Mercedes-Benz M-Class road tests and consumer car reviews

Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML280 Sport 2008

Best car I’ve owned, good ride on UK’s terrible roads. Gives 30mpg on average and 35mpg on motorways at 70mph on cruise control. Only complaint is tyres only give 14,000 miles on average. No major mechanical problems or breakdowns, just routine services. Would buy the new ML in 2012 which looks better still!

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 63 AMG 2011

Greatest $90,000 I have ever spent and this is my 3rd AMG model. If you don’t have an AMG, you’re missing out on the performance and luxury.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 sport 2006

I had this car near on 6 years now, from new and had quite a few failures costing a lot at Merc dealerships. The fuel gauge failed, the diesel injectors failed (twice), the diesel motor failed and it has also had 3 flat batteries thanks to a dodgy aircon unit. Happy driving it apart from the problems. Now done about 70K miles.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 270cdi 2005

Excellent drive, very comfortable, handles well especially when towing, but economy is not what I expected and had it superchipped to improve MPG 19 up to 23 around town. I bought a brand new C class estate and I’m thinking maybe I was spoiled by the luxury in the ML.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class MI 280 2009

I have had this car for over a year and had no problems. It drives and handles great.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2007

Me, my wife and 3 kids have been looking for the perfect four-wheeled drived car for a family car and vacations but sadly this car would be a fail for major concerns. Firstly I spent well hard work earned cash on this damn car but it was just chaos. Whenever you drive the car daily for work you have to buy petrol every week and it drinks petrol like MAD! I spend £50 on petrol to fill up 3/4 the tank and this is a disgrace. My turbo pipe fell of on the way to work and had to get the RAC out. The car is like a toy, slow and it feels like a bus your driving. I bought this brand NEW and have spent most of my 3 years back and forward to the garage. I was about to buy the Nissan Qashqai 2 but instead bought this. This was my very first Mercedes and my very last. I’d rather buy a BMW or the Lexus!

Responses to this review

I’m sorry but I have to disagree totally with this report when it comes to our ML320. Yeah it isn’t good on fuel economy but it’s a 2 tonne sports utility vehicle and if fuel economy was your priority then you wouldn’t be considering a 4x4 in the first place. I average low 20s around the doors and can get up to 30mpg on a run, it is depressing when stood at the fuel pump but that’s down to the Government for taxing the max out of fuel! I’m not sure what ML the original poster was driving but our 56 plate ML320 has plenty of ooomph and with its adjustable suspension package giving ’comfort’ ’sport’ or ’normal’ settings, you can adjust the ride and roll to your liking. Personally, it’s sport all the way for me unless on bumpy back roads or driving with a full load. We also have the Airmatic option and this jacks the car right up on its springs for full ground clearance and off-road potential. With the auto-levelling feature, it provides maximum comfort. Speaking of comfort, the Merchant ML has it all, bearing in mind ours is a 56 plate, it has everything you need. Heated memory leather seats, auto electric everything, memory for 3 drivers settings on seat, mirrors and steering wheel, good storage in the front, thought out cup holder, lovely styling, I could go on! I’ve come from a BMW 330Ci M Sport that was fully loaded and my girlfriend’s previous car was an Audi TT Quattro S Line Spec. Ed. so we both thought we’d struggle with a big 4x4 but we’ve adjusted surprisingly quickly and I have to say it is no slouch. Yeah, mpg could be better but the safety and practicality this car brings along with the refinements that Mercedes do so well make this one of the best 4x4s out there in my opinion. Of course, optional extras and a bigger turbo makes all the difference! - Glen Scott from England

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 270cdi 2009

Comfortable, reliable, mine has a tunit unit fitted. Good acceleration, good economy on a long run. good visibilty. I would certainly have another one if my large shepherd puppy would stop growing. Do not use a Mercedes dealer ever unless you have deep pockets. I have fitted a rear view camera, makes parking a doddle.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Edition 10 2008

ML Edition 10. Loads of kit fitted as standard, but disappointed with the lack of parking sensors on such a big car. Decent performance and averages 27 mpg. Comfortable, well built, a pleasure to drive. 2 year deal (3 +23) at only £505 including VAT.... Fantastic value compared to the competition.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 420 cdi 2007

One of the best cars I have owned - first class comfort, interior is well built and performance from this wonderful. V8 diesel is outstanding, fuel consumption is reasonable considering the size of the engine - about 25 mpg combined.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2003

I have driven a lot of 4X4’s, and the ML is the worst one on handling and controlling, but the brilliant point is the interior and the comfortable seats, all the same feeling from the S class, nice for family, nightmare for a Performance driver.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2007

I would like a new car to replace my old car and pay under 20 thousand pounds.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz ML 500 SE

A powerful 4x4 with some nice touches, the 7G auto transmission being one and some great safely features. Very solid and reassuring to drive, but handles like a much smaller car. Recommended.