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. 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

Other websites

• Media related to Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at Wikimedia Commons