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Mercedes-Benz M-Class - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ranks 7 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 64 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If you can afford the high sticker price, the M-Class won't disappoint. It comes with a spacious interior and plenty of modern amenities - though it still doesn't match the base power or reliability of competitors. New for 2010 is a gas-electric hybrid model, the ML450, which goes on sale in late 2009.

The few reviewers who have driven the new hybrid are impressed with its smooth ride and excellent fuel economy. At 21/24 mpg city/highway, it's one of the most fuel efficient luxury SUVs on the market. "Unlike some hybrids, including a Cadillac Escalade two-mode hybrid that we drove recently, the ML450 has a natural-feeling brake pedal, with little to no sponginess and predictable response," says Automobile Magazine. "Steering feel seems normal. Acceleration is very brisk, and the interplay between the gasoline engine and the electric motor is virtually undetectable. In short, this hybrid SUV drives pretty much like its non-hybrid sibling."

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available in several trims: the V6-powered ML350, diesel-powered ML350 BlueTEC (formerly the ML320), ML450 hybrid, V8-powered ML550, and the ultra-performance ML63 AMG.

• "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
• "The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid is the German automaker's first production gas-electric hybrid, with a dual-mode system that matches exceptional power and torque with relatively good fuel economy. The dual-mode system was developed in partnership with BMW, Chrysler and General Motors, and is similar in concept to the system used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid." -- Edmunds
• "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)

Reviewers generally praise the driving feel of the Mercedes M-Class, which boasts the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission in an SUV. "Aside from squishy brake feel, the ML's road manners are predictable and hard to criticize, albeit a bit deliberate," says Car and Driver. Test drivers also have positive things to say about the new ML450 hybrid and diesel-powered ML320 BlueTEC models. Read More

M-Class Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2010 M-Class receives positive comments regarding its exterior, which got updated styling last year. "Outside, the design gets a little curvier, especially around the front grille. The look is more menacing and more organic," says Cars.com. The new hybrid model looks the same as the gasoline-powered models and is only differentiated by special badging. Read More

M-Class Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The M-Class' five-seat interior is a high point -- spacious, comfortable and luxurious. "Inside, the ML is available with richer materials, including full leather stitching for the dash," says Automobile Magazine of last year's interior upgrades. "There's a new steering wheel, a new seat design, and, more important, the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz's telematics system, including the logical Comand interface that debuted on the S-class. Hurray for that." Read More

M-Class Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Mercedes M-Class does very well in federal government crash tests. It 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 - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 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 M-Class comes with the Mercedes limited warranty, which runs for 48 months or 50,000 miles. Read More