Introduced in 1998, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a line of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs). While the M-Class comes with an impressively powerful engine, even on the lower-priced ML320, it still focuses primarily on luxury rather than off-road ability. The M-Class offers comfort and luxury in a spacious cabin that few vehicles match.
Overall, the M-Class aims to be a high-end family vehicle. It makes a solid day-to-day vehicle to carry just a driver, but buyers can get a better-equipped Mercedes-Benz sedan for the same price as the M-Class. Regardless, the M-Class offers Mercedes-Benz luxury in the SUV body so many drivers adore.
The Range
Body Styles: SUV
Engines: 3.2-liter six-cylinder, 4.3-liter eight-cylinder
Transmissions: five-speed automatic
Models: Mercedes-Benz ML320, Mercedes-Benz ML430
What's New
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 starts as a new model offering. The 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 receives additional standard equipment this model year.
Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class serves as a fairly compact SUV, measuring 189.6 inches in length, making it roughly the same size as many sedans. Overall, the M-Class looks very attractive, with graceful curves smoothing out the distinctive, blocky frame of a sport utility vehicle. Alloy wheels and a roof rack come standard, along with keyless entry, and power heated mirrors. Running boards, metallic paint, a power moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, and an exterior mounted spare tire holder remain available as optional features.
Interior
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a large, spacious, luxurious interior with a large range of standard equipment. Cruise control, air-conditioning, an AM/FM radio, power windows, power locks, and a cassette player all come standard. Compared to most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this might seem like a fairly limited list of features, however, even in its price range, the M-Class comes better equipped than much of the completion. Leather seating, a CD player, a CD changer, heated seats, third row seating, Bose audio, leather trim, a trip computer, and power seats are available as options.
Performance & Handling
The M-Class provides good performance on roadways. The engine feels powerful enough to give it good acceleration, and the M-Class has a very tight turning circle. It turns almost as well as some very large sedans. The off-road performance seems noticeably weaker. The 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class has power and all-wheel drive, but it does not come properly set up for a smooth off-road ride. The M-Class proves better for cruising the suburbs than woodland trails.
Safety
All 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class models come equipped with dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and traction control as standard safety equipment.
EPA Fuel Economy
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 3.2-liter six-cylinder: 15/19 mpg city/highway
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4.3-liter eight-cylinder: 14/17 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Good roadway performance
- Spacious interior
- Luxurious ride
You Won't Like
- High price tag
- Weak off-road performance
Sum Up
Luxury for the SUV fan.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Escape
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Toyota 4Runner