Mercedes-Benz GLE
2021 GLE 350d 4MATIC AMG Line (V167)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1997–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Also called	Mercedes-Benz M-Class (1997–2015)
Production	1997–2015 (M-Class) 2015–present (GLE)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-sizeluxurySUV (1997–2005) Mid-size luxurycrossover SUV (2005–present)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive orfour-wheel-drive (4Matic)
Chassis	Body-on-frame (1997–2005) Unibody (2005–present)

TheMercedes-Benz GLE, formerlyMercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with the "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxurySUV produced by the German manufacturerMercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smallerGLC and the largerGLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.

The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is abody-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class (W164) moved to aunibody platform while sharing most components with theGL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating.

For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the W163 M-Class was also built byMagna Steyr inGraz, Austria, for the European market, and the W166 M-Class from 2011 to 2015 was built in Stuttgart for the European and Australian market, before all production moved to theU.S. plant nearVance, Alabama in 2015 with the release of the facelifted W166 model, in an effort to harmonize Mercedes-Benz SUV nameplates by aligning it with theE-Class.

Although grouped under the "M-Class" naming banner since the first launch,BMW, who sellsM models such as theM3, objected to the car being badged "M" with the three-digit engine level afterwards (e.g. M 320). This forced Mercedes-Benz to defer to a double-tiered marketing strategy of "ML" badging (e.g. ML 320) under an M-Class umbrella.^[1] There has been some confusion surrounding this nomenclature, with many sources erroneously referring to the series as the "ML-Class",^[2][3] including Mercedes-Benz itself.^[4][5]

From 2015, with the release of the facelifted W166 third-generation model at the New York Auto Show in April, the M-Class was renamed to GLE as per the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for Geländewagen (German for off land wagon oroff-road vehicle) and alludes the long-runningG-Wagen. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "E"—the GLE being the SUV equivalent to theE-Class.^[6][7]

Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163)
2000 ML 320 (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	W163
Production	February 1997[8] – December 2004
Model years	1998–2005
Assembly	United States:Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI) Austria:Graz (Magna Steyr; 1999–2002)
Designer	Bruno Sacco & Peter Pfeiffer (1993) Peter Arcadipane[9]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-doorSUV
Chassis	Body-on-frame
Related	SsangYong Rexton
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2.3 LM111I4 3.2–3.7 LM112V6 4.3–5.4 LM113V8 Diesel: 2.7 LOM612turboI5 4.0 LOM628 turbo V8
Transmission	5-speedmanual 5-speed5G-Tronicautomatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,819 mm (111.0 in)
Length	1997–02: 4,587 mm (180.6 in) 2002–05: 4,638 mm (182.6 in) AMG: 4,636 mm (182.5 in)
Width	1997–02: 1,834 mm (72.2 in) 2002–05: 1,839 mm (72.4 in) AMG: 1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Height	1997–02: 1,775 mm (69.9 in) 2002–05: 1,821 mm (71.7 in) AMG: 1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Curb weight	2,093 kg (4,614 lb)

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz ML 320 (Australia)

Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG (US)

Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG (Europe)

Mercedes-Benz proposed a plan to replace the G-Class, which at the time had been in production for 11 years. A joint agreement withMitsubishi Motors to develop and produce a sports-utility vehicle was made in early 1991 and was confirmed publicly that June. Plans were made to base it on theMontero/Pajero platform, with one of them being badged as a Mercedes-Benz and the other a Mitsubishi. In May 1992, these plans were abandoned citing "technical problems" and Mercedes-Benz continued on with in-house development from January 1993.^[10][11]

In March 1993, a search for a location to build a U.S. manufacturing plant began. By September 1993, a location in the state of Alabama was chosen and construction started in 1994.

While plans were being made overseas, in Germany development continued. Design work took place from late 1992 to 1994. A design from Mercedes' Sindelfingen studio was chosen in 1993 and approved by the executive board in February 1994. The design patents were filed in Germany on 13 July 1994, and in the U.S. on 13 January 1995. Prototype testing started with test mules and crash tests using mock-ups in May 1994. First functional prototype's crash test took place in February 1995, with full testing run from March 1995 to December 1996 in various climates and regions of the world. Pilot production began in May 1996.

