Owner reviews for the Mercedes M Class
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Overall rating 4.5/5The Mercedes M-Class stands out in the large SUV world, famed for its blend of practical family space and Mercedes luxury.
London
AA finance available
Ilford
Dagenham
AA finance available
Hayes
Romford
Uxbridge
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5The Mercedes M-Class was designed for families who need space, comfort and a truly premium feel. It offers a high driving position and all-weather confidence. Across three generations (1998-2015), it evolved from a rugged, but flawed early model into a refined luxury SUV that rivals the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery. The manufacturer renamed it in 2015 when it evolved into today’s Mercedes GLE. Key improvements include a modern car-like chassis for comfort and safety, advanced technology, efficiency, plenty of equipment, a range of powerful engines and a solid, reassuring drive.
Each generation comes with a suite of safety features including multiple airbags, stability control, ABS and tyre pressure monitoring. Later versions add attention assist, lane-keeping and various parking support technologies for peace of mind.
There is a wide range of engines across generations: early models had V6 petrols and diesels plus V8s. From 2006, turbo-diesels became popular. The latest M-Class (2012-15) offers four-cylinder diesels, V6 and V8 diesels, as well as petrol engines to suit different driving preferences.
Entry-level models have dual-zone climate control and quality audio. Later models include COMAND infotainment with navigation. Executive trims offer leather, heated seats, advanced driver aids, plus options like adaptive cruise control and multi-camera park assist.
Fuel economy varies by engine and age: diesel models, especially newer ones, can achieve around 35-45mpg, while petrol engines generally return 20-30mpg. Stop-start technology and efficient gearboxes in recent models help keep running costs reasonable for a large SUV.
Check for a full service record and regular maintenance. On older models, watch for electrical issues and air suspension problems. Test the automatic gearbox for smooth shifting. It is recommended to get a professional inspection, such as The AA Vehicle Inspection, for extra reassurance before purchase.
Reliability has improved over time. Early models had some build quality and electrical problems, but later versions are more solid. A well-maintained M-Class is generally dependable, though owners should budget for proper servicing and upkeep.