Mercedes-Benz M Class

Overview: Is the Mercedes-Benz M Class a Good Car?

Debuting in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz M Class helped launch the luxury SUV craze and set the standard for other automakers. Not only does this vehicle have premium furnishings like other Mercedes-Benz models, but it also has off-road capability. Like many older luxury vehicles, repair costs and reliability are the major concerns with buying a used Mercedes-Benz M Class. In 2016, the company switched from the ML label for the M Class to the GLE designation.

Note: equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Mercedes-Benz M Class cars for sale.

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Key Features

The Mercedes-Benz M Class has:

• Standard rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (4matic)
• Availability of high-performance AMG variants
• numerous gas engine options (Diesel/Bluetec and hybrid choices for some years)
• Extensive list of upgrade packages and individual options

Trims

Mercedes has used a dizzying array of names to denote the different trims of the M Class SUV. Common designations for 2015 and older M Class trims include ML 250, ML 320, ML 350, ML 550, ML 55, and ML 63 AMG. Newer models use GLE 300, GLE 350, GLE 400, GLE 450, GLE 550, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, and AMG GLE 63.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Befitting most Mercedes with a high price tag, the M Class features a premium cabin highlighted by MB-Tex (leatherette) or leather upholstery and refined accents. Meanwhile, a tall greenhouse gives the interior a spacious and accommodating feeling.

Infotainment is handled through the COMMAND or MBUX (2020+) system, while advanced driver aids like automatic emergency braking have been available or standard since the 2011 model year.

Cargo capacity for the M Class varies by generation, but the latest (fourth) generation has 74.9 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and 33.3 cubic feet after the second row.

How It Drives

The M Class SUV’s tall roofline and raised height give drivers a commanding view of their surroundings; it’s noticeable immediately when getting behind the wheel. Bulkier proportions also mean this Mercedes doesn’t handle like a sedan or sports car, but driving is still engaging, particularly if there’s a V8 under the hood.

Safety

Mercedes-Benz (and parent Daimler AG) has long made a point of emphasizing safety in its marketing, especially so with a family-oriented vehicle like the M Class. Although not every model year has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every analysis resulted in five-star ratings. This SUV does equally well in testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with all model years since 2016 receiving a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Reviews

Mercedes Benz M Class reviews are mixed. Wearing the ML label, consumers rate this vehicle a 4.1-4.6 (out of 5.0) via Kelley Blue Book, with comfort and convenience being their favorite characteristics. Under the GLE nameplate, favorability drops to 3.7, with value and quality being particular areas of concern. Owner comments on Reddit regularly discuss M Class reliability and problematic years.

RELATED: Are Mercedes-Benz Cars Reliable?

FAQs

What is the M Class in Mercedes-Benz?

The Mercedes-Benz M Class is a midsized luxury SUV that sits between the smaller GLC and larger GLS in the company’s current lineup.

Is the Mercedes M Class discontinued?

No. Before the 2016 model year, M Class models wore an ML label, while newer examples have a GLE badge. The GLK is a smaller Mercedes luxury SUV that was canceled after 2015.

How much is the Mercedes M-Class in the US?

New Mercedes Benz GLE models start around $63,000, while prices for used examples can vary significantly. The more compact GLB begins at $40,000, while the big brother GLS goes for $87,000 or more. The G-Class or Geländewagen starts at $140,000. Mercedes AMG versions of these vehicles add to the sticker price.

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