Mercedes-Benz M-Class

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Engine

V6, 3.2L

Power

215 hp

Torque

233 lb-ft

0 to 60

10.6 s

Top speed

109 mph

Transmission

Automatic

Drivetrain

4WD

Original MSRP

$35,750

The original Mercedes M-Class launched in 1997 as the brand's bold entry into the luxury SUV market, directly challenging the Range Rover's dominance. Built at Mercedes' first U.S. factory in Alabama, the W163 generation broke new ground with its unibody construction and advanced 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The ML320's 3.2-liter V6 delivered 215 horsepower, while the ML430 and later ML500 offered V8 power for serious performance. What makes early M-Class models collectible today is their historical significance as Mercedes' SUV pioneer and surprisingly solid build quality despite initial reliability concerns. The AMG ML55 variant, with its hand-built 5.4-liter V8 producing 342 horsepower, stands as the most desirable variant. Clean, low-mileage examples are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate automotive milestones, particularly the cultural shift these luxury SUVs represented in late-90s America.