In July 1996, construction on theMercedes-Benz U.S. International plant inVance, Alabama concluded, with the very first production M-Class rolling off the assembly line the week of 9 February 1997.^[12]

Mercedes-Benz launched the first generation W163 series M-Class on 19 February 1997, in the United States for the 1998 model year, with sales beginning that September. It is a mid-sizedbody-on-frame SUV with seating for five, or seven with an optional third-row, seven-seat version. Access to the third-row was deemed problematic and the seats were not suitable for large adults. As a result, the seven seater M-Class was discontinued after the 2005 model year and replaced by the larger GL-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was available with permanent4Matic four-wheel drive, which routedtorque to all four wheels through open front, center, and reardifferentials.^[13] The system used a two-speed dual rangeBorgWarner 4409 transfer case with a planetary center differential that provides a 48% front/52% rear default torque split. The transfer case featured reduction gearing, and Mercedes' newFour-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS). 4-ETS simulated threedifferential locks on all three open differentials, via aggressively braking one or more spinning wheels.^[13]

The M-Class was the firstluxury SUV to featureelectronic stability control, a system designed to detect loss of control and instantaneously intervene with selective braking to bring the vehicle back on its intended course. Furthermore, the M-Class featured front- and side-impact airbags with advanced occupant detection for the front passenger seat, which helped earn the W163 the highest marks in insurance industry crash tests.

Manufactured in Vance, Alabama, in the United States, the M-Class launched in the North American market first as the ML 320. The ML 320 was sold internationally, with the "320" suffix alluding to the 3.2-liter V6 engine. An entry-level, manual transmission-only ML 230, fitted with a 2.3-literinline-four was available in Europe from launch in March 1998 until 2000. From launch in 1998, European markets also received the ML 270 CDI with a 2.7-liter inline-fiveturbodiesel engine. This unit was made available in Australia in 2000 and continued on in the W163 until being replaced upon the release of the W164 M-Class in 2005.

Later, in 1998, the more powerful ML 430 became available with the newly introduced Mercedes-Benz 4.3-liter V8. This was followed by the February 1999 debut of the 2000 ML 55 AMG, featuring a 5.4-literV8 engine made byAMG, modified bodywork, and other performance features.

In September 1996, before the vehicle was launched, Mercedes-Benz allowed the producers of the 1997 filmThe Lost World: Jurassic Park to make use of modified pre-production M-Class SUVs as a way to advertise the W163 when it was launched in 1997. As a result, a Mercedes-Benz advertisement appears before the film on original VHS copies of the film.Jeff Goldblum, the star of the film, received a complimentary ML 320 from Mercedes-Benz as a result of the tie-in. Three versions were used in the movie, two of which of each were built. Two are displayed at theUniversal Studios in Orlando, Florida, there is one at theMercedes-Benz Museum inStuttgart, Germany, and one at the Visitor Center at the M-class factory in Alabama.

The ML 320 wasMotor Trend magazine'sTruck of the Year for 1998 and was voted the 1998North American Truck of the Year at theNorth American International Auto Show, Detroit, in January 1998. It also received theWorld Car Award in March 1999, voted by an international jury of automotive journalists in Geneva.^[14] Despite the accolades, Mercedes-Benz received considerable criticism with respect to the substandard quality of the W163, resulting in the car being nicknamedAlabama Trashcan.^[15] Quality improved over the years, especially after the facelift in 2001 for the 2002 model year.DaimlerChrysler spent US$600 million (~$923 million in 2024) on improvements at the Alabama factory before launching the second generation ML in 2005.

2001 facelift

Mercedes-Benz revised and updated the W163 in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Styling updates involved the fitment of new head- and tail-lamp lenses, front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels on most variants, the relocation of the side turn signals from the fenders to the side-view mirrors, and various interior trim changes. At the same time, the ML 430 was replaced by the 5.0-liter V8-powered ML 500 and a new 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesel ML 400 CDI became available in Europe. The following year, in 2002, Mercedes-Benz launched the ML 350 fitted with a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The ML 350 replaced the ML 320 in some markets, but supplemented it in others.

