2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is standard Collision Prevention Assist, which gives every trim forward-collision warning. Mercedes also adds a rear-wheel-drive ML 350, while the rest of the recently redesigned SUV largely carries over.
About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
3rd generation (W166), second model year after the 2012 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the M-Class as a true midsize luxury SUV: quiet and upscale on the road, roomy enough for family use, and still engineered as an SUV with useful towing and all-weather capability. The model’s appeal is its breadth. Buyers could get a conventional V6, a torque-rich diesel, a stronger V8, or a full AMG performance version, while still getting the same premium cabin, safety focus, and everyday usability.
The ML 350 serves as the straightforward V6 model, with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, heated power front seats, a 7-inch infotainment screen, a sunroof, and a power liftgate. The diesel ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC emphasizes strong pulling power and long-distance driving, while the ML 550 adds a 402-hp biturbo V8. At the top, the 518-hp ML 63 AMG combines a hand-built biturbo V8 with a performance-tuned air suspension, ventilated leather sport seats, navigation, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 302 hp | 402 hp | 518 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 455 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6600 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class?
The biggest change is standard Collision Prevention Assist on every 2013 M-Class. The system provides forward-collision warning across the full lineup.
Was the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class redesigned?
No, the 2013 M-Class was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the W166 generation introduced for 2012, with a new rear-wheel-drive trim and added standard safety equipment rather than major structural or styling changes.
What is the difference between the 2013 ML 350 and ML 350 4MATIC?
The 2013 ML 350 has rear-wheel drive, while the ML 350 4MATIC has all-wheel drive. Both use a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Did the diesel M-Class change for 2013?
The diesel model continues for 2013 under the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC name. It retains its 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, 7-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive, while gaining standard Collision Prevention Assist with the rest of the lineup.
Is the 2013 M-Class meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
The differences are modest rather than transformative. Every 2013 trim gains standard forward-collision warning, and the lineup adds a rear-wheel-drive ML 350, but the basic design and most of the range carry over from 2012.