1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 W163

• The 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 W163 was more SUV than soft-roader, with real off-road chops.

• It helped kick off the luxury SUV trend—before most brands caught on.

• Solid V6, proper 4MATIC system, and family-friendly practicality kept it relevant.

If you had to pick a moment where the luxury SUV era really clicked into gear, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 W163 is a good place to start. It wasn’t perfect—few early experiments are—but it was honest about what it was. A tall, chunky, V6-powered SUV from a brand that, until then, built sedans that didn’t know how to get dirty.

At first glance, the ML320 looks purpose-built. The front end is upright, no nonsense. There’s no swoopy bodywork or coupe-like tricks. It rides high, with chunky bumpers and functional roof rails. You can almost smell the muddy boots in the footwell. But then you notice the Mercedes grille, the chrome accents, and realize this thing wasn’t made just for forestry trails. It was meant to do double duty.

A Design That Meant Business

There’s a kind of quiet confidence to the ML320. Proportions are upright but balanced. The wheels sit nicely in the arches. Side profile is clean. You get enough glass for good visibility—no pinched rooflines here.

What stands out is the balance. It’s clearly more rugged than anything else Mercedes was doing in the late '90s, but it doesn’t try too hard. There’s no posturing. It feels unpretentious, which is rare for an early luxury SUV.

What’s Underneath Matters

Power came from a 3.2-liter V6—nothing flashy, just 215 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was enough to get it moving respectably, even fully loaded. The real magic was in the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This wasn’t a faux-AWD setup. It had a proper low-range transfer case and a decent ground clearance of 213 mm (8.4 in), making the ML320 a legitimate choice for backroads and ski trips alike.

And even though it was body-on-frame early on, it didn’t ride like a lumber truck. The suspension was tuned for comfort, and while the handling wasn’t tight, it was solid. Family-hauler meets mountain-goer. That was the vibe.

Interior: Straightforward but Comfortable

Inside, you got five real seats and a cavernous cargo area. Materials were on par with Mercedes sedans of the era—think durable plastics, some wood trim, and straightforward switchgear. Dual-zone climate, decent stereo, and wide-opening doors made it feel smartly designed, even if not overly luxurious by today’s standards.

Then the Others Followed

The ML320 W163 beat the BMW X5 to market by a hair and positioned itself differently than the Lexus RX, which leaned more urban. Mercedes went rugged-lux. And it worked. Sales were strong, and the segment exploded not long after.

Technical Specifications: 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 W163

Performance:

• Engine: 3.2L V6 (M112 E32)

• Power Output: 215 hp (160 kW) @ 5,500 rpm

• Torque: 233 lb-ft (316 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm

• Acceleration (0–60 mph): Approximately 9.0 seconds

• Top Speed: 121 mph (195 km/h)

• Fuel Economy (EPA): 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined

• Fuel Type: Regular unleaded

• Drive Type: All-wheel drive (4MATIC)

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Body Measurements:

• Length: 4,587 mm (180.6 in)

• Width: 1,833 mm (72.2 in)

• Height: 1,776 mm (69.9 in)

• Wheelbase: 2,819 mm (111.0 in)

• Ground Clearance: 213 mm (8.4 in)

• Turning Circle: 11.3 m (37.0 ft)

• Curb Weight: 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs)

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 2,724 kg (6,005 lbs)

Powertrain:

• Engine Type: Naturally aspirated V6

• Engine Code: M112 E32

• Displacement: 3,199 cc

• Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection

• Valvetrain: SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder

• Drivetrain: Permanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC)

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Capacities:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 72 liters (19.0 US gallons)

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

• Cargo Volume (All Seats in Place): 1,265 liters (44.7 cu.ft.)

• Maximum Towing Capacity: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)

Price:

• Original MSRP (1999): Approximately $39,590 USD

• Current Market Value (Used): Varies based on condition and mileage; typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 USD

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