The previousPopemobile was based on a W163 series ML 430 and has been in service since July 2002.^[16]Volkswagen had offered to build a new vehicle based on theTouareg, butPope Benedict XVI opted to continue using his predecessor's Mercedes-Benz-manufactured vehicle.^[17]

Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz ML270 (2002)^[18]

Test	Score	Rating
Adult occupant:	30
Pedestrian:	4

ANCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2002)^[20]

Test	Score
Overall
Frontal offset	9.64/16
Side impact	16/16
Pole	2/2
Seat belt reminders	2/3
Whiplash protection	Not Assessed
Pedestrian protection	Por
Electronic stability control	Standard

Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164)
2006 ML 320 CDI (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	W164
Production	January 2005[21]–2011
Model years	2006–2011
Assembly	United States:Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI)
Designer	Andreas Deufel, Holger Hutzenlaub,[22]Steve Mattin[23] (2001)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-doorSUV
Chassis	Unibody
Related	Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) Dodge Durango Jeep Grand Cherokee
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 3.5 LM272 E35V6 (gasoline and hybrid) 5.0 LM113 E50V8 4.6 LM273 E47 V8 5.5 LM273 E55 V8 6.2 LM156 V8 Diesel: 3.0 LOM642V6turbo 4.0 LOM629V8 turbo (2005–2011)
Electric motor	2x AC synchronous electric motors (ML450 Hybrid) 62 kW (84 PS; 83 hp) 1st motor 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) 2nd motor
Transmission	7-speed7G-Tronicautomatic two-mode hybrid CVT (ML450 Hybrid)[24]
Hybrid drivetrain	Two-mode hybrid drive Parallel Hybrid (ML450 Hybrid)
Battery	2.4 kWhLiquid-cooled high-voltage Ni-MH
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,913 mm (114.7 in)
Length	4,781 mm (188.23 in)[25][26] AMG: 4,821 mm (189.8 in) Hybrid: 4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width	1,910 mm (75 in) AMG: 1,951 mm (76.8 in) Hybrid: 1,976 mm (77.8 in)
Height	1,815 mm (71.5 in) AMG: 1,862 mm (73.3 in)
Curb weight	2,150 kg (4,740 lb)

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (Australia)

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (Australia; pre-facelift)

In 1999, development on a successor to the W163 began under the codename "W164" and spanned a period of six years. First design drafts appeared in 2000 with the first models in scale 1:4, and in 2001 three full-sized models were prepared.^[22] In 2002 the design styled by Steve Mattin under Peter Pfeiffer was chosen and approved by the executive board.^[23] Design patents were filed in Germany on 10 June 2003 and in the U.S. on 25 July. Prototype testing was conducted throughout 2003 and 2004, concluding in early 2005. The redesigned M-class (chassis nameW164) was introduced in April 2005 as a 2006 model after a showing at theNorth American International Auto Show in January. It was almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look. Thecoefficient of drag was reduced to 0.34. Mercedes-Benz made the new M-Class 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first model. The M-Class was named "Best New Sport Utility Vehicle" in the 2006Canadian Car of the Year awards.

Mercedes-Benz extensively publicised theUS$600 million spent to update its factory and add manufacturing space for the newR-Class. According to early automotive press reports, the 2006 M-Class vehicles demonstrated vast improvements in quality.

The W164platform used for the new M-Class is shared with the newGL-Class and is aunibody type rather than the former (W163) body-on-frame used by the M-Class vehicles produced from 1998–2005. The X164 GL-Class, a longer seven-seater version of the W164 platform, is also available.

New features in the 2006 M-Class include the 7G-Tronic seven-speedautomatic transmission, optionalActive Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights which "steer" in the path of the vehicle, and an adjustable-height air suspension. Themanual transmission has been dropped. Permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive remained, with one-speed transfer case (no low range), centerlimited-slip differential and four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS). In most countries except the U.S., an Off-Road Pro package with center and rear differential locks, 4-ETS, two-speed transfer case with reduction gearing, and adjustable ground clearance was available as an option increasing the original fording depth from 500 mm to 600 mm.

TheAMG version of the W164, the ML 63 AMG, was introduced at the2006 North American International Auto Show as a limited edition 2007 model. It features a 6.2 LM156V8 engine producing 510 PS (375 kW) and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) that is handcrafted in Germany. The engine is added to an AMG SpeedShift7G-Tronic seven-speedautomatic transmission. The 2006 ML 63 AMG can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.8 seconds, or from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 5.0 seconds. These features made the ML 63 AMG the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 SUV in the world at the time of its launch.^[27]

2008 facelift

Interior

2008 facelift (ML 63 AMG)

By 2007, design work on updates to the W164 were finalized and patented domestically in Germany on 23 November 2007. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class got a minor facelift as it debuted at the2008 New York International Auto Show in March 2008.

