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<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

M CLASS

<p>This is a Mercedes M-Class that can really compete with its rivals on equal terms</p>


Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 2005 - 2012

<p>You'll certainly need deep pockets to buy and run an M-Class. With few models on the used market - and almost all of them in Mercedes outlets - prices are still pretty steep. That said, all its major rivals are equally desirable, so it's no worse than any of them.</p>

<p>Look at running costs, too, and they're mostly on a par with its rivals'. Its insurance groups and servicing costs are pretty much identical to those on the X5 and XC90, for instance, and fuel economy on an ML350 is almost identical to that on a 3.2-litre XC90. The only disappointment is that a diesel M-Class is a little more thirsty than its rivals.</p>

<p>Similarly, expect high bills if you need unscheduled maintenance. Hourly labour rates and average repair bills are among the highest around, although the bills are no worse than those for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jeep">Jeeps</a> and Land Rovers.</p>

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This is a Mercedes M-Class that can really compete with its rivals on equal terms


<p>For now, just about the only place you'll find a used example of this version of the M-Class is a Mercedes dealer or through a Mercedes Direct outlet.</p>

<p>However, wherever you look, go for a diesel-powered model, which has the advantages of better fuel economy and stronger low-down pull. The ML320 CDI, in particular, is a gem, with a good blend of performance and economy. By comparison, the ML280 CDI feels a little weak, and the ML420 CDI is just too expensive.</p>

<p>Likewise, if you prefer a petrol engine, don't bother with the expensive ML500. The basic ML350 drives well enough and costs much less.</p>

<p>Every version is lavishly equipped, with cruise and climate controls, all-round electric windows and alloy wheels, so the basic trim will be plenty for most people. However, you could upgrade to SE, which brings leather upholstery and metallic paint, or Sport, with its bigger wheels and sportier interior trim.</p>

<p>http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Mercedes/M-Class)**</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

<p>We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement.</p>

<p>A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.</p>

Large SUV

<p>You may well be a little concerned if you've ever seen survey results for the previous M-Class, especially its bottom-five finish in the 2005 JD Power survey. However, this model is a major improvement on the old car. It certainly feels better built and uses higher-quality materials.</p>

<p>That should at least bring this model more into line with other Mercedes cars. Figures from Warranty Direct show that, if you were to draw up a league table of reliability, Mercedes would put in a respectable mid-table performance, on a par with BMW and Volvo, but well ahead of Land Rover and Jeep.</p>

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<p>For anyone familiar with the poor previous-generation Mercedes M-Class, this version could not be more different. The latest car is on a par with its major rivals in every respect.</p>

<p>With the optional air suspension, it has a better balance of ride and handling than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>, which is no mean feat, and even on the standard suspension it's impressive.</p>

<p>Its refinement is also hard to fault, the seven-speed automatic gearbox is wonderfully smooth, and putting the gear selector on the steering column has freed up valuable space.</p>

<p>Mind you, space is hardly tight to start with. The M-Class has more legroom front and rear than rivals such as the BMW X5 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>, and is second only to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a> for headroom.</p>

<p>Its boot, too, is one of the very biggest in its class, and just about the only complaint is that, unlike some of its rivals, it doesn't have a seven-seat option.</p>

<p>http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Mercedes/M-Class)**</p>

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Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 2005 - 2012 reliability

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Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 2005 - 2012 review

You may well be a little concerned if you've ever seen survey results for the previous M-Class, especially its bottom-five finish in the 2005 JD Power survey. However, this model is a major improvement on the old car. It certainly feels better built and uses higher-quality materials.,That should at least bring this model more into line with other Mercedes cars. Figures from Warranty Direct show that, if you were to draw up a league table of reliability, Mercedes would put in a respectable mid-table performance, on a par with BMW and Volvo, but well ahead of Land Rover and Jeep., 

What to look for when buying a Mercedes M Class 2005 - 2012, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 2005 - 2012 reliability

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