Which is the most popular engine in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class?

While petrol engines could offer a lot of driving excitement, diesel engines are the most popular thanks to their superior fuel economy.

Which are the most popular model variants?

At the end of its run, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class was available in the SE Executive and AMG Line trims. However, the most popular is an older model, known as the AMG Sport. It provides AMG-like styling, but for a lower price.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Customers should look out for the easy-open powered tailgate and upgraded wheel designs. There are also available sport seats and leather door panels for a unique look and feel.

Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class a good family car?

Yes, the M-Class is the perfect family vehicle with space to hold five people. It also has a decent boot size and plenty of technology for a vehicle of its age.

Is there a hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class?

Before its discontinuation in 2016, Mercedes-Benz had not released a hybrid M-Class model. Only petrol and diesel engines were available. However, its modern counterpart, the GLE, does come with hybrid options.

Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class available as an automatic?

All Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUVs come with an automatic transmission. A manual gearbox option was never offered.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class came standard with four-wheel drive for added traction and control on slippery and rough surfaces.

130 Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class cars for sale

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2011 (11) - ML300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Grand Edition 5dr TipAuto SALVAGE ENGINE FAULT

£1,950

3L
121.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

4/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2014 (14) - ML350 CDi BlueTEC AMG Sport 5dr AutoULEZ COMPLIANT

Low Mileage

£19,995

3L
31.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Kars co uk Limited

01494414524 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2010 (60) - ML300 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY [204] Sport 5dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£5,495

3L
100.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2006 - ML 320 CDI SPORT 5-Door

£1,499

3L
190.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2008 (04) - ML280 CDI Sport 5dr Tip Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

3L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2007 (57) - ML320 CDI Sport 5dr Tip Auto

Reduced

£2,490

3L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Munich Performance LTD

01280733608 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2013 (62) - 3.0 ML350 V6 BlueTEC Sport G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,790

3L
136.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2014 (64) - ML350 CDi BlueTEC AMG Line 5dr Auto [Premium]

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

3L
98.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spa Motor Llandrindod Wells

01597730033 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2013 (13) - ML350 CDi BlueTEC AMG Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£6,995

3L
160.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2011 - ML350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Grand Edition 5dr TipAuto

£5,195

3L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Castleford Trade Centre

01977800813 *

4.6/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2015 (65) - 2.1 ML250 BlueTEC AMG Line G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2.1L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2014 (14) - 3.0 ML350 V6 BlueTEC SE G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,999

3L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2011 (61) - 3.0 ML300 CDI V6 BlueEfficiency Grand Edition SUV 5dr Diesel G-Tronic 4WD E

Reduced

£6,299

3L
101.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SmartBuyMotors Ltd

01443809176 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2015 (65) - 2.1 ML250 BlueTEC AMG Line G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2.1L
72.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2008 (58) - 3.0 ML320 CDI SPORT 5d 222 BHP 5-Door

£6,990

3L
1.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2015 (64) - 3.0 ML350 V6 BlueTEC AMG Line G-Tronic 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,499

3L
78.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2014 - ML250 BLUETEC AMG SPORT just 41,000m, service history 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2.1L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars of Chichester

01243216738 *

4.5/5 Stars

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2014 - ML350 CDi BlueTEC AMG Sport 5dr Auto

£11,999

3L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2009 (59) - 3.0 ML320 CDI V6 Sport Tiptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

3L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carhoots Ltd

01327220812 *

Mercedes-Benz M-Class2011 - ML300 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY [204] Sport 5dr Tip Auto

£4,950

3L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

J Hair Motors

02890023607 *

Why buy a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class?

If you're in the market for a car that's luxurious, refined and stylish, then a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a great choice. This high-end SUV provides good performance on a variety of road surfaces, and the engines supply ample power without sacrificing too much efficiency. Even as an older model, it contains high-tech equipment that rivals some of today's SUVs.

Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Good fuel economy
Quality finish
Good performance on all surfaces

Cons

Rear legroom isn’t great
No manual gearbox in latest generation
Solid ride

Read our Mercedes-Benz M-Class review

Mercedes-Benz M-Class video review

lite-youtube[videoid='JHtcjbpsXUg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JHtcjbpsXUg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JHtcjbpsXUg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Different generations of used Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Originally replacing the G-Class lineup, the M-Class was unveiled in 1997. The mid-size SUV received sharp styling and regular technology upgrades to keep it competitive in an ever-growing market. Through three generations, Mercedes-Benz continued to update the lineup with technology and styling refreshes until it was renamed the GLE in 2015 to align with the carmaker's newer nomenclature.

Third Generation (2012 to 2015)

With the release of the third generation, the M-Class was more refined than previous models. Mercedes-Benz ensured that the SUV was more like a car because that's what the enthusiasts were looking for. However, the company didn't want to make too many changes, considering that more than one million units had already been sold.

The new M-Class received updated headlights borrowed from the C-Class and a large grille that housed two horizontal slats showcasing the three-pointed star badge. New LED daytime running lights were added to the sides of the bumpers and available side steps could be added for more functionality.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2.1 - 5.5
MPG:: 23 - 48
Acceleration:: 4.8 - 9 seconds
Boot space:: 690 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
ML63 AMG 5dr Auto
Cheapest
ML250 CDi BlueTEC Special Edition 5dr Auto
Fastest
ML63 AMG 5dr Auto

Second Generation (2005 to 2011)

Losing its previous chassis design and switching to the unibody model, this M-Class moved away from its rugged roots. Larger headlights were added, similar to what was found on the flagship S-Class of the time. A silver grille with three slots was added, along with updated wheel designs.

A 2008 facelift improved both the interior and exterior of the M-Class. A wider gap was created under the grille to offer more engine cooling, and there was also a new media interface installed inside with a colour display and Bluetooth connectivity.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 3 - 6.2
MPG:: 17 - 32
Acceleration:: 5 - 9.8 seconds
Boot space:: 551 - 833 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
ML350 5dr Tip Auto
Cheapest
ML280 CDI 5dr Tip Auto
Fastest
ML63 5dr Tip Auto

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.