Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Name: 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

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

A breakthrough design when it came out in 1997, at this point the M-Class SUV had been surpassed by several newer competitors. Still, the interior is comfortable and roomy. Both the V6 and V8 are powerful engines and handling is secure. But in ride comfort, interior noise, and the placement of some controls, the M-Class was showing its age. Reliability was a sore spot from day-one.

2003 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

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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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2003 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$3,875 - $4,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti FX

$4,250 - $4,800

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti QX4

$3,675 - $4,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Land Rover Range Rover

$4,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus RX

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Porsche Cayenne

$5,175 - $6,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

4WD

3.7-liter V6 (232 hp)
5-liter V8 (288 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (342 hp)

5-speed automatic

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.