Mercedes-Benz ML Market Index1997-2015

About the Mercedes-Benz ML

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class revolutionised the luxury SUV market when it arrived globally in 1997 as the W163, famously adopting the ML nomenclature to avoid conflict with BMW's performance division. This pioneer of the premium 4x4 segment evolved through the more refined W164 in 2005 and the tech-laden W166 in 2011, before the nameplate was eventually retired in 2015 to make way for the GLE-Class rebranding. In the Australian market, the M-Class has historically enjoyed a vast buyer pool, particularly appealing to families and those requiring a prestigious tow vehicle with genuine off-road capability. While early W163 models have largely transitioned into the budget-friendly category, the later W164 and W166 generations remain highly sought after on the secondary market, with diesel variants and the flagship ML63 AMG versions retaining the highest levels of desirability. Market value stays relatively stable for well-maintained examples with documented service history, as local buyers continue to appreciate the model's blend of German engineering, safety, and substantial road presence. Despite the badge change nearly a decade ago, the original ML remains a cornerstone of the Australian luxury used car market, maintaining its status as a versatile and capable all-rounder.