2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The headline change for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the new ML 450 Hybrid, which adds full-hybrid power and low-speed electric driving. Otherwise, the M-Class largely carries over from the 2009 update.
About the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
2nd generation W164 (2006-2011), second year after the 2009 update and one year before the all-new 2012 redesign.
Mercedes positioned the M-Class as a midsize luxury SUV that blends Mercedes safety, comfort and everyday usefulness without stepping up to a larger full-size SUV. Its appeal is the balance: a premium cabin, family-friendly space, confident road manners and strong towing capability in a five-passenger package. What makes the 2010 model stand out is the unusually wide powertrain spread for the time, from a traditional V6 to a clean diesel, a full hybrid, a V8 and a full AMG performance version.
The 2010 lineup spans a straightforward gas V6 model, an AWD gas V6 version, a torque-rich diesel, the new full hybrid, and two V8 models. The ML 450 Hybrid combines a V6 and two electric motors for 335 hp, while the ML 350 BlueTEC emphasizes diesel efficiency and 400 lb-ft of pulling power. At the performance end, the ML 63 AMG has a hand-built 503-hp V8, sport-tuned air suspension, and stronger brakes.
What changed, by category
2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD | AWD | 4MATIC AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Diesel |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 13 mpg | 11 mpg | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 382 hp | 503 hp | 268 hp | 210 hp | |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4600 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 5000 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.4 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 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 | 40 in | 40 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class?
The biggest change is the addition of the ML 450 Hybrid. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors, produces 335 combined hp, and supports low-speed electric driving.
Was the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class redesigned?
No, the 2010 M-Class was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation and largely carries over the styling, cabin, chassis, and core safety equipment from the 2009 update.
Which trims joined the 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class lineup?
The ML 450 Hybrid and ML 350 4MATIC joined the lineup for 2010. The first adds a full-hybrid system, while the second pairs the gas V6 with AWD.
What changed about the diesel M-Class for 2010?
The diesel model was renamed ML 350 BlueTEC for 2010 after being called ML 320 BlueTEC in 2009. This was a name change rather than the introduction of a separate diesel powertrain.
What changed on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML 550?
Heated front seats became standard on the 2010 ML 550. Its key hardware remains a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.