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Mercedes-Benz M-Class

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
Average Retail Price
$8,950 - $15,950

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The revamped M-Class is a refined vehicle with an impressively quiet cabin, meticulous fit and finish, as well as excellent seats. Combined, these elements provide a luxurious atmosphere. Handling is responsive, but let down by vague steering and an unimpressive showing at its cornering limits. Ride is supple, if a bit firm. The standard V6 eagerly serves up smooth acceleration and yields 18 mpg, not bad for a vehicle of its size and weight. Some controls improved with the redesign, but others remain complicated. Towing capacity is generous. Engine choices include a turbocharged V6 and a 518-hp AMG V8.

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2013 SUVs Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

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

Crash Tests

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

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
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

$8,975 - $16,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,075 - $11,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,825 - $8,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,400 - $11,800
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,850 - $15,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 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)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-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.