Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Name: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The revamped M-Class is a refined vehicle with an impressively quiet cabin, meticulous fit and finish, as well as excellent seats. Combined, these elements provide a luxurious atmosphere. Handling is responsive, but let down by vague steering and an unimpressive showing at its cornering limits. Ride is supple, if a bit firm. The standard V6 eagerly serves up smooth acceleration and yields 18 mpg, not bad for a vehicle of its size and weight. Some controls improved with the redesign, but others remain complicated. Towing capacity is generous. Engine choices include a turbocharged V6 and a 518-hp AMG V8.

2012 SUVs Reliability

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Mercedes-Benz M-C...

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

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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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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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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

See How All Brands Stack up

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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2012 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$7,350 - $12,125

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW X6

$7,075 - $11,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac SRX

$5,350 - $6,625

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti FX

$6,675 - $9,850

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Land Rover Range Rover

$6,350 - $11,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus RX

$9,900 - $11,900

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus RX Hybrid

$9,900 - $11,100

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKX

$6,575 - $7,100

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

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2012 Porsche Cayenne

$7,475 - $13,675

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3-liter V6 turbodiesel (240 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (302 hp)
4.6-liter V8 turbo (402 hp)
5.5-liter V8 turbo (518 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.

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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.