Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz
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Production	1997–present
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV (1997–2004) Mid-size luxury crossover SUV (2005–present)
Body Style	5-door SUV 5-door coupé SUV
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Similar	Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Designer	Robert Lešnik, Balázs Filczer, Michael Frei

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with the "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.

The first-generation M-Class, designated under the model code W163 is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the W163 M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. The second-generation M-Class (W164) moved to a unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating.

Since April 2015, the M-Class has been renamed to the GLE with the release of the facelifted W166 model, in an effort to harmonize Mercedes-Benz SUV nameplates by aligning it with the E-Class.

See Autopedia's comprehensive Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review.

Recent Changes[]

To mark the 10th Anniversary of the introduction of the ML 55 AMG, Mercedes has produced 2 special edition models of the ML63 AMG named the "10th Anniversary" and "Performance Studio". The 510 hp 6.3 litre V8s remain unchanged but the two SUVs benefit from a host of interior and exterior upgrades and a plethora of new accessories. [1]

10th Anniversary

AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO

For the 2009 model year, the M-Class receives a mid-cycle facelift.[2][3]

The Mercedes Benz M-Class was introduced in 1998 and underwent a redesign in 2006. For 2007, a new Diesel trim, the ML320 CDI, is added, as well as a high performance ML63 AMG version. While the ML320 CDI is built for optimal fuel efficiency, the ML63 AMG comes with various cosmetic and performance-oriented upgrades, including a more sporty exterior design and interior, chrome exhaust tips, performance wheels, and a powerful 6.3L 503hp V8 engine.

For July of 2007, to mark the M-Class' 10 year anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a limited edition model dubbed “Edition 10”.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a hybrid model for the ML-Class arriving in 2009. Dubbed the ML450 Hybrid, the vehicle will be powered by a 265hp (195kW) V6 supplemented by two electric assist motors which produce an additional 56hp (41kW) and total to 377 hp (277kW). According to Mercedes, this will make the ML450 Hybrid the most efficient SUV in its class, returning an estimated 30mpg (7.7L petrol per 100km) fuel economy figure.[4][5]

Styles and Major Options[]

The 2009 M-Class is available in four different trims: the ML350, ML320 CDI, ML550, and ML63 AMG. Each trim is powered by a different engine, but all of them are equipped with full-time four wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission. Some of the standout features include:

ML 350

3.5L 268hp V6 engine
6-way power front bucket seats
MB-Tex seating and door trim
Front and rear cup holders and reading lights
Dual zone automatic air conditioning
8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
Cruise control
Trip computer
Power locks, windows, mirrors

ML320 CDI

3.0L 215hp V6 engine, diesel
All other features identical to ML350

File:2007 M-Class sunsetright.jpg

ML550

5.5L 382hp V8 engine
19" alloy wheels
8-way power heated bucket seats
MB-Tex Seating and door trim
Rain detecting wipers
AMG-style body upgrade

ML63 AMG

6.2L 503hp V8 engine
20" silver AMG alloy wheels
12-way power heated sports seats w/memory
Nappa Leather seating and door trim
Express sunroof
12 speaker harman/kardon AM/FM/SIRIUS/glove-box 6CD audio system
Cell phone pre-wiring
Rear parking camera
Command navigation system
Body-colored fender flares

Pricing[]

Today's actual prices for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class can be found at CarsDirect.

M-Class Trims
ML350	ML320 CDI	ML500	ML63 AMG
MSRP
$43,455	$44,455	$49,975	$86,275
Invoice
$39,692	$40,622	$45,756	$79,515

Gas Mileage[]

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
ML350	ML320 CDI	ML500	ML63 AMG
MPG
17/21	21/27	14/19	12/16

Reliability[]

Pre- 2002 models are notorious for squeaks and rattles.

