- Design New headlights, redesigned bumpers, new mirrors and a larger grille were introduced.[1]
- Powertrain Diesel model designations were raised (ML 280 CDI to ML 300 CDI, 320 CDI to 350 CDI, 420 CDI to 450 CDI).[1]
- Powertrain BlueTec diesels with urea injection arrived for the 2009 model year.[1]
- Safety equipment PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection and NECK-PRO head restraints became standard.[2]
Mercedes-Benz GLE and M-Class · Second generation · production 2005–2011
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164)
Key facts
| Production | January 2005[1] – July 2011[2] |
|---|---|
| First shown | January 2005, North American International Auto Show, Detroit[1] |
| Model years | 2006–2011 (North America)[1] |
| Codes | W164 model code (series)[1] |
| Names by market | M-Class (All markets)[1] |
| Platform | W164/V251/W166 (shared with GL-Class X164 and R-Class)[1] |
| Assembly | Vance (Tuscaloosa County), Alabama, United States (MBUSI)[1] |
| Body styles | 5-door SUV (unibody)[1] |
| Seating | Not documented here |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (4Matic (permanent; low range only with optional Off-Road Pro package))[1] |
Photos
What changed from the W163
- Chassis The body-on-frame construction of the W163 was replaced by a unibody shared with the GL-Class.[1]
- Dimensions The new model is 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first generation.[1]
- Design The drag coefficient was reduced to 0.34.[1]
- Powertrain The 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission was introduced.[1]
- Drivetrain In most markets except the US, an optional Off-Road Pro package offered centre and rear differential locks, a two-speed transfer case with low range and adjustable ground clearance.[1]
Facelifts and updates
Dimensions
| Market | Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market not stated | standard | 4,781 mm (188.2 in) | 1,910 mm (75.2 in) | 1,815 mm (71.5 in) | 2,913 mm (114.7 in) | [1] |
| Market not stated | ML 63 AMG | 4,821 mm (189.8 in) | 1,951 mm (76.8 in) | 1,862 mm (73.3 in) | — | [1] |
| United States | ML 450 Hybrid | 4,806 mm (189.2 in) | 1,976 mm (77.8 in) | — | — | [1] |
Figures are as published by the source for that market and version; widths usually exclude mirrors. Conversions in brackets are ours.
Powertrains
| Version | Market | Type | Engine / motor | Power | Torque | Transmission | Drive | Years | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML 350 4MATIC | Market not stated | Petrol | 3.5 L V6 (M272) | 203 kW (276 PS) | 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic | AWD | 2005–2011 | [1] |
| ML 500 4MATIC | Market not stated | Petrol | 5.0 L V8 | 228 kW (310 PS) | 406 Nm (299 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2005–2007 | [1] |
| ML 500 / ML 550 4MATIC | Market not stated | Petrol | 5.5 L V8 | 290 kW (394 PS) | 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2007–2011 | [1] |
| ML 63 AMG 4MATIC | Market not stated | Petrol | 6.2 L V8 (M156) | 380 kW (517 PS) | 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2006–2011 | [1] |
| ML 450 Hybrid 4MATIC | United States | Hybrid | 3.5 L V6 + two electric motors (two-mode hybrid) | 254 kW (345 PS) | 517 Nm (381 lb-ft) | two-mode hybrid CVT | AWD | 2009–2011 | [1] |
| ML 280 CDI / ML 300 CDI 4MATIC | Market not stated | Diesel | 3.0 L V6 turbo-diesel (OM642) | 141 kW (192 PS) | 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2005–2010 | [1] |
| ML 320 CDI 4MATIC | Market not stated | Diesel | 3.0 L V6 turbo-diesel (OM642) | 157 kW (213 PS) | 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2005–2009 | [1] |
| ML 350 CDI BlueTec 4MATIC | Market not stated | Diesel | 3.0 L V6 turbo-diesel (OM642) | 167 kW (227 PS) | 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2009–2011 | [1] |
| ML 420 CDI 4MATIC | Market not stated | Diesel | 4.0 L V8 turbo-diesel (OM629) | 228 kW (310 PS) | 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) | — | AWD | 2005–2009 | [1] |
Power is shown in the unit the source uses first (kW, metric PS or SAE hp), with our conversion in brackets. A blank cell means the source does not state it.
Notes
- This generation is documented from English and German Wikipedia; no Mercedes-Benz press material is cited.
- Built only at Vance (Tuscaloosa County), Alabama. North American model years 2006–2011.
- Dates differ between sources: English Wikipedia gives production from January 2005; German Wikipedia gives 03/2005–06/2011 in its infobox and July 2011 in the text for the end of production. German Wikipedia gives slightly different dimensions (4,780 × 1,911 × 1,815 mm, wheelbase 2,915 mm).
- German Wikipedia says the facelift was shown at the end of April 2008 and delivered from autumn 2008; English Wikipedia dates its debut to the New York show in March 2008.
- The ML 450 Hybrid (2009 New York show) was offered only in the United States, on lease.
Sources
- Mercedes-Benz GLE — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
- Mercedes-Benz W 164 — Wikipedia (de) Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
Wikipedia sources link to the exact revision that was read. Specifications differ between markets, years and versions; each figure is shown with the market and version its source states.