Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Name: 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

On the road, the ML350 is comfortable and controlled. However, the M-Class has overly complicated controls and displays, particularly the COMAND driver-interaction system. The seven-speed automatic transmission would often shift abruptly or with a slight delay. Further, its column-mounted electronic shifter lacks tactile feedback. Hybrid and diesel versions are available.

2009 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$4,875 - $8,625

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 BMW X6

$5,825 - $5,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Cadillac SRX

$3,300 - $4,475

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Infiniti FX

$5,250 - $6,575

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Land Rover Range Rover

$4,650 - $5,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lexus RX

$7,325 - $7,600

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lexus RX Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lincoln MKX

$5,200 - $5,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Porsche Cayenne

$6,700 - $10,350

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Saab 9-7X

$4,975 - $5,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3-liter V6 turbodiesel (210 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (268 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (382 hp)
6.3-liter V8 (503 hp)

7-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2012-2015

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign was a significant improvement. The SUV became quick and very refined, in addition to quiet and well finished. Handling is responsive, but steering is a little vague at the ML's cornering limits. Towing capacity is impressive. A turbodiesel V6 is also available, as is a high-performance AMG version. Some controls are improved, but others are still complicated. As of 2015, available safety equipment for all versions include crosswind assist, collision prevention assist, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assist. The 2016 models got a nomenclature change to GLE.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The M-Class has a roomy interior with seating for five and lots of cargo room. You could always count on the ML to ride and handle relatively well, but some interior materials were flimsy. The 2006 redesign brought more powerful V6 and V8 engines, a much better interior, and a seven-speed automatic -- one that sometimes hesitated to shift. Controls are confusing. Some drivers consistently mistook the cruise-control lever with the turn-signal stalk. Other ergonomic gripes include dash illumination controls that require reaching through the steering wheel.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

Introduced for 1998, the M-Class is built in Alabama. The initial model was the ML320, powered by a 3.2-liter V6. A V8-powered ML430 debuted for 1999, and a high-performance ML55 was introduced for 2000. The M-Class has a fully independent suspension and a full-time 4WD system. The ML320 we tested in 1998 rode and handled well. It has unusually roomy seating for five and lots of cargo room. Six-cylinder fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size and weight. The V8s are stronger but thirsty.