2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is an SUV offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.3L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) / 17 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 14–26 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (3.5L 6-cyl), returning around 26 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: Fuel economy slips from 22 to 20 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3.5L 6-cyl · 5.5L 8-cyl · 6.3L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 7-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 107 cu ft (3,030 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 41 cu ft (1,161 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 20 combined / 19 urban / 25 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 17 combined / 16 city / 21 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 325 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class across 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.3L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 12 to 22 mpg (US), or 14 to 26 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/24) | 251 | $3,750 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (16/21) | 325 | $4,850 |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 15 (13/18) | 368 | $5,500 |
| 6.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 12 (11/15) | 460 | $6,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 107 cubic feet (about 3,030 litres) and luggage volume at 41 cubic feet (about 1,161 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Running Costs: 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class at 20 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,818 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. The most-reported areas are Air bags (62), Service brakes (22), Electrical system (17). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 8 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 70 complaints across the 6 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (62 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (22 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (17 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (7 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 20 mpg figure is 7 mpg below that average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 72 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Mercedes-Benz models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class's 20 mpg is 6 mpg below that make average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 57 g/km higher than the 268 g/km Mercedes-Benz average.
Of the 6 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (20 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Mercedes-Benz ML-Class year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.3L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.5L 6-cyl with a automatic 7-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The most efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, or 17 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 14 to 26 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Among the 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (62 complaints), Service brakes (22 complaints), Electrical system (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 107 cubic feet (about 3,030 litres) and luggage volume at 41 cubic feet (about 1,161 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.