Review and specifications
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
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.
- Market value
- $7,838
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 7-speed
- Category
- Luxury midsized SUVs
- Generation began
- 2012
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $7,838
- Retail value range
- $7,675 - $12,725
- Original MSRP range
- $48,990 - $94,990
- Trade-in range
- $4,525 - $9,390
Ratings
- Road test score
- 75/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 50%
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 17 MPG
- EPA highway
- 22 MPG
- EPA combined
- 19 MPG
- Tested city
- 13 MPG
- Tested highway
- 25 MPG
- Tested overall
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,650
- Cruising range
- 450 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.5 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 6.8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 138 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 48 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 189 in
- Width
- 76 in
- Height
- 71 in
- Wheelbase
- 115 in
- Weight
- 4,915 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,080 lb
- Towing capacity
- 7,200 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 4.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41.5 in
- Rear head room
- 4.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 27 in
- Cargo volume
- 37.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Driving
- 4/5
- Styling
- 3/5
- Value
- 1/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 3/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Mercedes-Benz
Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.
Vehicle ID: 2670 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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