Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a five-seat, two-row midsize luxury SUV known for quiet comfort, generous cargo space, useful towing strength, and a broad range of powertrains. It became the Mercedes-Benz GLE after the 2015 model year.
The M-Class has consistently blended premium comfort with the usefulness of a family SUV. Across its second and third generations, the lineup stretched from gas V6 and fuel-conscious diesel versions to a short-lived hybrid, V8 models, and the high-performance AMG. Its character stayed focused on a quiet ride, safety, cargo room, and everyday usability rather than showy design.
Strengths
- The cabin has a quiet, comfortable character that suits commuting and long highway trips.
- The two-row interior seats five and had 38.4 inches of rear legroom in 2015.
- The 2015 M-Class offered 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Some 2015 gas versions were rated to tow up to 7,200 pounds.
- The lineup covers very different needs, from fuel-conscious diesel cruising to the 518-horsepower ML 63 AMG in 2015.
- Forward-collision warning became standard across the lineup for 2013, adding useful safety support to later third-generation models.
Who it's for
It suits used-vehicle shoppers who want a comfortable premium SUV for commuting, road trips, family duty, or towing but do not need a third row. The range also gives buyers room to favor lower fuel use, all-weather traction, or serious performance depending on the model year and trim.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class lineup
The ML 350 is the core gas V6 model; pick the rear-wheel-drive version for the simplest setup or the ML 350 4MATIC when all-wheel drive matters. BlueTEC models are the long-distance, fuel-conscious diesels, though their names changed over the years and became ML 250 BlueTEC for 2015. The ML 400 arrived only for 2015 as a stronger twin-turbo V6 step between the ML 350 and the AMG. The ML 63 AMG is the dedicated performance model for buyers who prioritize power over fuel economy.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class generations
From 2009 to 2015, the M-Class spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — W166 arrived for 2012, following the 2nd Generation — W164 (2006–2011).
3rd Generation — W166 (2012–2015)
The W166 was a full redesign with new exterior and interior styling, revised steering and suspension, lighter aluminum front body panels, and stronger, more efficient engines. It also added more standard comfort and safety equipment.
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2015Trim changes
The ML 250 BlueTEC diesel and ML 400 twin-turbo V6 enter the lineup, replacing the ML 350 BlueTEC and ML 550.
2014
Mostly carries over, with only minor appearance and display options added.
2013Trim changes
Forward-collision warning becomes standard across the lineup, and a rear-wheel-drive ML 350 version is added.
2012New generation
Full redesign with new styling inside and out, revised steering and suspension, updated engines, and more standard comfort and safety features.
2nd Generation — W164 (2006–2011)
The W164 is the second-generation M-Class. In the years covered here, its main turning point was the 2009 refresh, which revised the styling and updated the cabin technology and safety equipment.
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2011Trim changes
Redesigned outside mirrors and an interior mirror with a compass are the main updates; the broader lineup carries over.
2010Trim changes
The ML 450 Hybrid enters the lineup, and the diesel model is renamed ML 350 BlueTEC.
2009Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrives with an updated infotainment system, Bluetooth, and standard PRE-SAFE safety technology.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a midsize luxury SUV with two rows and seating for five. It emphasizes a quiet, comfortable cabin, useful cargo space, strong towing ability, and powertrains ranging from diesel and hybrid models to V8 AMG versions.
Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class the same vehicle as the GLE?
Yes, in lineage. The third-generation W166 M-Class ran from 2012 through 2015, then received a refresh and became the GLE for 2016. Earlier M-Class models use the older W164 design.
Does the Mercedes-Benz M-Class come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only for a short period. The ML 450 Hybrid was sold for 2010 and 2011 with a gasoline V6, two electric motors, all-wheel drive, regenerative braking, and low-speed electric operation.
Does the Mercedes-Benz M-Class come with a diesel engine?
Yes. Diesel M-Class models were sold from 2009 through 2015 under ML 320 BlueTEC, ML 350 BlueTEC, and ML 250 BlueTEC names. They emphasize strong low-speed pulling power, long highway range, and all-wheel drive.
Is every Mercedes-Benz M-Class all-wheel drive?
No. Many versions use Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive, including the diesel, hybrid, ML 400, ML 550, and AMG models described here. Rear-wheel-drive ML 350 versions were also sold during parts of the 2009–2015 period.
How practical is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class for passengers and cargo?
It is a five-seat, two-row SUV with 38.4 inches of rear legroom and up to 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the latest M-Class lineup. A power liftgate on later models also makes the cargo area easier to use.
Who is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants a comfortable premium SUV without a third row. The latest lineup combines five-passenger space with generous cargo room and rated towing capacity of 6,600 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the version.