Last updated August 4, 2026
The regular ML 350 is the everyday gasoline M-Class, with the ML 350 4MATIC adding all-wheel drive. BlueTEC models form the long-range diesel branch, while the short-lived ML 450 Hybrid is the technology-focused alternative. The ML 400 and ML 550 trade up to stronger gasoline power, richer equipment, and sportier styling. The ML 63 AMG sits at the top with a hand-built V8 and performance-tuned hardware.
The Base Model trim level — ML 350 and ML 350 4MATIC — is the core M-Class: a roomy, comfortable luxury SUV with straightforward gasoline V6 power.
Best for: Drivers who want the everyday M-Class experience, with rear-wheel drive or added all-weather traction.
Highlights
The Diesel trim level — ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML 320 BLUETEC, ML 350 BLUETEC, and ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC — is the long-distance M-Class, known for strong low-speed pull, fewer fuel stops, and standard all-wheel drive.
Best for: Highway travelers and drivers who value diesel efficiency and easy pulling power more than quick acceleration.
Highlights
Compared with the Base Model, it swaps the gasoline V6 for a torque-rich turbo-diesel engine and makes all-wheel drive part of the formula.
0 in stock
The Hybrid trim level — ML 450 Hybrid and ML 450 Hybrid 4MATIC — is the technology-focused M-Class, combining gasoline and electric power without giving up the regular SUV's room and comfort.
Best for: Drivers who want smoother, more efficient city travel and the distinctive engineering of an early full-hybrid luxury SUV.
Highlights
It moves from diesel efficiency to a full-hybrid system, adding electric low-speed operation, regenerative braking, and AIRMATIC air suspension.
0 in stock
The Premium Luxury trim level — ML 400 4MATIC, ML 550, and ML 550 4MATIC — is the quicker, richer-feeling M-Class positioned between the regular models and the full AMG.
Best for: Drivers who want stronger acceleration, a sportier look, and more cabin luxury without moving to the ML 63 AMG.
Highlights
It shifts from hybrid technology to stronger gasoline performance, with sportier styling and more premium cabin equipment; the exact engine depends on the member model and year.
2 in stock
The High Performance trim level — ML 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG 4MATIC — is a true AMG performance SUV with a hand-built V8 and sharper chassis tuning in a practical five-seat body.
Best for: Drivers who want sports-car-like power and response but still need the space and daily usefulness of an M-Class.
Highlights
Compared with Premium Luxury, it adds a hand-built AMG V8, performance-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive, stronger brakes, and a more aggressive AMG body and cabin.
0 in stock| Feature | Diesel | Hybrid | Base Model | Premium Luxury | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML 320 BLUETEC, ML 350 BLUETEC, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC0 in stock | ML 450 Hybrid, ML 450 Hybrid 4MATIC0 in stock | ML 350, ML 350 4MATIC12 in stock | ML 400 4MATIC, ML 550, ML 550 4MATIC2 in stock | ML 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG 4MATIC0 in stock |
| Lineup role | Long-range efficiency | Hybrid technology | Everyday gasoline model | More power and luxury | Full AMG performance |
| Core powertrain | Turbo-diesel four-cylinder or V6 | 3.5L V6 plus two electric motors | 3.5L gasoline V6 | Turbo V6 or V8 | Hand-built AMG V8 |
| Output represented in the lineup | 200–240 hp; 369–455 lb-ft | 335 combined hp | 302 hp | 329–402 hp | 503–518 hp |
| Drive layout | 4MATIC AWD | 4MATIC AWD | Rear-wheel drive or AWD | 4MATIC AWD | AMG 4MATIC AWD |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic | Continuously variable automatic | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic | AMG-tuned 7-speed automatic |
| Efficiency character | Highway range and diesel torque | Electric help in city driving | Conventional gasoline balance | Power-focused gasoline engines | Performance-focused V8 |
| Chassis and styling | Comfort-focused M-Class setup | AIRMATIC air suspension | Comfort-focused M-Class setup | AMG-inspired exterior | AMG suspension, brakes, and bodywork |
| Cabin emphasis | Core M-Class comfort | Hybrid information display | Heated power seats and everyday luxury | Richer trim, comfort, and audio | AMG sport seats and upgraded leather |
4MATIC means the M-Class has Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system. On the ML 350, the badge separates the all-wheel-drive version from the rear-wheel-drive model. Diesel, hybrid, ML 400, ML 550, and AMG versions described here also use all-wheel drive.
The main difference is traction. In the later lineup, both use the same 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 and broadly similar comfort equipment, but the ML 350 is rear-wheel drive while the ML 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive.
Pick the ML 350 4MATIC for regular snow, heavy rain, or slippery roads. The rear-wheel-drive ML 350 is the simpler fit when those conditions are uncommon. Both provide the core gasoline-V6 M-Class experience in later years.
The later ML 250 BlueTEC trades speed for efficiency and low-speed pull. It uses a 2.1-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive, while the ML 350 uses a 302-hp gasoline V6 and was sold with rear- or all-wheel drive.
They are diesel trims from different parts of the M-Class run. The ML 350 BlueTEC uses a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with up to 455 lb-ft of torque. The later ML 250 BlueTEC uses a smaller 2.1-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder and replaced it for 2015.
A BlueTEC diesel is the long-distance choice. These trims combine all-wheel drive with strong low-speed pull and an emphasis on highway efficiency and cruising range. The badge changes by era, so compare ML 320, ML 350, and ML 250 BlueTEC models.
The ML 450 Hybrid is the efficiency-focused trim sold for 2010 and 2011. It combines a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for 335 total horsepower, plus all-wheel drive, low-speed electric operation, and regenerative braking.
In the later lineup, the ML 400 adds a 329-hp twin-turbo V6, standard all-wheel drive, AMG-style bodywork, leather, Harman Kardon audio, hands-free entry, push-button start, and heated and cooled cupholders.
Pick the ML 350 for straightforward V6 power and the core M-Class equipment. Pick the later ML 400 for noticeably stronger acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, sportier exterior details, leather, and more comfort and audio equipment.
They fill a similar step-up role in different eras. The later ML 400 uses a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 and includes richer cabin equipment. Earlier ML 550 models use a stronger V8, with output and engine design varying across the run.
The ML 550 is the powerful luxury-oriented V8 model, while the ML 63 AMG is the full performance version. The AMG adds a hand-built engine, firmer AMG suspension tuning, stronger brakes, a sport exhaust, and more aggressive bodywork.
No. The ML 63 AMG has genuine performance hardware, including a hand-built V8, AMG-tuned transmission and air suspension, stronger brakes, and a sport exhaust. Newer W166 versions use a 518-hp twin-turbo V8 and performance-focused all-wheel drive.
Pick the ML 400 for strong twin-turbo V6 power, all-wheel drive, and richer everyday luxury. Pick the ML 63 AMG only if the hand-built V8, sharper suspension, stronger brakes, and more intense driving character are central to what you want.
The ML 350 is the straightforward everyday trim. In later years it pairs a 302-hp gasoline V6 with heated power front seats, a sunroof, Bluetooth audio, and a power liftgate, without the diesel hardware or performance focus of other versions.
The ML 450 Hybrid and ML 63 AMG have the most specialized setups described here. The hybrid uses AIRMATIC air suspension, while the AMG adds performance-tuned air suspension. Newer AMG models also use adaptive damping and a system that reduces body lean in turns.