The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class defines luxury, performance, and advanced engineering in the midsize SUV category. It combines stylishness with versatility and is available in several trims, including fuel-efficient diesel and hybrid models. Its notable features include impressive safety ratings, a refined driving experience, and a choice of powertrains, ranging from the frugal hybrid and diesel, a capable V6 to a robust V8 engine. Whether you prioritize comfort, technology, or fuel economy, the M-Class offers something, including a hybrid model delivering up to 24 mpg on the highway.
Keep reading as we delve into the key features that make the 2011 M-Class a top contender in luxury SUVs.
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Best Suited For
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is ideal for customers looking for a well-rounded midsize luxury SUV with a good balance of power, comfort, and safety. It appeals to families or individuals who prefer a spacious, premium cabin with advanced features for daily commutes and long journeys. Its range of powertrains, including fuel-efficient diesel and hybrid options, suits eco-conscious buyers and those valuing efficiency without trading off performance.
Safety-conscious customers will appreciate its high safety rating and cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, its smooth ride and reliability make it attractive to professionals and adventurers looking for a sophisticated yet versatile vehicle.
Mercedes Benz M-Class Price
- China: The average price for a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class ranges from ¥200,000 to ¥400,000, depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle condition.
- United States: Average prices range between US$26,000 and US$39,000 for the 2015 model, while older models are much cheaper.
- Germany: Prices range from €20,000 to €35,000 for well-maintained used models.
- UK: Average price is £16,000 to £25,000 for models from 2014 – 2015.
- Australia: Costs range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000 for recent models.
- Kenya: The average price for a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class ranges from KSh 800,000 to KSh 6,300,000 depending on the model year and condition.
- Uganda: Prices typically range from UGX 80,000,000 to UGX 200,000,000, with import costs influencing the final price.
- Tanzania: The average price starts at TSh 44,000,000 for well-maintained used models.
- Zimbabwe: Prices vary significantly, averaging US$15,000 to US$40,000, and are influenced by import taxes and demand.
Popularity in African Countries for M-Class Sales: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana lead in M-Class purchases due to their larger luxury car markets and established Mercedes service networks.
Manufacture Year | Price Range |
2011 | From US$ 7,132 ~US$ 20,820 ≫ |
2012 | From US$ 7,803 ~US$ 16,540 ≫ |
2013 | From $9,009 ~US$ 26,330 ≫ |
2014 | From $8,067 ~US$ 20,581 ≫ |
2015 | From: $9,610 ~US$20,060 ≫ |
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Interior & Exterior
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class cabin is advanced with premium finishing, spacious seating, and modern technology like a 6.5-inch COMAND infotainment display, Bluetooth, optional heated seats, and three-zone climate control. Its elegant dashboard layout complements the luxury feel.
The exterior is bold and sophisticated, with newly styled mirrors, a prominent grille, modern headlights, and chrome accents. The angular rear design with a flat tailgate adds practicality, while hidden exhausts enhance its sleek, upscale look.
Inside the M-Class 2011
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class interior boasts a blend of luxury and functionality. Its high-quality materials, spacious cabin, and ergonomic design ensure passenger comfort. A modern dashboard houses a 6.5-inch COMAND display with Bluetooth integration for seamless connectivity. The vehicle accommodates five passengers, the seats are supportive with ample leg, head, knee, shoulder, and foot room. Additional features enhance convenience and luxury.
Key Features
- Power-adjustable front seats.
- Optional heated front and rear seats.
- Three-zone automatic climate control.
- Wood and aluminum trim options.
- Premium audio system with DVD video playback.
- Spacious cargo area with foldable rear seats for added versatility.
Outside the 2011 M-Class
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class exterior is a refined blend of luxury and practicality. Its bold stance is complemented by a sleek yet rugged design. A wide grille with the iconic Mercedes emblem and angular headlights emphasize its premium appeal. The vehicle features chrome accents and roof rails, adding a touch of versatility. Bold LED head, tail, and daytime running lights guarantee better visibility in all conditions.
The SE and AMG Sport have 19-inch alloy wheels, while the top-spec ML63 AMG has 20-inch alloys.
Key Features
- Aerodynamic design with smooth body lines
- Standard 19-inch alloy wheels (upgradable to 20-inch)
- Power liftgate for convenient cargo access
- Optional bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
- Chrome-accented fog lamp housings
- Durable skid plates for off-road protection
FAQ: How many miles can a Mercedes M Class last?
A Mercedes-Benz M-Class can last anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 miles depending on how well it’s maintained.
With proper care, such as regular servicing and timely repairs, it’s not uncommon for an M-Class to exceed 300,000 miles without major issues.
Most models tend to reach around 200,000 to 250,000 miles, and the lifespan also depends on factors like the model year and the driving conditions. Modern M-Class variants, like the 2015 model, can be especially durable if maintained well.
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Fuel Consumption & Engine
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers various engine options with varying fuel consumption. The ML350 4MATIC with a 3.5-liter V6 engine achieves about 6.0 – 8.5 km/L city/highway, while the ML450 Hybrid, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine, delivers around 9 – 10 km/L. The more powerful ML550 4MATIC with a 5.5-liter V8 engine consumes around 5.5 – 7.0 km/L. Additionally, the ML250 BlueTEC diesel version boasts better efficiency with around 16.0 – 17.2 km/L, offering a more fuel-efficient alternative.
Fuel Consumption
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is available in several optional engines with varying fuel consumption balancing power and efficiency. Below is a summary of the engines and their consumption rate.
