Mercedes M-Class

Mercedes M-Class: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Mercedes M-Class choice depends on whether the priority is economy, acceleration, torque, or simpler specification. Across the supplied catalogue, the model has five listed production phases representing three generations, all with an SUV 5-doors body and AWD.

The Mercedes M-Class choice depends on whether the priority is economy, acceleration, torque, or simpler specification. Across the supplied catalogue, the model has five listed production phases representing three generations, all with an SUV 5-doors body and AWD. The first generation covers 1997–2002, with its restyling listed for 2001–2005; the second runs from 2005–2008 and continues as a restyling from 2008–2011; the third spans 2011–2015. The decisive differences are under the bonnet: outputs range from 150 hp to 408 hp, torque from 220 Nm to 700 Nm, and measured combined consumption from 6.2 to 14.1. Buyers searching for a Mercedes M-Class 350 should note that several 3.5 AT and ML350 3.5 AT versions exist, so power and generation matter as much as the name.

Mercedes M-Class generations compared

The first-generation Mercedes M-Class, produced from 1997 to 2002, has five versions. Its SUV 5-doors range includes Gasoline and Diesel engines, 5-speed or 6-speed transmissions, and AWD throughout. Power extends from the 150 hp 2.3 MT to the 272 hp 4.3 AT. The 2.7 MT and 2.7 AT diesels provide up to 400 Nm, while measured combined consumption ranges from 9.1 to 13.8.

The first-generation restyling, produced from 2001 to 2005, adds seven listed versions within the same generation. It retains the SUV 5-doors body and AWD but broadens the choice to 163–292 hp. The 4.0 AT diesel supplies 560 Nm, while the 5.0 AT Gasoline version reaches 292 hp. Most versions use a 5-speed Automatic, although the 2.7 MT has a 6-speed Manual. Measured combined consumption ranges from 9.2 to 14.1.

The second generation runs from 2005 to 2008 and contains eight versions. Every listed version has AWD and a 7-speed Automatic. Compared with the restyled first generation’s maximum of 292 hp, this generation reaches 388 hp—an increase of 96 hp. Its most economical measured result is 8.7 for the 211 hp ML350CDI 4.0 AT, while its quickest listed acceleration is 5.8 seconds for the 388 hp ML550 5.5 AT.

The second-generation restyling, produced from 2008 to 2011, contains seven versions, again using the SUV 5-doors body, AWD, and a 7-speed Automatic throughout. Diesel choices range from the 190 hp ML300CDI 3.0 AT to the 306 hp ML420CDI 4.0 AT. Gasoline alternatives are the 272 hp ML350 3.5 AT and 388 hp ML500 5.5 AT. The measured combined-consumption spread is 8.4–12.8.

The third generation, produced from 2011 to 2015, offers eleven versions, all with AWD and a 7-speed Automatic. Outputs range from 204 hp in the 2.1 AT Diesel to 408 hp in the 4.7 AT Gasoline version. Its lowest measured combined consumption is 6.2 for the 2.1 AT, while its fastest version is the 4.7 AT at 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h. The 4.7 AT has 20 hp more than the strongest second-generation version and reaches 100 km/h 0.5 seconds sooner.

Mercedes M-Class engine specs

Because identical names can represent materially different engines, power is included beside every repeated version name.

The third-generation 333 hp 3.0 AT produces approximately 111.1 hp per litre, the highest figure in the supplied range. The 204 hp 2.1 AT follows at approximately 95.2 hp per litre, while the 408 hp 4.7 AT delivers approximately 87.5 hp per litre. Displacement alone therefore does not determine output.

Performance and fuel economy

For economy, the third-generation 2.1 AT is the clear numerical choice: its 6.2 combined figure is 1.2 lower than the 7.4 achieved by the 249 hp and 258 hp 3.0 AT diesels. Those two 3.0 AT versions are 1.6 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and reach a top speed 14 km/h higher. The 258 hp version adds 9 hp over the 249 hp version, but the supplied acceleration, top-speed, and consumption figures are identical.

