mi. Best mechanical reliability Ive ever had, despite chronic "clunking" tranny on downshift from day one. I spent $1500 and many dealer visits trying to get that fixed to no avail. Interior plastic skirts around front seats broke early on from pressure of sitting. Coating on all dark exterior metal rapidly deteriorated. I would buy another one if they still made them.

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  a nice suv, poor gas mileage - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By roblewis635 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The m-class benz is a stylish, comfortable, and reliable suv with two draw backs. The draw backs are gas mileage and the location of the cd player in the cargo area. It is an attention getter, if that is what you want in a vehicle. You probably wont go off roading in it. But it even with the draw back it is still one of the suvs for the money.

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  Everything we wanted! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By G8TORLENNY - July 29 - 4:20 am

  We ordered the vehicle in May, and got the first 2008 into the dealership! Have nav, keyless go, heated seats, and much more. Have 500 miles so far and the car is so extremely quiet I cant beleiev it is a diesel. Cant wait to take a road trip. Build quality is excellent. This is our first MB and we have owned several Bimmers. Thrilled with the decision!

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  Much improved over 2000 year - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Rob Schlein - July 24 - 2:36 am

  Had an ML in 1999 and 2000. 1999 was noisy, and 2000 had many electrical problems. However, I needed the space so I tried the 2002 after I heard it was much more reliable. It has been! Great car.

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  Avoid this thing - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jch - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Poor design and poor execution sum it up. Transmission shifts roughly and balks at downshifts, rear seats impossible to get up, windows very slow to raise, CD changer rarely works right, HVAC doesnt like to change temps, very uneven and wobbly ride which is incredibly tiring, tiny gas tank in a gas guzzler, etc. etc. etc......

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  Not Happy - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MNK - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I am not happy with the vehicle. It started rattling noises after just first month and since then has been to the dealership for almost 7 times. Those noises are still there and they have been unable to properly identify the problem. The opinion is that this is normal to have it in suv.

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  A luxury and fun to drive SUV - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By a women driver - July 14 - 1:16 pm

  I have close to 70,000 miles on this ML55 and I didnt have any problems with it. Very fine detail in the leather interior front seats, lots of punch in the engine when you need it most, and the transmission has very smooth shifting. Brakes are great but make sure you use ceramic pads or the wheels will get dirty. Anyone who wants performance will have to pay for it at the pump so dont think its free. If you drive expensive cars youll pay for it. Im very happy, Its an A+.

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  ML500 4X4AWD - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By JHWII - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle for my mother. She feels very safe in the ML and loves the ease of Entry and Exit. At 74 who gives a rip about gas mileage. You cant take it with you! Your kids will have fun after your gone!!

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  As good as it gets . . . - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MT Seats - July 12 - 10:50 am

  Im now 2.5 years into this vehicle and its a real keeper. Typical German performance and the diesel is simply awesome. Cant understand why anyone would settle for gasoline version of this. It performs as well as most sedans and easily pulls my 4,000 lb. boat!! Moreover, 25 miles to the gallon running at over 600 miles per tank - are you kidding me? No, Im not.

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  ML 500 Inspiration Edition - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dan Steinborn - July 3 - 2:43 am

  We bought this SUV new (it is our first, and only, SUV). It has always been very reliable and has provided us with the hauling capacity we needed (moving household goods and garden supplies). It has been comfortable on trips and for in city driving. Fuel economy is not this models forte--its a heavy vehicle with a large engine. Even though we are light footed, our in city fuel economy has always been between 12 and 13 MPG.