2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a light-update year, led by redesigned outside mirrors. It also gains a compass in the inside rearview mirror and optional Blind Spot Assist, but there is no redesign or major mechanical change.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
2nd generation (W164, 2006-2011), final model year before the all-new 2012 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the 2011 M-Class as a midsize luxury SUV that balances family usefulness with Mercedes safety engineering and a wide choice of powertrains. The core pitch is not maximum size or hardcore off-road focus; it is the right-size SUV for five people, with a polished cabin, strong safety story, and versions ranging from efficient diesel and hybrid models to V8 luxury and AMG performance. That broad spread is a key difference versus many rivals.
The ML 350 is the everyday five-passenger luxury SUV, while the ML 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and the ML 350 BlueTEC pairs all-wheel drive with a torque-rich diesel V6. The lineup also spans the 335-hp ML 450 Hybrid, the more luxurious 382-hp ML 550, and the performance-focused 503-hp ML 63 AMG with an air suspension and special AMG cabin details.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L | V8, 6.3 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 11 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 15 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 382 hp | 210 hp | 503 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 381 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4600 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 5000 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 | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class redesigned?
No. The 2011 M-Class remains part of the second-generation W164 series and receives only light updates. It is the final model year before the all-new 2012 redesign.
What changed on the 2011 M-Class compared with the 2010 model?
The main changes are redesigned outside mirrors, an integrated compass in the inside rearview mirror, and optional Blind Spot Assist. There are no major powertrain or structural changes.
Did the 2011 M-Class get any powertrain changes?
No. The 2011 M-Class carries over its gasoline, diesel, hybrid, V8, and AMG powertrains without a confirmed mechanical overhaul.
Were any 2011 M-Class trims renamed?
Yes. The ML 450 Hybrid, ML 550, and ML 63 AMG names gain the 4MATIC designation for 2011, identifying their all-wheel-drive systems. These are renamed versions of continuing trims, not newly introduced models.
Is the 2011 M-Class substantially different from the 2010 model?
No. The 2011 model differs mainly through its redesigned outside mirrors, rearview-mirror compass, optional Blind Spot Assist, and updated names for three all-wheel-drive trims. Shoppers looking for a major redesign will not find one in this model year.