2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

MSRP: $46,490 - $92,590

Invoice: NA

MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy

 

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class entered its second generation in 2006; the SUV had a change of platform so that it has a unibody construction. Thus, the quality of the ride was improved. Such changes caused Mercedes-Benz to also make changes at the plant where the vehicle was assembled.Already a top seller, the carmaker decided it wanted to make even more changes in the M-Class. At first, the vehicle was offered with two different motors. In the 2011 models, it is offered with five options. Engine options include the 6.2-Liter V-8 AMG, 503 hp motor, the 5.5-Liter V-8, 382 hp motor, the 3.5-Liter V-6 hybrid, 275 hp motor, the gas operated 3.5-Liter V-6, 268 hp motor, and the 3.0-Liter diesel-operated V-6, 210 engine. The hybrid engine is married to the eight-speed CVT, and all other engines are married to the seven-speed auto tranny.Regrettably, the carmaker may have improved the ride, but it hasn't improved the SUV's off-road handling. Nevertheless, the vehicle sells well. The M-Class is practical, dependable, and it can tow 7200 pounds too. A 2012 redesign is scheduled.

 

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 , 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  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  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." -- 
• "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.
• "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." -- 
• "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

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.

8.2 (Very Good)

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

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.

NA

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 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.

NA

The 2011 Mercedes Benz M-Class comes with the Mercedes limited , which runs for 48 months or 50,000 miles.