This facelift includes new front headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new exterior mirrors, new rim choices, a larger front grille, restyled interior, and a new ML 420 CDI engine choice. The ML 280 CDI became the ML 300 CDI, the 320 CDI became the 350 CDI, and the 420 CDI became the 450 CDI.

Models usingBluetecDiesel engine withurea injection were introduced in 2008 for the 2009 model year.

At the2009 New York International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed their ML 450 Hybrid SUV, which was announced on 8 April 2009. The ML 450 Hybrid consumes almost 50% less fuel than the ML 550 does, even though it produces over 90% of the power generated by the V8 model. Total power generated will be 335 hp (250 kW) and 381 lb⋅ft (517 N⋅m) of torque, while getting 24 mpg_‑US (9.8 L/100 km) on the highway and 21 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km) in the city, according toUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. The engine itself runs on theAtkinson cycle and by itself makes 275 hp.^[28] The ML 450 was developed under theGlobal Hybrid Cooperation, and will only be available in the United States under lease.^[29][30]

In 2011, Mercedes-Benz came out with the M-Class BlueTec Grand Edition. The vehicle had cosmetic changes, including specially-manufactured 22-inch 10 spoke wheels, black leather with white stitching, and smokers package with Grand Edition modeling. The exterior consisted of new wheels, tinted headlights and tail lights, xenon-package (LED tail lights and daytime running lights, Xenon headlights), black grille, AMG, and side-view mirrors. The Grand Edition was offered in Midnight Blue, Black, and Ivory White, differentiating the basic model by color already. The interior featured anAMG steering wheel in place of the standard heated steering wheel.

Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI (2008)^[31]

Test	Score	Rating
Adult occupant:	34
Child occupant:	34
Pedestrian:	6

ANCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2008)^[33]

Test	Score
Overall
Frontal offset	13.97/16
Side impact	16/16
Pole	2/2
Seat belt reminders	2/3
Whiplash protection	Not Assessed
Pedestrian protection	Poor
Electronic stability control	Standard

Mercedes-Benz M-Class/GLE (W166/C292)
2013 ML350 W166 wagon (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	W166 C292 (Coupé)
Production	July 2011–2019
Model years	2012–2019
Assembly	United States:Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI) India:Pune, Maharashtra (MBI) Indonesia:Bogor (MBDI)[34] Thailand:Samut Prakan (TAAP)
Designer	Emiel Burki (2008)[35]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-doorSUV 5-doorcoupe SUV
Chassis	Unibody
Related	Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 3.5 LM 276 DE 35V6 3.0 LM276 DE 30 red.bi-turbo V6 4.7 LM278 DE 46 AL bi-turboV8 5.5 LM157 DE 55 AL bi-turbo V8 GasolinePHEV: 3.0 LM 276 DE 30 AL bi-turbo V6 Diesel: 2.1 LOM 651 DE 22 LAturboI4 3.0 LOM642 LS DE 30LA turbo V6
Transmission	7-speed7G-Tronicautomatic 9-speed9G-Tronic automatic
Hybrid drivetrain	Plug-in hybrid (GLE 500 e)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,916 mm (114.8 in)
Length	4,803 mm (189.1 in) AMG: 4,820 mm (189.8 in) Hybrid: 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width	1,926 mm (75.8 in) AMG: 1,950 mm (76.8 in) Hybrid: 1,980 mm (77.8 in)
Height	1,796 mm (70.7 in) AMG: 1,860 mm (73.3 in)
Curb weight	2,150 kg (4,740 lb)

Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC (Australia)

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Interior

In 2006, development began on the next-generation M-Class and spanned over a period of 5 years, a shorter duration than its predecessor. In 2008, the final design by Emiel Burki was approved and patented domestically on 16 December 2008 (U.S. design patent filed on 15 June 2009). The newly redesigned M-Class (chassis nameW166) was introduced in pre-production form 10 June 2011 as a 2012 model. The first customer-designated W166 rolled off the Vance production line on 20 July.^[36] It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generationMercedes-Benz E-Class. An increase in rear seat legroom has been implemented, alongside adjustable rear backrests. It was to be launched in September 2011.

