Name: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$9,150 - $15,050

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW X6

$9,125 - $12,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac SRX

$6,725 - $9,025

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti FX

$8,250 - $11,825

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Land Rover Range Rover

$7,125 - $13,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus RX

$11,600 - $12,600

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus RX Hybrid

$11,600 - $12,600

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKX

$8,200 - $8,950

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Porsche Cayenne

$9,425 - $15,975

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3-liter V6 turbodiesel (240 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (302 hp)
4.6-liter V8 turbo (402 hp)
5.5-liter V8 turbo (518 hp)

7-speed automatic

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

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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.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2012 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2012 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings