Mercedes-Benz M Class

Angular Front Exterior View - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M Class 4WD 4-door 3.5L

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Shopping for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz M Class? MSRP: $48,990 - $56,990

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In the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz saw its owners defecting to American brands. Not from its well-reviewed sedans and coupes--but to domestic SUVs, the utility vehicles not offered by the German automaker. Egged on by the success of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer, Mercedes-Benz planned its own off-road sport-ute, which made its debut in 1998--the M Class.

More than a decade later, the M Class is in its final years of the current body style, but it's still among the most desirable utes in its class. The challengers include the BMW X5, the Infiniti FX, the Volkswagen Touareg, the Porsche Cayenne, and even today's Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Officially named the ML Class, due to legal questions raised by BMW (there's the M3 and others, of course) and Infiniti (M56, anyone?), the M Class gave the automaker its foothold in the SUV market and in America. The first consumer-driven SUV for the brand--the military-derived G-Class aside--the M Class brought a luxury touch to the class, with either V-6 or V-8 engine options, a five-speed automatic, and a new type of available all-wheel drive that used anti-lock braking and not differential locks, to limit wheelslip. Diesel engines and manual transmissions were offered on European-spec vehicles, and an AMG edition, the ML 55, was added late in the first M Class' lifespan.

In its first generation, from 1998 to the 2005 model year, the M Class was a sales success. However, its quality proved to be a sore spot for customers and for the company. Built in a new factory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the M-Class was plagued by glitches and design flaws in its first few years. Some were solved with a mild reskin in 2002, but it wasn't until the company refurbished the vehicle and the plant in 2005 that its objective and subjective quality met expectations.

The second-generation M Class arrived in showrooms as a 2006 model, with a much-improved look inside and out, and more powertrain choices. With uprated V-6 and V-8 engines, the M Class also gained a new ML 63 AMG edition with even more power and acceleration than the previous sport edition. A diesel ML 320 BlueTEC was added for U.S. customers in the 2009 model year, while a new ML 450 Hybrid appeared in 2010, available only under lease.

In its new version, the M Class grew somewhat longer and cabin space improved. Quality has seen major upgrades, particularly in cabin trim and fit. While the old M Class seemed more utilitarian--in fact it was built to a cost, to compete against Explorers and Cherokees--the new version neatly compares with other upscale utes like the BMW X5.

An all-new, third-generation M Class model has been introduced for 2012. While its exterior is clearly a restrained evolution of the previous M Class models, its interior takes a somewhat new direction, adopting the gently sculpted look of Mercedes' sedan interiors. A new-generation V-6 makes 302-horsepower in the ML 350, while a revamped turbo-diesel makes 240 hp but a more relevant 455 lb-ft of torque. No compromises were made in trail prowess or towing ability, while the M Class adds a collection of safety-tech options--plus standard Attention Assist. Heated and cooled cupholders, Advanced Park Assist, and excellent Harman/Kardon sound all add to the package, making it one of the most luxurious choices for those not needing a third-row seat.

Angular Rear Exterior View - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M Class 4WD 4-door 3.5L

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