Overview & Reviews

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class gets a face-lift that includes a new front and rear bumper design, a new grille and redesigned headlights. Inside, updates include redesigned climate control buttons, a new optional rear-seat entertainment system and the latest version of Mercedes' COMAND system, which includes Bluetooth phone connectivity.

In addition, last year's diesel-powered ML320 CDI model has been replaced by the ML320 Bluetec (which boasts a cleaner-burning fuel technology). For those who don't need all-wheel drive, wouldn't mind saving a few thousand dollars at purchase time and appreciate its slightly better fuel mileage, Mercedes now offers a rear-wheel-drive ML350.

• Wide range of engines, comfortable for five, high-quality interior materials and construction, many updated entertainment and communications features.

• Regular V6 is short on low-end torque, no third-row seat option, expensive for its segment.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 23.00

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  Very finicky car - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By victor - July 6 - 7:00 am

  Like many German cars, this has its quirks. The navigation is tough to get used to, but thats not whats most curious about this car: at elevation about 10,000 feet, the nav shuts off! It displays a warning and becomes inoperable. Mercedes says it affects so few people that they wont fix it. So if you drive in the mountains a lot (we live in Colorado) and want to use this car in high elevations, keep this in mind. As importantly, keep in mind that Mercedes refuses to spend the time reprogramming the nav systems. Maybe they outsourced that part to Japan...

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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.

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  If you never thought an SUV was for you: - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By GreenDiesel - January 17 - 8:30 am

  If you never thought an SUV was for you, add the 2009 MB 320 BlueTech diesel to your list because it handles very well, has lots of room inside, is safe, lots of TORQUE and is economical mileage-wise. I have observed 22 MPG city stop/go driving.With the most conservative driving style Ive observed 30 MPG highway driving in an SUV not in an economy car! Be gentle on the throttle when pulling away from stop lights and use cruise control on the highway. The turning circle radius is good and the steering for tight parking is very easy to maneuver. The front and rear parktronic option is a must. The styling of the redesigned model is a huge improvement. Very masculine. Highly recommended

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  Clean, efficient, large - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MS - December 31 - 5:53 pm

  Purchase this since we needed something relatively large - but were very concerned about getting a gas guzzler SUV. So far, so good - this SUV is a great solution. Getting 24+ on the highway and plenty of room and comfort. No quality issues so far, but it hasnt been long - initial build quality seems outstanding.

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  Style, Performance & Comfort. Best Combo - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By plasty - August 20 - 12:00 pm

  Absolutely impressed with the performance and handling. The styling is aggressive, but tasteful. The acceleration is excellent for a rather heavy "small" SUV. Steering is elegant and smooth. Shifting is excellent. A bit sluggish on an uphill during hwy cruise, but if you push on the gas it responds nicely. The nav is typical of European cars, however, it is functional and one should not be too picky. Likewise, the turn signal is a little lower on the stalk, but takes 15 min to get used to it. The gear shift is great. Electronic shift is great. All said, a definite buy!

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  Love this car - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Car_Guy - November 29 - 5:50 pm

  Just bought the ML350 4Matic - I love this car. Im over 6feet tall and this car is the only crossover thats built for tall people. Looks sexy and drives great - what more can you ask for.

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  Surprisingly satisfied with new ML350 - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By skytop - September 1 - 1:20 am

  I was all ready to purchase the larger GL SUV but this ML350 offered far easier driving/maneuvering plus good MPG while still providing excellent interior space. I have enjoyed this vehicle and have become aclimated to peculiarities such as low indicator location and overly complex button crazed Command system. Push the dash info button and even without the NAV turned on, the car displays the street, town and heading you are driving on. Neat. Handling, suspension is sophisticated. Loaded with 700# of big people (4), the 350 drove virtually the same as if unladen. It didnt even squat as my previous big GM SUV did when loaded. MPG has been the big surprise. It gets 17/23.

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  gas guzzler - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By road rat - November 29 - 1:33 pm

  I liked the 2006 ML so much I got a 2009 ML when my lease was up. The 2009 gas mileage averages around 10mpg in the city and 15mpg on the hwy. Compared to 15mpg in city and 22 mpg that i got with the 2006. The handling on the 2006 was great and fun to drive, the 2009 doesnt have steering with as much feel, it feels more like a bus. No feedback. I think the steering wheel is also bigger in this year but not sure. THe fake leather seats do not compare to the comfort of the leather seats i had previously. THe rear bumper design with the color coating is really dumb but a good way for the dealers to make extra money when you turn in the car. It scratches easily

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  Lovin it - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jay - October 19 - 5:36 am

  Just picked up the ML for my wife. We looked at the X5, Q7 and the MDX. The ML interior is great compared to the others. The ride is fantastic! I believe that whatever issues this car had previously-they have corrected. My wife is in heaven. She loves the seats and says they are the most comfortable she has ever had. The ride is very quiet and the handling is smooth. We are very happy with our choice.

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  Not for family of 4 with kids - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MIBluetec - July 26 - 9:13 pm

  We bought the Bluetec for the fuel economy and the exterior styling. Little did we know that it is not designed for tall or larger people. I weigh 210lbs and 511" tall so I am not big. It is very uncomfortable to come in and out of the drivers seat. With the seat back, my kid does not have leg room from his car seat. I move the seat forward and have to drive uncomfortably. The rear entertainment is mounted very poorly in the back that my 4 year old has bumped his head hard 3-4 times. I do not recommend it for family of 4 with kids. With the 2 car seats, it is very difficult to seat 5. THe fuel economy is averaging around 24mpg which is not bad. Diesel is sufficient for daily drive.