2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class receives a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised exterior styling and an upgraded standard COMAND infotainment system with Bluetooth. It is a meaningful update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Second-generation W164 M-Class (2006-2011), facelift/update year.
The 2009 M-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s two-row midsize luxury SUV for buyers who want comfort, safety, towing ability, and a broad engine choice without moving up to the larger GL-Class. Mercedes positioned it as a refined, confidence-building SUV with strong safety engineering, five-passenger space, upscale materials, and a choice of V6 gas, clean diesel, V8, or AMG power. Against rivals, its core appeal is less about sharp handling and more about solid road manners, premium feel, and wide powertrain choice.
The ML 350 is the everyday V6 model, while the all-wheel-drive ML 320 BLUETEC uses a turbo-diesel V6 with 398 lb-ft of torque. The ML 550 adds a 382-hp V8 and sportier bodywork, and the 503-hp ML 63 AMG tops the range with air suspension, upgraded seating, navigation, and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | 11 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 382 hp | 503 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.4 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear styling and an upgraded standard COMAND infotainment system that adds Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class a full redesign?
No. The 2009 M-Class is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation W164 model, so its basic body structure and suspension layout carry over.
Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard for 2009 as part of the revised COMAND infotainment system, which also has a 6.5-inch display and an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer.
What changed with the 2009 ML 320 diesel?
The 2009 ML 320 BLUETEC is a new 50-state clean-diesel model. It has a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 producing 398 lb-ft of torque and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Is every 2009 ML 350 all-wheel drive?
No. A rear-wheel-drive ML 350 joined the range for 2009, so the ML 350 was no longer limited to all-wheel drive.