Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 4MATIC SUV Shown

Since the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, many other premium automakers have entered the midsize luxury SUV market. Despite Mercedes' efforts, however, the original truck-based M-Class began to show its age against better-dressed and more refined car-based crossover SUV rivals. After eight years on the same aging platform, Mercedes finally reached for a much-needed clean sheet of paper for the second-generation M-Class, which debuted for the 2006 model year. The latest M-Class is roomy, powerful and packed with upscale features.

Though it has less ground clearance than the original, the current M-Class' unibody chassis is also stiffer, lighter and better able to deliver the ride quality expected of a vehicle intended primarily for use on pavement. It also boasts a remarkably high-quality interior. There are many worthy competitors in the premium SUV segment, but if you can stomach the latest M-Class' high price, we think it remains worthy of strong consideration. Older M-Class models don't come as highly recommended.

Current Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a five-passenger luxury SUV. Trim levels include the ML320 Bluetec with a 50-state-legal turbodiesel V6, ML350 with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the ML550 with a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. If you're looking to spice things up, you can also choose a fuel-slurping 503-hp ML63 AMG high-performance version. The diesel ML320 delivers 210 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque, doesn't cost too much more than the ML350 and promises highway fuel economy in the mid-20s.

The M-Class SUVs come standard with full-time four-wheel drive (except for the base rear-wheel-drive ML350), automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, the COMAND interface and a six-CD/DVD changer. A hard-drive-based navigation system with upgraded COMAND is optional. Available features across the lineup include an air suspension with adaptive damping, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rear climate controls and a rear-seat entertainment system. The ML63 AMG adds unique styling elements and performance-oriented mechanical bits along with its larger engine.

In reviews, our editors have found that the current Mercedes-Benz M-Class imparts a feeling of solidity. With the optional air-spring suspension, the ride quality is impressively supple. Behind the wheel one will find plenty of room and excellent support from the premium multicontour seats. If cost is no object, the M-Class should be high on your list.

Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class Models

The present second-generation M-Class was introduced for 2006 in ML350 and ML500 trims. The ML500 was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 302 horsepower. The ML320 CDI and ML63 AMG arrived the next year, with the former offering a diesel engine similar in output to the current Bluetec but without California emissions approval. The ML550 became the standard V8 model for 2008, replacing the ML500. Model year 2009 saw the advent of the ML320 Bluetec and the base rear-wheel-drive ML350, as well as a face-lift front and rear and an available updated COMAND system with Bluetooth phone connectivity.

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 slotted in above the ML320, featuring a larger 3.7-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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.