RECALL ALERT: On January 19th, 2008, Mercedes-Benz announced a recall entailing 9,004 2007 E320 Bluetec, ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI models due to problems with a defective crankshaft sensor, which would cause the engine to lose power and strand the vehicle, according to the NHTSA. [6]

RECALL ALERT: On July 09, 2008, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall alert pertaining 52,740 model year 2006-2008 ML & GL-Class SUVs regarding an improperly welded trailer hitch that could detach from the body frame under enough stress. Mercedes-Benz urges all owners of affected vehicles to contact 1-800-367-6372 in order to set up an appointment to have the item replaced. [7]

RECALL ALERT: On September 29, 2008, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall alert affecting 102,954 MY 1998-2003 M-Classes due to a defect caused by an earlier recall fix, specifically, cars affected are those that were repaired before November 15, 2003. The issue is clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler that need to be repaired. According to the NHTSA, the clamp may not provide enough force for this connection leading to the loss of power steering fluid. The recall will begin on October of 2008 and Mercedes-Benz has set up a hotline for concerned owners at 1-800-367-6372. [8]

RECALL ALERT: On March 17, 2009, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall alert affecting 16,130 MY2009 M-Classes equipped with the optional power lift gate due to a malfunctioning seal that could allow water to enter the rear compartment that contains the spare tire and the control unit for the power lift gate. This could lead to the disabling of the power lift gate motor as well as to a short circuit that could result to a fire. Mercedes-Benz urges owners to visit their respective dealers beginning April 2009, who will replace the seal in question and reposition the power lift gate control unit.[9]

RECALL ALERT: On Nov 5, 2010, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall affecting approximately 2,300 MY2011 E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class due to improperly lubricated O-ring that will result in a leaky fuel filter. [10]

Safety[]

According to the NHTSA website, the 2007 M-Class SUVs received high marks in safety tests. For all front- and side-impact crash tests, it received a 5-Star rating, and for rollover tests it received a 4-Star rating. Some of the safety equipment found on the M-Class includes:

Four wheel electronic traction system
Electronic stability program
Electronic brake-force distribution
Anti-lock brakes with brake assist
Front and side airbags

Photos[]

ML 450 HYBRID

Colors[]

Colors will vary by trim, and a full list is available at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available combinations include:

Exterior

Alabaster White
Alpine Rain Metallic
Capri Blue Metallic
Everest Green Metallic
Obsidian Black Metallic
Verde Brook Metallic

Interior

Ash
Black
Macadamia

Main Competitors[]

Hybrid Models[]

Unique Attributes[]

Resale Values[]

Criticisms[]

"If, like so many SUV buyers today, you'll settle for no fewer than three rows of seats, you'll have to look somewhere else. Mercedes-Benz decided to ashcan its awkward third-row seating in the new iteration of the M-Class." - Kelley Blue Book

Fourth generation (W167/V167; 2019)[]

The fourth generation GLE was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

At launch, the GLE was sold in the U.S. with two engine options. The GLE 350 has a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 hp (259 PS; 190 kW) and the GLE 450 has a 3-liter, inline-6, turbocharged engine with 362 hp (367 PS; 270 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) 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. The GLE 450 features a refined Active Body Control system, that does away with mechanical roll bars, notably enhancing performance.

Other engine options are also available. The AMG GLE 53 was introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March. It has a 3.0 L turbo I6 boosted to 429 hp (435 PS; 320 kW) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) 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.

Plug-in hybrid[]

In the European market, two plug-in hybrid versions are available: the GLE 350e, using a petrol 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).

Long-wheelbase (V167)[]

The fourth-generation GLE saw the introduction of a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant, which as of 2020 is currently only sold in India. The LWB has a wheelbase that is 8 centimetres longer than that of the standard version. The variant is still designed as a default 2-row SUV, with most (69 mm) of the additional length being put into use in the second row. Available powertrains include a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (300d), 3.0-litre turbodiesel (400d), and 3.0-litre petrol (450), all making the same power as in the short-wheelbase (SWB) counterparts.

In India, the LWB's only market, the SWB variant is not marketed. Mercedes currently has no plans on bringing the LWB to Europe or North America.

Third generation (W166; 2011)[]

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 name W166) 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. It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes-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-speed automatic transmission to provide improved fuel economy, optional adaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus), active lane departure warning system, and an adjustable-height air suspension (AirMatic). An active curve system with active anti-roll bars for body roll compensation was introduced.

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 the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) and Dodge 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.

An On&Off Road Package is available for most markets (now including North America) as of the 2013 model year. The package adds a two-speed dual range Magna Powertrain transfer case with center differential lock, reduction gearing, underbody skid plates, and a 6-mode selectable terrain driving program system. The rear differential lock has been discontinued.

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.

Mercedes-Benz India established a manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune in early 2009[32] that rolled out the first W166 M-Class to be built outside the US in October 2012. In the following month, Mercedes-Benz Indonesia began M-Class assembly at a factory in Wanaherang, West Java. 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 previous Popemobile was based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012.

