why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is a far cry from the original model. Whereas the first M-Class featured body-on-frame construction, the newest ML employs a unit-body design. This creates a stiffer chassis, which helps eliminate rattles and vibration as well as quiets the interior. The design also allows for a more sophisticated suspension, yielding better handling and a more civilized ride. Although it can seat five, the ML is most comfortable with four passengers. It offers a modest cargo bay of 29.4 cubic feet, which is more space than an Infiniti FX35, but less than offered by the Acura MDX. The M-Class' diesel engine option is unique and Mercedes-Benz promises the engine will meet all 50 state's stringent emissions standards.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're seriously shopping in the upscale SUV category and are drawn to the Lexus RX 350 and/or the BMW X5, you may very well find your new home away from home behind the wheel of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If, like so many SUV buyers today, you'll settle for no fewer than three rows of seats, you'll have to look somewhere else. Mercedes-Benz does, however, offer a third-row seat in its G-Class SUV.

What's New for 2008

The ML500 is replaced by the ML550, which features a larger, more powerful engine, AMG body styling and 19-inch AMG wheels. Nineteen-inch wheels are also made standard on the ML350 and ML320 CDI. A limited-edition ML350 Edition 10 celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the M-Class.

Driving the M-Class

Driving Impressions By having unibody construction instead of a ladder-frame platform the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class transcends any comparison with its predecessor. The highway ride is as smooth as you'd expect from any...

of the automaker's stately sedans, with the added benefit of being able to negotiate large rocks (or parking blocks) with exceptional composure. It's this silkiness that makes the SUV's confidence-inspiring cornering ability just that much more impressive. While in a price-is-no-object world we would prefer the V8-powered ML550, the torque-happy ML320 CDI is equally satisfying.

Favorite Features

Safety First
A long list of safety equipment includes traction and stability control, multiple airbags, active headrests and Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe system that tightens seatbelts and closes windows when it senses an impending collision.

Air Suspension
An optional air suspension allows for an extra three inches of ground clearance, while an active damping system lets you choose between Auto, Comfort and Sport settings, to best suit the road ahead.

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Details

Interior

Some of the first interior details you may notice are the large, circular air vents dominating the dash and the padded rails at the bottom of the center console that are more of an off-road touch than we expected from the more street-friendly 2008 M-Class. What you'll be forced to notice before moving the car an inch, however, is the dainty transmission selector stalk on the steering column. It removes the shifter from the center console and its operation, though not conventional, is easy to get used to. The seats are as comfortable as you'd expect, and the bigger cabin delivers plenty of room for five adults.

Exterior

The sleek 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML looks particularly menacing wearing the new ML550 trim. Body additions from AMG impart a sporty look, and the big 19-inch wheel and tire package is downright aggressive. Though larger in every way than the original ML, the current model retains a comfortable size that is as easy to manage in traffic as in confined parking situations.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 features a 3.5-liter V6, seven-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive, automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control, automatic headlamps, heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, multifunction steering wheel, outside temperature display, 19-inch wheels, power glass sunroof and a four-way adjustable steering column. Standard safety equipment includes an array of passive and active safety technologies, including front, front-side and front and second-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

In addition to its 5.5-liter V8 engine, the ML550 includes wood trim, the AMG trim package and other features. Additional options for all ML models are, for the most part, grouped into packages, but include an active-damping air suspension, DVD navigation, keyless entry and start, power liftgate, active bi-xenon headlights, Parktronic park assist, heated steering wheel and rear seats, rear-seat entertainment system and a harman/kardon premium six-disc audio system. For the lucky few, the ML63 AMG offers the ultimate in ML performance and luxury.

Under the Hood

With an impressive V6 good for 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, opting for the lower-priced, higher-mileage ML350 won't leave you feeling short-changed in the power department. For those who want the towing capability of a V8 with the fuel mileage of a frugal four-cylinder, the ML320 CDI diesel is an excellent choice. Die-hard speed freaks will no doubt drool over the ML63 AMG's 503 horsepower, but the price tag near $90,000 may render this hot-rod SUV little more than a pipe dream.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
215 horsepower @ 4000 rpm
398 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

6.3-liter V8
503 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/14

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 176 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

MBZ ML350 - great, sturdy, reliable car

By littlemcm (CA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, stylish, reliable"

Cons: "can't think of cons - well designed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have owned this car for 4 years and love it. Very comfortable, safe and a joy to drive. Will always own a Mercedes. Am going to get a sedan as my days of transporting kids everywhere is coming to and end. However, plan to keep this car as a 3rd family car. If treated right, this car will continue to be reliable. Would recommend this car, especially for a family."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best value in a diesel vehicle

By Gordy (NE) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,922

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "engine and Mercedes quality"

Cons: "additive for the engine"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I lust for this SUV, it is the type of vehicle you can rely on in any weather or condition. A few drawbacks but mute in the vehicle overall benefits"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great car

By Tulsa (OK) on Tuesday, January 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Only problem has been with rear gate closing, and Mercedes replaced part at no cost. Great car, handles beautifully, can fit a lot of stuff in it, and great in snow."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Excellent SUV

By Pwrdad50 (CA) on Saturday, December 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "outstanding drive and ride"

Cons: "Premium gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My wife is into horses and has a sanctuary. She was driving a big truck to pull horses and needed a smaller vehicle for daily use. She uses this SUV like a mobile tack room and for buying small quantities of horse food. This vehicle far exceeded expectations. It's normal driving is on bumpy dirt roads or very curvy back roads. I did not think it would hold up, but it has and I am now a believer. The only issue was a speed sensor that failed, but was covered under warranty."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

One of the safest, and most fun car to drive

By Marath (CA) on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Safest and Fun to drive"

Cons: "Michelin tires made for the ML are best ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Simply put this is an AWESOME car. It has so many features that take care of the driver. The safety features are incredible. People report walking away from horrible accidents unhurt. One of the nicest things is how fun this SUV is to drive. It feels as if he car literally learns your personal diving style and reacts appropriately as if it predicts what you do when controlling the car. When you take a long drive in this vehicle you learn to appreciate how this car takes out the usual stress and tiredness you usually feel when driving other cars. After all this is a Mercedes. Because it is an SUV you sit up high so you get great visibility of the traffic in front of you. I have one hundred thousand miles on my 2006 ML350 SUV and have had no problems with it. When I purchased this car it had Continental tires on it and the ride was a little stiff and jarring when going over bumps in the road. When these finally wore out the dealer recommended and ordered Michelin tires that were designed for this car. What a huge difference these tires made. The ride is smooth and the tires feel like they hug the road making the car feel even more incredibly stable on the road. All in all I can not tell you enough about how wonderful this vehicle is. When I first test drove the car I did not realize how great it was....but after owning it for just a few weeks you will understand just how wonderful it handles, how safe it is, and how much fun you are having."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Really am impressed!

By Paul (TX) on Thursday, October 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Styling, ride, performance, comfort, prestige"

Cons: "bluetooth phone unreliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Traded my SL550 for the ML350 and although it has a (very) few shortcomings, I LOVE the car. I feel it is the best MB I have ever owned and driven and I have owned MBs since 1971. I'd buy another one as soon as this one is out of warranty (135K)!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 176 reviews