New features in the 2012 M-Class include an updated 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speedautomatic transmission to provide improved fuel economy, optionaladaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus), activelane departure warning system, and an adjustable-height air suspension (AirMatic). Anactive curve system withactive anti-roll bars for body roll compensation was introduced.^[37]

The W166 was one of the last vestiges of the joint venture between Daimler and Chrysler while they were a consolidated company. DaimlerChrysler developed the core platform and technology, benefitting from Chrysler's strong SUV sales and R&D domestically. The underlying platform work was largely completed in 2006, as the two companies were separated. Chrysler uses the same platform to power theJeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) andDodge Durango. Because of the separation however, the cars are extremely different in terms of interior and body design as well as engine choices. Aside from engines, the three SUVs share many powertrain components, including some transmissions.

AnOn&Off Road Package is available for most markets (including North America) as of the 2013 model year. The package adds a two-speed dual rangeMagna Powertrain transfer case with center differential lock, reduction gearing, underbodyskid plates, and a 6-mode selectableterrain driving program system. The rear differential lock has been discontinued.^[38]

Open front and rear differentials are fitted, and use four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS) to simulate front and rear differential locks.

The Mercedes M-Class won first place in the "Luxury Crossover SUV" category and has been named the most ideal vehicle for Americans based on a study undertaken by California-based automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific.^[39]

Mercedes-Benz India established a manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune in early 2009^[40] that rolled out the first W166 M-Class to be built outside the US in October 2012.^[41] In the following month, Mercedes-Benz Indonesia began M-Class assembly at a factory in Wanaherang, West Java.^[42] These plants perform final assembly of vehicles shipped as "knocked-down" kits from Vance, USA.

In the second half of 2015 a facelifted W166 was released as the GLE, along with a coupé version.

The previousPopemobile was based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012.

The GLE name was used in 2015 for thefacelifted W166^[44] along with the new five-door coupé derivative GLE Coupé (C292) which was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at theNorth American International Auto Show. As part of Mercedes-Benz's new naming strategy, the GLE will define the SUV's positioning in the middle of its segment and between the future GLC and GLS (the former GLK and GL, respectively), the same way the E-Class is positioned in relation to the C and S-Classes.

GLE 250d wagon

GLE 350d Coupé

GLE 43 Coupé

GLE 63 S AMG wagon

Interior (GLE)

The W166 facelift was unveiled at theNew York Auto Show.^[45] The GLE 500 e is the firstplug-in hybrid in this model range, combining a 333 hp V6 engine with a 116 hp electric motor.^[45] The first 19 units were delivered in the American market in June 2016.^[46]

The GLE Coupé (C292) is thecoupé SUV version and is heavily related to the W166, sharing its platform, mechanicals and interior (but having a unique body with a similar design).^[44] The C292 coupé was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at theNorth American International Auto Show, it was discontinued in August 2019 after the introduction of the W167.

The GLE Coupé was built in Alabama with the GLE on which it is based.^[47] Sales are expected from the second half of 2015.^{[needs update]} The range is topped by theMercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-Model, powered by 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 producing 585 bhp and 768 Nm of torque,^[48] making it one of the quickest in its segment.^[49]

NHTSA[50]		Euro NCAP[51]
Overall:		Overall:
Frontal – Driver:		Adult occupant:	pts / 96%
Frontal – Passenger:		Child occupant:	pts /  %
Side – Driver:		Pedestrian:	pts / 60%
Side – Passenger:		Driver assist:	pts /  %
Side Pole – Driver:
Rollover:	/17.9%

¹vehicle structure rated "Acceptable"

²strength-to-weight ratio: 6.68

ANCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 3.5L petrol V6 variants (2011)^[53]

Test	Score
Overall
Frontal offset	15.34/16
Side impact	16/16
Pole	2/2
Seat belt reminders	3/3
Whiplash protection	Not Assessed
Pedestrian protection	Adequate
Electronic stability control	Standard