Facelift (GLE)[]

The GLE name was used in 2015 for the facelifted W166 along with the new five-door coupé derivative GLE Coupé (C292) which was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at the North 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.

Body variants[]

SUV (W166)[]

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

Coupe (C292)[]

The GLE Coupé (C292) is the coupé SUV version and is heavily related to the W166, sharing its platform, mechanicals and interior (but having a unique body with a similar design). The C292 coupe was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at the North 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. Sales are expected from the second half of 2015. The range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-Model, powered by 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 producing 585 bhp and 768 Nm of torque, making it one of the quickest of its type.

Current Generation: (2006–Present)[]

File:2007 M-Class champagneleft.jpg

The redesigned M-class (chassis name W164) was introduced to the public in April 2005 as a 2006 model after showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. It is almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look—the coefficient of drag is down to 0.34. Mercedes-Benz has also made the new M-class larger, measuring 150 mm longer than the first model. The M-Class was named "Best New Sport Utility Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

Due to public knowledge of poor quality control at the Alabama factory, Mercedes-Benz extensively publicized the US$600 million spent to improve the factory. According to early automotive press reports, the 2006 M-Class vehicles demonstrate vast improvements in build quality.

The platform is shared with the new R-Class and GL-Class, and is a unibody type rather than the body-on-frame used by the last M and G-Class vehicles.

New features in the 2006 M-Class include the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights which "steer" in the path of the vehicle, and an adjustable-height air suspension. The base price for the ML350 in the US is about US$40,000.

4-valve engines are replacing the previous 3-valve SOHC V6 and current 3-valve V8:

ML350 - 3.5 L 4-valve V6, 200 kW (272 hp DIN) and 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)
ML500 - 5.0 L 3-valve V8, 288 kW (392 hp DIN) and 336 ft·lbf (455 N·m)
ML450 - 4.6 L 4-valve V8, 325 hp (242 kW) and 370 ft·lbf (500 N·m)
ML550 - 5.5 L 4-valve V8, 410 hp (306 kW) and 405 ft·lbf (550 N·m)
ML63 AMG - 6.2 L 4-valve V8, 510 hp (347 kW)
ML280 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 140 kW (190 hp DIN) and 440 N·m (325 ft·lbf)
ML320 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 165 kW (224 hp DIN) and 510 N·m (376 ft·lbf)
ML400 CDI - 4.0 L BiTurbo V8, 315 hp (235 kW) and 516 ft·lbf (700 N·m)

ML63 AMG[]

The AMG version of the W164, the ML63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a 2007 model. It features a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 503 hp (375 kW) and 465 ft·lbf (630 N·m) of torque. Mercedes-Benz's 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is standard.

First Generation/Origins (1998-2005)[]

At launch, the M-Class was a technological 'tour de force'. It was the first SUV to feature 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. This system is now hailed by safety experts, and studies have shown stability control and systems like it are capable of reducing single vehicle crashes by up to 30 percent. Furthermore, the M-Class boasted front and side-impact airbags with advanced occupant detection for the front passenger seat, which, combined with Mercedes' legendary safety structure, earned the M-Class the highest marks in insurance industry crash tests.

Initial quality was poor, and jokes about an "Alabama Mercedes" began to make the rounds. A road test on the British programme Top Gear revealed that the presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, could put his fingers into the gap below the rear lights and above the rear bumper. This improved over the years, especially after a mild facelift for 2002. However, owners are often unhappy with the car's quality - for example, the car was placed last out of 142 cars in the Top Gear Motoring Survey 2004. DaimlerChrysler spent US$600 million on improvements at the Alabama factory before launching the second-generation ML in 2005.

Major model variants have included the ML320, ML350, ML430, ML500 and ML55, along with the ML230 and the turbodiesel ML270 CDI and ML400 CDI in Europe. The ML55, or ML55 AMG, featured a V8 engine made by Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach (AMG), modified body-work, and other performance features. Prices initially were around US$35,000 for the base model in the late 1990s. The ML350 replaced the ML320 as the base model in the United States a few years after its introduction by Mercedes-Benz.

The M-Class was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1998.

Worldwide[]

Design quirks and oddities[]

Awards[]

External links[]

This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Mercedes-Benz GLE. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


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