Mercedes Benz M-Class Review

Mercedes Benz M-Class - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Mercedes Benz M-Class ranks 3 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes Benz M-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is pricey for its class.  Still, if you’re willing to pay for it, reviewers say the M-Class offers a satisfying combination of luxury, technology and prestige.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class doesn’t rock the boat. Car and Drivercalls it “luxurious, refined, and comfortable.”  Of course, reviewers point out that the same description applies to almost every other luxury midsize SUV. So why go for the M-Class?

You certainly wouldn’t go for the M-Class because of its price.  The base ML 350’s price falls in the middle of the class.  And, for the money, you don’t even get things that many reviewers think should be standard on a luxury SUV, like leather seats. You also don’t get great fuel economy ratings. The ML 350 has a V6 engine with adequate power, but fuel economy ratings that are nothing to write home about. All-wheel drive isn’t even standard on the base model.

No, you go for the M-Class for the same reason you go for any other Mercedes: cachet. The M-Class offers many of the same features as others in the class, but adds the Mercedes name and refinement.  Though those qualities are largely intangible, reviewers say the M-Class has them in spades.

The M-Class also offers buyers a dizzying array of models to choose from.  There’s the base ML 350, diesel 350 BlueTEC, ML 450 Hybrid and ML 550, which has a powerful V8 engine. The M-Class doesn’t aim to be the most practical SUV in the class, but it does take a shot at being the most exclusive.  If you’re willing to put status before budget, reviewers say the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class won’t disappoint.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If keeping up with the Kardashians isn’t your first priority, other luxury SUVS will save you money and offer more features than the M-Class does.  The Lexus RX Hybrid, for example, has an interior that reviewers say is refined and comfortable. It also has standards like leather seating and an iPod interface.  Its starting price is lower than the ML 350’s, and it has better fuel economy ratings.

If you really need a German brand, reviewers say that the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are all better performers than most of the M-Class models.  They also all start at about the same price.  And, if you like the M-Class for its diesel and hybrid options, you can get a diesel Q7, X5 and a hybrid Cayenne.

Details: Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is pretty much the same from 2010.  There a few new handy features: Mercedes has upgraded the telematics system so owners can unlock their M-Class SUVs using an iPhone or BlackBerry.  You can also use those phones to find the M-Class in a crowded parking lot.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available in several trims: the V6-powered ML350, diesel-powered ML350 BlueTEC, ML450 hybrid, and V8-powered ML550. All trims come standard with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system except the base ML350. The performance-oriented ML63 AMG is reviewed separately.

• "Aside from around-town ride comfort that could be better, M-Class is highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive. The diesel ML320 BlueTEC promises smooth, quiet operation with excellent-for-the-class fuel economy. Despite stiff base and option prices, the M-Class is a solid overall pick." -- Consumer Guide


• "While mileage may not matter to shoppers in this price bracket -- we guess the ML450 Hybrid will be in the high-$50,000 to low-$60,000 range -- the green halo may be worth the investment, especially if it can perform as well as other M-Class models." -- Cars.com


• "First introduced as a 1998 model, the ML has morphed from a body-on-frame, truck-like SUV to a softer and plusher unit-body vehicle that is more competitive with machines like the Lexus RX." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


• "Highly improved and now with a decent record for reliability, the M-Class continues as one of the premium class acts in the SUV world." -- Arizona Republic

M-Class Performance - 7.9 (Good)

While the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class isn’t sporty, reviewers say it’s still satisfying to drive.  Power is adequate from the base engine and oozes from the V8.  While handling isn’t sharp, the ride is smooth and comfortable. Read More

M-Class Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has conservative, upscale styling.  While most reviewers don’t mention it, Car and Driver lists its “soccer-mom looks" as a low point. Read More

M-Class Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

While you’d expect a Mercedes to have a luxurious interior, to get one on the M-Class, you’re going to have to pay for it. Leather seating isn’t standard and other less-expensive SUVs have more standard features.  Still, reviewers say that when it’s well-equipped, the M-Class has a nice interior, even though they do complain about the cramped rear seat. Read More

M-Class Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

While the 2011 M-Class hasn’t been crash tested by the government yet, it’s very similar to the 2010 model, which did very well in federal government crash tests. The M-Class also features a long list of standard safety equipment, including the Pre-Safe system, which helps prepare the vehicle and passengers if it senses an impending crash. Read More

M-Class Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2011 Mercedes Benz M-Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Mercedes Benz M-Class comes with the Mercedes limitedwarranty, which runs for 48 months or 50,000 miles.