Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, previously known as the M-Class, is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1997.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz GLE
2020 model
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1997–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Production	1997–2015 (M-Class) 2015–present (GLE)
Assembly	Tuscaloosa, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV (1997–2005) Mid-size luxury crossover SUV (2005–present)
Body style	5-door SUV 5-door coupe SUV (2015–present)
Layout	Four-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive

Initially, the M-Class was built with a body-on-frame structure, but in 2005, it switched to a unibody design. In 2015, the M-Class was renamed to GLE, with hybrid models available since 2005.

First generation (1997-2005)

Front (1st gen)

Rear (1st gen)

The first M-Class (W163), launched in 1997, was intended to replace the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. A plan to develop it based on the Mitsubishi Pajero was canceled in 1993 due to technical issues.^[1][2] The car was manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with production starting in 1997. It received a minor update in 2001.

Second generation (2005-2011)

Front (2nd gen)

Rear (2nd gen)

The second-generation M-Class (W164) was launched in 2005 with a unibody structure, sharing its platform with the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. It was larger than its predecessor and had updated design elements.

Third generation (2011-2019)

Front (3rd gen, M-Class 250)

Front (3rd gen, M-Class 350)

Rear (3rd gen, M-Class)

The third-generation M-Class (W166) debuted in 2011 for the 2012 model year. This version offered more interior space, improved styling, and advanced features, including full-LED headlights and taillights.

GLE Introduction

In 2015, the M-Class was rebranded as the GLE. Alongside the standard SUV, a new coupe version (C292) was introduced. The GLE was positioned between the GLC and the GLS as part of Mercedes' updated naming strategy.

GLE W 166

GLE W 166

GLE C 292

Fourth generation (2019-Present)

The fourth-generation GLE (V167) was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. It introduced two plug-in hybrid options in Europe and two petrol variants in the U.S. For the first time, a 7-seat option was offered. The plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 90 to 99 km (56 to 62 miles). A longer wheelbase version is available in China. The coupe SUV version is codenamed C167.

GLE V 167

GLE V 167

GLE C 167