The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, formerly the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it falls between the smaller GLC-Class (based on the C-Class) and the larger GLS-Class, with which it shares platforms.
For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all production was moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. Since late 2012, the M-Class was also assembled at new plants in India, Indonesia and Thailand.
Since April 2015, the M-Class has been rebranded as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Although grouped under the "M-Class" banner since the first launch, BMW, which sells M models such as the M3, objected to the car being badged "M" with the three-digit engine level following (e.g., M 320). This forced Mercedes-Benz to rely on a two-tiered marketing strategy of "ML" badging (e.g., ML 320) under an M-Class umbrella. There was some confusion around this nomenclature, with many sources mistakenly referring to the series as the "ML-Class," including Mercedes-Benz itself.
Starting in 2015, with the release of the third-generation W166 facelifted model at the New York Auto Show in April, the M-Class was renamed the GLE-Class under the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL" followed by the model's place in the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" stands for Geländewagen (German for wagon or off-road vehicle) and refers to the long-running G-Wagen. It is followed by the letter "L" which serves as a link to the letter "E" - the GLE being the SUV equivalent of the E-Class.
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| Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) |
First Generation
Mercedes-Benz proposed a plan to replace the G-Class, which had been in production for 11 years at the time. A joint agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to develop and produce a sport utility vehicle was reached in early 1991 and publicly confirmed in June of that year. It was planned to be based on the Montero/Pajero platform, one of which would carry the Mercedes-Benz name and the other the Mitsubishi name. In May 1992, these plans were abandoned due to "technical problems" and Mercedes-Benz continued its internal development starting in January 1993. In March 1993, the search for a site to build a manufacturing plant in the United States began. In September 1993, a location in the state of Alabama was chosen and construction began in 1994. While plans were being drawn up overseas, development continued in Germany. Design work took place from late 1992 to 1994. A design from the Mercedes studio in Sindelfingen was selected in 1993 and approved by the board of directors in February 1994. Design patents were filed in Germany on July 13, 1994, and in the United States on January 13, 1995. Prototype testing began with test mules and crash tests using mock-ups in May 1994. The first crash test of the working prototype took place in February 1995, and full-scale testing took place from March 1995 to December 1996 in various climates and regions of the world. Pilot production began in May 1996. In July 1996, construction was completed at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in Vance, Alabama, and the very first production M-Class rolled off the assembly line the week of February 9, 1997.
Third Generation
In 2006, the development of the new generation M-Class began and took 5 years, a shorter period than its predecessor. In 2008, Emiel Burki's final design was approved and nationally patented on December 16, 2008 (U.S. design patent filed on June 15, 2009). The newly redesigned M-Class (chassis name W166) was introduced in pre-production form on June 10, 2011 as a 2012 model. The first customer-designated W166 rolled off the Vance production line on July 20. It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Increased rear seat legroom has been implemented, as well as adjustable rear seatbacks. It was scheduled to be launched in September 2011.
New features on the 2012 M-Class include an updated 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission for improved fuel economy, optional adaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus), active lane departure warning and height-adjustable 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 when they were a consolidated company. DaimlerChrysler developed the platform and core technology, taking advantage of Chrysler's strong domestic SUV sales and R&D. Work on the underlying platform was largely completed in 2006, when the two companies were separated. Chrysler uses the same platform for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) and Dodge Durango. However, due to the separation, the cars are extremely different in terms of interior and body design, as well as engine choices. Aside from the engines, all three SUVs share many powertrain components, including some transmissions.
An On&Off Road package is available in most markets (now including North America) beginning with the 2013 model year. This package adds a Magna Powertrain two-speed, dual-range transfer case with center differential lock, a gearbox, underbody skid plates and a 6-mode selectable terrain driving program system. The rear differential lock has been removed.
Open front and rear differentials are fitted, and use a 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 was named the most ideal vehicle for Americans in a study by California-based automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific.
Mercedes-Benz India established a manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, in early 2009 that released the first M-Class W166 built outside the U.S. in October 2012 The following month, Mercedes-Benz Indonesia began assembly of the M-Class at a plant in Wanaherang, West Java These plants perform final assembly of vehicles shipped in "knocked-down" kits from Vance, U.S.
In the second half of 2015, a facelifted W166 went on sale as the GLE, as well as a coupe version.
The previous Popemobile was based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012.
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| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 |
The Fourth Generation
The fourth generation of the GLE class was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Auto Show.
At launch, the
GLE was sold in the United States with two engine options. The GLE 350 is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 hp (259 PS; 190 kW) and the GLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 362 hp (367 PS; 270 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) of torque. The GLE 450 has a 48V electrical system with an integrated starter. This system powers the air conditioner, on-board electronics and electronically driven turbocharger. Other engine options are also available. For the first time, the GLE also offers a seven-seat option.
The AMG GLE 53 was introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March. It features a 3.0L turbocharged I6 boosted to 429 hp (435 PS; 320 kW) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) of torque. A 48V electric system, as on the GLE 450, features EQ Boost, which provides an additional 21 hp (16 kW) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) of torque on demand.
Plug-in hybrid
For the European market, two plug-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 fast charging option. The claimed range in all-electric mode according to the WLTP standard is 90 to 99 km (56 to 62 mi).
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