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Mercedes-Benz M-Class

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$3,700 - $4,450

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

A breakthrough design when it came out in 1997, at this point the M-Class SUV had been surpassed by several newer competitors. Still, the interior is comfortable and roomy. Both the V6 and V8 are powerful engines and handling is secure. But in ride comfort, interior noise, and the placement of some controls, the M-Class was showing its age. Reliability was a sore spot from day-one.

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2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

$3,700 - $4,450
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EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,325 - $3,850
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EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
4WD
Engines Available
  • 3.2-liter V6 (215 hp)
  • 5-liter V8 (288 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 (342 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2012-
Current Generation

The 2012 redesign was a significant improvement. The SUV became quick and very refined, in addition to quiet and well finished. Handling is responsive, but steering is a little vague at the ML's cornering limits. Towing capacity is impressive. A turbodiesel V6 is also available, as is a high-performance AMG version. Some controls are improved, but others are still complicated. As of 2015, available safety equipment for all versions include crosswind assist, collision prevention assist, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assist. The 2016 models got a nomenclature change to GLE.

2006-2011
2006 Redesign Year
The M-Class has a roomy interior with seating for five and lots of cargo room. You could always count on the ML to ride and handle relatively well, but some interior materials were flimsy. The 2006 redesign brought more powerful V6 and V8 engines, a much better interior, and a seven-speed automatic -- one that sometimes hesitated to shift. Controls are confusing. Some drivers consistently mistook the cruise-control lever with the turn-signal stalk. Other ergonomic gripes include dash illumination controls that require reaching through the steering wheel.
1998-2005
1998 Redesign Year

Introduced for 1998, the M-Class is built in Alabama. The initial model was the ML320, powered by a 3.2-liter V6. A V8-powered ML430 debuted for 1999, and a high-performance ML55 was introduced for 2000. The M-Class has a fully independent suspension and a full-time 4WD system. The ML320 we tested in 1998 rode and handled well. It has unusually roomy seating for five and lots of cargo room. Six-cylinder fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size and weight. The V8s are stronger but thirsty.