2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class became more powerful in 2008, thanks to the addition of the new ML550 trim, which replaced the ML500. As its name...
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class became more powerful in 2008, thanks to the addition of the new ML550 trim, which replaced the ML500. As its name indicates, the ML550 comes equipped with a 5.5-liter, 382-horsepower V8 engine, the same engine Mercedes dropped into the E550 sedan, the CLK550 coupe, and the S550 sedan, among other vehicles. This powerful V8 drives the midsize ML550 SUV from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, which should enable drivers to complete around-town chores in record time.
The ML550 features some design tweaks provided by AMG, Mercedes' in-house tuner. AMG design elements include new front and rear bumpers and five-spoke AMG wheels. Other design elements exclusive to the ML550 include chrome grille ribs, square stainless-steel exhaust tips, and grommeted running boards.
The ML550 joins a solid lineup of SUVs that also includes the diesel-powered, fuel-efficient ML320 CDI, the V6 gas-powered ML350, and the top dog in the M-Class, the ML63 AMG, which features a beefy 503-horsepower, 6.4-liter V8 engine and body styling by AMG.
All SUVs in the M-Class come equipped with the Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which provides improved handling, stability, and traction in all types of driving conditions. Other features include Downhill Speed Regulation, which manages the throttle and brakes to ensure safe driving on steep slopes, and Hill Assist, which prevents rollback when the driver switches between the brake and gas pedals on steep uphill or downhill grades.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class for its safety features, comfort, and reliability. Many owners highlight the diesel engine's performance and the vehicle's luxurious feel. However, some concerns were raised about maintenance costs and issues with the navigation system. While the SUV generally delivers a satisfying driving experience, a few reviews noted significant incidents, like accidents and mechanical repairs that could be costly."
I love everything about it. I feel SO SAFE in this vehicle. It has a 5 star crash safety rating, which is extremely important to me. And, the darned thing looks so sexy too! I am "wowed" by it, every time I look up and see it. I am so proud that it's mine. :) It has the power, handling, and braking, similar to a sports car (I've had several.....BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and in younger years, Corvette, Camaro, and Mustang). This is my all time favorite. Stunning muscle........
January 18, 2014Great suv lasts forever and are very comfortable and safe feeling to drive
January 2, 2023I walked away from a severe rollover crash with no broken bones or spilled blood. i was hit by a speeding red-light runner who slammed into my rear axle, plowed under my car, and flipped me in the air. my SUV saved my life with airbags, curtains, and marvelous engineering of a solid hard body. I ended upside down, hanging in my seatbelt, with shattered windshield and back windshield, and a totaled car. the "onstar" folks spoke immediately, asking if i were hurt and sending paramedics, saying "we know exactly where you are." the EMTs could not believe i was not injured beyond being badly shaken and sore, saying "You were in THAT car?" and "She was bouncing around inside a big balloon" and "A Mercedes SUV." When I wept to one, "Look what he did to my beautiful car," he answered, "Hey, You are ALIVE." I have loved this car from the first moment--a pleasure to drive, fun, comfortable, handy, classic design.
August 22, 2010What owners say
I love everything about it. I feel SO SAFE in this vehicle. It has a 5 star crash safety rating, which is extremely important to me. And, the darned thing looks so sexy too! I am "wowed" by it, every time I look up and see it. I am so proud that it's mine. :) It has the power, handling, and braking, similar to a sports car (I've had several.....BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and in younger years, Corvette, Camaro, and Mustang). This is my all time favorite. Stunning muscle........
January 18, 2014Great suv lasts forever and are very comfortable and safe feeling to drive
January 2, 2023I walked away from a severe rollover crash with no broken bones or spilled blood. i was hit by a speeding red-light runner who slammed into my rear axle, plowed under my car, and flipped me in the air. my SUV saved my life with airbags, curtains, and marvelous engineering of a solid hard body. I ended upside down, hanging in my seatbelt, with shattered windshield and back windshield, and a totaled car. the "onstar" folks spoke immediately, asking if i were hurt and sending paramedics, saying "we know exactly where you are." the EMTs could not believe i was not injured beyond being badly shaken and sore, saying "You were in THAT car?" and "She was bouncing around inside a big balloon" and "A Mercedes SUV." When I wept to one, "Look what he did to my beautiful car," he answered, "Hey, You are ALIVE." I have loved this car from the first moment--a pleasure to drive, fun, comfortable, handy, classic design.
August 22, 2010Everything on this car was Great, Looks, Ccomfort, Style and SUV Utility. The usual issues with MB are the navigation system is a little cumbersome and the gas mileage for us was 18 - 22 mpg. We bought our Mercedes Benz 2008 ML350 SUV in 2014 as a used car with 89K miles on it. We drove it till it was 143K miles and I had to give it up because a truck hit the car and the insurance company totaled it because of the frame damage. In the eight years we drove the car we had only two mechanical issues that were easily remedied but costly because it was a Mercedes. I would have loved to keep my car another hundred miles. Everyone thought it looked new and I felt safe in it regardless of weather or traffic conditions. Buy it if you need a second car.
March 13, 2023Great car that will run forever if maintained. For me the big cost item was the suspension at 70k miles, but that is a one and done item.
April 7, 2022Lots of current safety features on an older less expensive vehicle. Quality better then many newer models that have been marked up beyond reason. The diesel is very quite and drives very well.
March 12, 2022Power, Safety, Comfort Reliability and Style to the maximum in one machine! Truly is the King of the road. Kids just love the entertainment. It is like everything possible in life, wile driving this magnificent beast. I is just perfect car.
December 20, 2011The SUV would have been fine but had 4 accidents reported to Carfax. According to my mechanic it would never pass an emission test Also the vehicle was extremely dirty inside.
February 13, 2021The best suv. The diesel engine is the best last diesel engines without the adblue crap. Straight up diesel that you dont have to worry about no emissions add ons.
April 6, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $52,750 | Seating 5 |
Engine 5.5L 382 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 41.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $87,000 | Seating 5 |
Engine 6.3L 503 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 41.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 12 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $51,930 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 268 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 41.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $45,000 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 215 hp V6 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 41.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $44,000 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 268 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 41.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$44,000 - $87,000
Current avg. market price
$6,774
Trending up by 2.8% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