Average Fuel Consumption per Engine Variation:
- ML 250 BlueTEC Diesel: 15 km/L (36 mpg combined)
- ML 350 4MATIC: 9 km/L (21 mpg combined)
- ML 550 4MATIC V8: 6.4 km/L (15 mpg combined)
Diesel models offer better fuel efficiency, while gasoline variants provide higher performance as a trade-off for increased consumption.
Engine Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2011 – 2015) offers a range of capable engines, including V6 and V8 variants, in gasoline or diesel powertrains. The engines provide a good balance of performance and efficiency, with options like the 3.5L V6 offering 302 horsepower and the 5.5L V8 in the ML 63 AMG delivering 518 horsepower.
Here is a list of engine specifications and performance variations for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class from 2011 up to 2015:
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Variations
- ML 250 BlueTEC (2011 – 2015)
- Engine: 2.1L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel
- Power: 204 hp
- Torque: 500 Nm
- 0 – 100 kph: 9.0 sec
- Top Speed: 209 kph
- Fuel Consumption: 16 – 17 km/L (37.94 – 40.55 mpg)
- ML 350 4MATIC (2011 – 2015)
- Engine: 3.5L V6 gasoline
- Power: 302 hp
- Torque: 370 Nm
- 0 – 100 kph: 7.6 sec
- Top Speed: 209 kph
- Fuel Consumption: 9 – 8.5 km/L (21 – 23 mpg)
- ML 550 4MATIC (2011-2015)
- Engine: 4.7L V8 gasoline
- Power: 402 hp
- Torque: 600 Nm
- 0 – 100 kph: 5.6 sec
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Fuel Consumption: 7 km/L (16.1 mpg)
- ML 63 AMG (2011 – 2015)
- Engine: 5.5L V8 turbocharged
- Power: 518 hp
- Torque: 700 Nm
- 0 – 100 kph: 4.7 sec
- Top Speed: 249 kph
- Fuel Consumption: 6.7 – 7.7 km/L (15 – 19 mpg)
- ML 350 BlueTEC (2011-2015)
- Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel
- Power: 240 hp
- Torque: 455 Nm
- 0 – 100 kph: 7.8 sec
- Top Speed: 209 kph
- Fuel Consumption: 11 – 12.5 km/L (22 – 29 mpg)
These powerful engines provide excellent towing capabilities, smooth highway driving, and refined off-road performance for a luxury SUV.
FAQ: What replaced the Mercedes M-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was replaced by the GLE-Class in 2015 as part of a model renaming and refresh.
The change marked the transition to a more modern design and features, aligning the M-Class with Mercedes’s updated naming strategy. The GLE-Class includes both regular SUV models and a coupe variant, with improvements in performance, technology, and luxury features compared to the M-Class. The new name also reflected the vehicle’s evolution into a more refined and larger mid-size luxury SUV.
Popular Facts
The Mercedes M-Class, first introduced in 1997, was one of the brand’s early ventures into luxury SUVs. Known for blending rugged off-road capability with premium comfort, it swiftly became a symbol of luxury in the SUV segment.
Over the years, the M-Class has been commended for its smooth driving experience, capable engine options, and advanced safety features. The model underwent several redesigns, with significant updates in 2012 when it was renamed the GLE-Class after its successor, the G-Class.
The M-Class range of powerful engines, paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, make it ideal for both on-road performance and off-road adventures. It was one of the earliest SUVs to offer diesel and hybrid powertrains.
Why is the M-Class so Popular?
- Luxury and Comfort: The M-Class combines the opulence and comfort of a Mercedes sedan with the versatility of an SUV, making it a top choice for luxury car buyers.
- Strong Performance: It offers a variety of powerplants, including V6 and V8 engines, as well as diesel and hybrid variants, delivering both power and efficiency.
- Off-road Capabilities: The M-Class is equipped with Mercedes’s 4MATIC advanced all-wheel-drive system which boosts its off-road capabilities, enabling it to handle all sorts of terrains while maintaining a smooth ride.
- Safety Features: It is packed with advanced safety technologies that provide safety for passengers and other road users, as well as enhance driver confidence making it a trusted family SUV.
- Brand Prestige: As part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the M-Class benefits from the brand’s strong reputation for quality, durability, luxury, and innovation.
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Writer’s Perspective
For most automotive enthusiasts, a Mercedes M-Class can’t go unnoticed! It is a remarkable car from a known and trusted automotive powerhouse and is worth all the attention. Indeed a remarkable work of engineering that provides all the perks of luxury in an SUV. It is comfortable and luxurious, it is a capable off-roader that can sometimes punch above weight.
For anyone in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV, the M-Class will be a great choice, it’s a good investment, a tried-and-tested servant that guarantees reliability, dependability, and robustness.
With a wide choice of powerplants to choose from whether you prioritize power, torque, or efficiency, there is something for you, with a choice of petrol, diesel, and hybrid to choose from.
Final Verdict
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a remarkable and reliable luxury SUV, offering a good balance of comfort, performance, and safety. With various petrol, diesel, or hybrid engine options, including 4-cylinder, V6, and V8 variants, that’s why it delivers in many aspects whether its power or efficiency. Its off-road capabilities, combined with notable Mercedes-Benz refinements, make it a versatile choice. The M-Class also boasts a high-end interior, advanced safety features, and a smooth driving experience, that make it a great option for those seeking a premium SUV that excels in urban and rugged environments.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.