Mercedes-Benz GLE (W167/C167)
2020 GLE 350
Overview
Model code	W167[54] C167 (Coupé)[55]
Production	October 2018–present[56]
Model years	2020–present
Assembly	United States:Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI) India:Pune, Maharashtra (MBI) Indonesia:Bogor (MBDI /InchcapeIndomobil) Thailand:Samut Prakan (TAAP) Malaysia:Pekan (HICOM)
Designer	Robert Lešnik,[57] Balázs Filczer,[58] Michael Frei[59]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-doorSUV 5-doorcoupe SUV
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2.0 LM264turbochargedI4 2.0 LM274PHEVturbochargedI4 2.5 LM256mild hybrid turboI6 (China) 3.0 LM256mild hybrid TurboI6 3.0 LM256PHEV TurboI6 4.0 LM176bi-turboV8 4.0 LM177mild hybridbi-turboV8 Diesel: 2.0 LOM654turbodieselI4 2.0 LOM654PHEVturbodieselI4 2.9 LOM656turbodieselI6 3.0 LOM656turbodieselI6
Transmission	9-speed9G-Tronicautomatic
Hybrid drivetrain	Plug-in hybrid (GLE 350e, GLE 350de, GLE 400e, and AMG GLE 53 Hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,995 mm (117.9 in)[60]
Length	4,924–4,930 mm (193.9–194.1 in)
Width	2,015–2,018 mm (79.3–79.4 in) 2,157 mm (84.9 in) (with mirrors)
Height	1,795–1,797 mm (70.7–70.7 in)
Curb weight	2,130 kg (4,696 lb)

The fourth generation GLE was unveiled at the2018 Paris Motor Show.

At launch, the GLE was sold in the U.S. with two engine options. The GLE 350 has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 hp (259 PS; 190 kW) and the GLE 450 has a 3.0-liter, inline-6, turbocharged engine with 362 hp (367 PS; 270 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) of torque. The GLE 450 has a 48V electric system with an integrated starter motor. The system powers the air-conditioner, in-car electronics and the electronically driven turbocharger.^[61] The GLE 450 features a refinedActive Body Control system, that does away with mechanical roll bars, notably enhancing performance.^[61]

Other engine options are also available. The AMG GLE 53 was introduced at the2019 Geneva Motor Show in March. It has a 3.0 L turbocharged I6 producing 429 hp (435 PS; 320 kW) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) of torque. A 48V electric system like in the GLE 450 features EQ Boost for an extra 21 hp (16 kW) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) torque on demand.^[62]

For the first time under the "GLE" name, the GLE also adds a seven-seat option.

In the European market, twoplug-in hybrid versions are available: the GLE 350e, using a gasoline engine, and the GLE 350de, using a diesel engine. Both use a 31.2-kWh battery. The vehicle can be equipped with a 60 kW quick charging option. The declared WLTP all-electric range is 90 to 99 km (56 to 62 mi).^[63][64]

• 
  Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
• 
  Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
• 
  Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
• 
  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53
• 
  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53
• 
  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
• 
  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
• 
  Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S

In January 2023, the GLE received a facelift for the 2024 model year, adding completely restyled headlights and taillights, a new steering wheel, restyled bumper, newer wheels and a new variant called GLE450e.^[65]

• 
  GLE AMG Line (facelift)
• 
  Rear view (facelift)
• 
  GLE 53 (covered, facelift)
• 
  GLE 53 (covered, facelift)
• 
  Interior (facelift)

ANCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz GLE all variants excluding AMG (see ANCAP Technical Report)
(2019, aligned withEuro NCAP)^[67]

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	34.9	91%
Child occupant:	45.2	92%
Pedestrian:	37.8	78%
Safety assist:	10.3	79%

Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC AMG Line (LHD) (2019)^[68]

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	34.9	91%
Child occupant:	44.2	90%
Pedestrian:	37.8	78%
Safety assist:	10.2	78%

The 2020 model year Mercedes-Benz GLE was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" byIIHS, applies to vehicle built after July 2019. The GLE received a good rating in all categories except for the headlights. For the headlights, the available curve-adaptive LED projector headlights with high-beam assist on vehicles built after July 2019 scored a good rating from IIHS.^[69]

In March 2024, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 116,000 GLE and GLS cars, built from 2019 to 2024, due to a loose 48-volt ground cable that may not have been tightened properly during assembly. The ground cable is located under the front passenger seat that could pose a potential safety risk when the cables become hot.^[71]

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