Mercedes-Benz M-class W166 ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz M-class:

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class , is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.
The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class moved to a unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W166 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W166). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.1 l/100km). At around 2055 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.6 s). The top speed reaches 235 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2011
Adult Occupant 96%
Stars 5
Expert Note:
The W166 M-Class achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating high levels of adult and child occupant protection.

ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides adequate power for daily driving and comfortable long journeys, offering a refined and capable experience.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel efficiency for a naturally aspirated V6 of its size, balancing power with reasonable running costs.

Best Use Case: Daily commuting, family transport, long-distance comfort with a focus on refinement.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Luxurious and spacious interior with high-quality materials
  • • Comfortable and refined ride quality, especially with optional air suspension
  • • Strong and diverse engine lineup, from efficient diesels to powerful AMG V8s
  • • Excellent safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance systems
  • • Capable off-road performance for its class (with appropriate options)

Cons:

  • • Higher running costs, particularly for petrol V8 and AMG models
  • • Infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer rivals
  • • Some interior plastics not quite up to the premium standard of rivals
  • • Potential for issues with complex systems like air suspension (Airmatic)
  • • Steering can feel a bit numb, lacking direct feedback

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W164, facelift 2008: May, 2009 - February, 2010).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:M-class
Generation:W166
Modification (Engine):ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:November, 2011
End of production:December, 2014
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Engine systems:Start & Stop System
Power:306 Hp @ 6500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:87.5 Hp/l [23mm more]
Torque:370 Nm @ 3500-5250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 276 DE 35 / M 276.955 More details about the engine M 276 DE 35 / M 276.955
Engine displacement:3498
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:12:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.9-11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.1-7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):8.5-8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):10.9-11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):7.1-7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.5-8.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.6 sec
Maximum speed:235 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.7 kg/Hp, 148.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 180 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2055
Max. weight:2900
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:845
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2010 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:690 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):3500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:78 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4804 mm mm [23mm more]
Width:1926 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1796 mm mm [19mm less]
Wheelbase:2915 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2141 mm
Front track:1648 mm
Rear (Back) track:1663 mm
Front overhang:880 mm
Rear overhang:1009 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC PLUS
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size255/55 R18; 255/50 R19; 265/40 R20
Wheel rims size8J x 18; 8.5J x 19; 9J x 20
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Your first impression of the Mercedes-Benz M-class in one word? Go!