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Mercedes-Benz GLE (ML): W166 and V167 generations, engines and trims
Mercedes-Benz GLE — a large luxury SUV, known as ML (M-Class) until 2015. Both ML and GLE are commonly found in the used market, so we're looking at the W166 and V167 generations, briefly covering the older ML, its engines, trims, and what to check when buying.
GLE and ML in brief
M-Class (ML) has been in production since 1997: W163 (1997–2005), W164 (2005–2011), and W166 (from 2011). The 2015 refreshed W166 generation was renamed GLE, and the new V167 generation hit the market in 2019. Alongside the standard SUV, there's also the sleek GLE Coupé.
The GLE is for those who value comfort, space, a high towing capacity, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. In Lithuania, diesel models are most commonly encountered.
W164 generation MLs are cheap today, but their upkeep can be expensive: aging air suspension, automatic transmission, and V6 diesel issues can quickly eat into savings.
W166 and V167 — what's the difference
W166 (2011–2019; ML until 2015, then GLE) — the most popular generation in the used market. It's quieter and more economical than the W164, and the 2015 refreshed models with various engines got the 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and more modern infotainment.
V167 (from 2019) — larger, with a longer wheelbase, two large screens, and the MBUX system. An optional third row of seats (seven seats) is available, and you can choose between pneumatic Airmatic suspension or the active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL.
2023 facelift: revised bumpers, headlights, steering and infotainment, with most engines becoming mild hybrids.
Engines and transmissions
The W166 saw the popular ML 250 BlueTEC / GLE 250 d (2.1 l, four-cylinder) and ML 350 BlueTEC / GLE 350 d (3.0 l V6) diesels. Petrols included the ML 350 / GLE 400 (V6) and ML 500 (V8), plus the plug-in hybrid GLE 500 e and AMG performance versions.
The V167 saw diesels like the GLE 300 d (2.0 l, four-cylinder), GLE 350 d and 400 d (3.0 l, inline-six), and the petrol GLE 450 (3.0 l, six-cylinder, with mild-hybrid system). There was also the plug-in diesel hybrid GLE 350 de and the performance Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S.
All cars have an automatic transmission (W164 and early W166 had 7G-TRONIC, later models 9G-TRONIC) and usually 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used GLE or ML
The air suspension (Airmatic) is common and expensive to fix: after a night, the car shouldn't have sunk, and the compressor shouldn't run for too long. During a test drive, check for any error messages.
Older ML 3.0 V6 diesels were notorious for oil leaks through the oil cooler intercoolers and intake manifold gasket failures. On BlueTEC and newer diesels, check the AdBlue system – pump and heater failures are known issues.
In the V167, check the electronics and auxiliary systems, and for plug-in hybrids, the battery condition. For large and heavy cars, it's crucial to inspect the brakes, tyres, and suspension components; check the ride based on the service history.
Trim levels
Mercedes-Benz trim level names and equipment vary by market and year.
Bazinė
W166, V167Base version without a distinct design line.
- Often — 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- Automatic climate control
- Often — navigation and rear-view camera
AMG Line
W166, V167The most popular trim — sporty appearance.
- AMG suspension and larger alloy wheels
- Sport seats and steering wheel
- Often — black exterior details (Night package)
Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 / 53
W166 (43), V167 (53)Sport version with a six-cylinder engine.
- More than 360 AG
- AMG suspension and brakes
- AMG exterior and interior details
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 / 63 S
W166, V167The most powerful version with a V8 engine.
- Over 500 hp
- AMG suspension and brakes
- Often — unique interior trim
V167 line comparison
| Bazinė | AMG Line | AMG GLE 53 | AMG GLE 63 S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For comfort and long journeys | Sporty looks | The perfect blend of power and comfort | For power enthusiasts |
| Alloy wheels (most often) | 19-inch | 20–21-inch | 20–21-inch | 21–22-inch |
| Appearance | Standard | AMG bumpers | AMG exterior package | AMG exterior package |
| Engine | 300 d, 350 d, 400 d, 450 | 300 d, 350 d, 400 d, 450 | 3.0 l, six-cylinder | 4.0 l V8 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Premium | Premium |
For most buyers, the best choice is the GLE with a 350 d or 400 d engine and AMG Line trim. AMG versions are for those who prioritise power, but they come at a significantly higher cost to maintain.
Pros
- Very comfortable and quiet on the road
- Spacious interior, V167 — optionally seven seats
- Powerful diesels and 4MATIC — perfect for towing
- Wide range — from budget ML to new GLE
Cons
- Expensive air suspension and electronic maintenance
- High fuel consumption and running costs
- Older MLs often have expensive faults to fix
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between ML and GLE?
That's the same model: in 2015, Mercedes-Benz changed the names of its SUVs, so ML (M-Class) became GLE. Updated W166 cars are now called GLE, previous ones are ML, and since 2019, a completely new V167 generation has been produced.
Which generation is best to buy used?
The most sensible choice is often the 2015–2019 GLE (W166) with 9G-TRONIC gearbox and 250 d or 350 d engine. If your budget allows, the V167 offers a much more modern interior, more space and safety systems.
Is it worth buying a GLE with air suspension?
Air suspension is very comfortable, but as it ages, repairs can be expensive. Before buying, check if the car doesn't sag when parked and if no error messages appear; maintenance is cheaper with a standard coil-spring suspension.
Is the GLE 300 d four-cylinder engine enough?
For most buyers — yes: it's enough for daily driving and trips, and fuel consumption is lower than with six-cylinder engines. If you often tow a heavy trailer or want more power, choose the 350 d or 400 d.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