For speed, the third-generation 4.7 AT leads at 5.3 seconds. It is 0.8 seconds quicker than the 333 hp 3.0 AT, but its combined consumption is 3.8 higher. In the second generation, the 388 hp ML550 5.5 AT and restyled ML500 5.5 AT both take 5.8 seconds and reach 250 km/h.

Mercedes M-Class dimensions and weight

No exterior length, width, or height is provided, so 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class dimensions are not measured in this dataset. Wheel sizes are also not measured for every version.

Kerb weight varies from 1855 kg for the first-generation 2.3 MT to 2315 kg for the second-generation ML420CDI 4.0 AT. Gross weight ranges from 2650 kg to 2950 kg. Ground clearance is listed as 200, 211, 213, or 300 mm depending on version. Tank capacity is 70 litres in the original first generation and the third generation, 83 litres in the first-generation restyling, and 95 litres throughout the listed second-generation range.

For common weight searches, the supplied production periods identify the relevant catalogue phase. A 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class falls within the second-generation restyling, where kerb weight ranges from 2135 to 2245 kg. A 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class may fall within either the restyled second generation or third generation according to the supplied dates: the former ends in June and the latter begins in July. Their listed kerb-weight ranges are 2135–2245 kg and 2130–2260 kg respectively. The 2013 and 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class belong to the third generation, with the same 2130–2260 kg catalogue range.

Weight per horsepower clarifies the performance hierarchy. The third-generation 4.7 AT carries approximately 5.54 kg per hp, while the 333 hp 3.0 AT carries approximately 6.40 kg per hp and the economical 2.1 AT approximately 10.54 kg per hp. This aligns with their measured 0–100 km/h times of 5.3, 6.1, and 9 seconds.

Which Mercedes M-Class version should you buy?

Choose the third-generation 2.1 AT when measured fuel economy is the priority. It combines 204 hp and 500 Nm with a 6.2 combined-consumption figure. Although it is the least powerful third-generation option, it still has a 7-speed Automatic and AWD like every other version in that generation.

Choose the third-generation 3.0 AT with 249 hp or 258 hp for the strongest balance of measured diesel performance and economy. Both deliver 620 Nm, reach 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, attain 224 km/h, and return 7.4 combined. The 258 hp car has 9 hp more, but no measured advantage in the other supplied performance figures.

Choose the third-generation 333 hp 3.0 AT when Gasoline performance is wanted without moving to the largest engine. It offers approximately 111.1 hp per litre, accelerates in 6.1 seconds, and reaches 247 km/h. Compared with the 408 hp 4.7 AT, it is 0.8 seconds slower but uses 3.8 less on the combined cycle.

Among Mercedes M-Class 350 choices, the third-generation 306 hp 3.5 AT is the strongest measured compromise. It has 34 hp more than the 272 hp 3.5 AT, yet both have the same measured city, highway, and combined figures of 11.3, 7.4, and 8.8. The 306 hp version reaches 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and 235 km/h; acceleration and top speed for the third-generation 272 hp version are not measured. The 249 hp 3.5 AT is slower at 8.5 seconds and has a higher combined figure of 10.2.

Choose the second-generation ML420CDI 4.0 AT when maximum listed diesel torque matters. Its 700 Nm is 80 Nm above the strongest third-generation diesels, while its 306 hp output produces a 6.5-second acceleration time. The same 700 Nm and 6.5-second result continue in the restyled version.

Choose the third-generation 4.7 AT for outright acceleration. Its 408 hp, 600 Nm, 5.3-second acceleration time, and 250 km/h top speed lead the supplied M-Class range. The trade-off is a combined-consumption figure of 13.1. For buyers who value economy more than maximum speed, the 2.1 AT uses 6.9 less on the combined cycle; for a middle ground, the 249 hp or 258 hp 3.0 AT diesels are 2.1 seconds slower but use 5.7 less.