Mercedes-Benz ML / GLE (W166) — complete buyer's guide
The complete reference for the third-generation M-Class, renamed GLE from 2015 (W166, 2011–2018/2019): platform, dimensions, every engine, the 2015 facelift, known issues and a used-buyer checklist.
Production and platform
Produced from mid-2011 to approximately 2018/2019. Third generation of the M-Class (W166). Renamed to GLE from the 2015 facelift as part of Mercedes-Benz's SUV naming realignment. Available as a five-door SUV. Related to the GL (X166) and later GLE Coupé (C292). Built primarily in Vance, Alabama (USA); early European production also in Stuttgart. 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard on most versions. Facelift in 2015 introduced the GLE name, revised styling, updated electronics, and the 9G-Tronic on many models. Related AMG models: ML/GLE 63 and 63 S. Replaced by the W167 GLE from late 2018/early 2019.
Driving experience
Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.
Engines
Petrol (M276 / M278 / M157)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML/GLE 350 / 350 4MATIC | 3.5 L · V6 (M276) | 306 hp225–230 kW | 370 Nm | 7.4–7.6 s |
| ML/GLE 400 4MATIC | 3.0 L · V6 biturbo (M276) | 333 hp245 kW | 480 Nm | 6.0–6.1 s |
| GLE 450 / AMG GLE 43 | 3.0 L · V6 biturbo (M276) | 367–390 hp270–287 kW | 520 Nm | 5.7 s |
| ML/GLE 500 4MATIC | 4.7 L · V8 biturbo (M278) | 408–455 hp300–335 kW | 600–700 Nm | 5.1–5.3 s |
| ML/GLE 63 / 63 S AMG | 5.5 L · V8 biturbo (M157) | 525–585 hp386–430 kW | 700–760 Nm | 4.2–4.8 s |
Diesel (OM651 / OM642)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML/GLE 250 BlueTEC / 250 d | 2.1 L · 4-cyl (OM651) | 204 hp150 kW | 480–500 Nm | 8.5–8.6 s |
| ML/GLE 350 BlueTEC / 350 d 4MATIC | 3.0 L · V6 (OM642) | 258 hp190 kW | 620 Nm | 7.0–7.1 s |
Plug-in hybrid (e)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE 500 e | 3.0 L · V6 (M276) + e-motor | 442 hp325 kW | 650 Nm | 5.3 s |
Transmissions
7G-Tronic Plus (pre-facelift) or 9G-Tronic (facelift on many models). All engines longitudinal. Euro 6 compliance on later cars.
Dimensions and practicality
Length approximately 4,804–4,819 mm. Width around 1,926–1,935 mm. Height around 1,796 mm. Wheelbase 2,915 mm. Boot volume approximately 690 litres (seats up on most petrol/diesel versions; some sources cite 650–690 litres), expanding to roughly 2,010 litres with seats folded. Plug-in hybrid (GLE 500 e) reduced to around 480 litres. Fuel tank capacity typically 70–93 litres. No factory seven-seat option (unlike the later W167). High towing capacity (up to 3,500 kg on stronger versions). Compared with the previous W164: improved refinement and interior. Compared with the later W167: shorter wheelbase and slightly smaller overall packaging. Practicality is solid for a large premium SUV of the period.
Facelift (2015)
Introduced in 2015. Main changes: renamed from ML to GLE; revised exterior styling (grille, lighting, bumpers); updated interior and COMAND infotainment; introduction of 9G-Tronic on many versions; new or revised engines and the plug-in hybrid GLE 500 e; equipment and driver-assistance updates.
Differences from the previous generation (W164)
Improved refinement, interior quality, and electronics. New engine options (M276 petrol family, updated diesels). Better ride and handling characteristics. Introduction of the Coupé body style with the facelift. Overall more modern packaging than the W164.
Known issues and weak points
Air suspension (AIRMATIC, where fitted)
- Leaking air springs and compressor failures common at higher mileage. Corner sagging after overnight parking is a typical symptom. High repair costs.
Diesel (OM651 / OM642)
- OM651: timing chain tensioner seal leaks and chain stretch risks (specific recalls). Piezo injector faults possible.
- OM642: oil cooler gasket leaks (oil/coolant mix in the V), swirl flap issues, injector seal problems, NOx sensor and AdBlue faults. DPF clogging more common on short-trip use.
- EGR issues possible on both.
Petrol (M276 / M278 / M157)
- M276: oil cooler leaks in the V, camshaft adjuster leaks (oil into wiring harness), possible piston slap on early examples.
- M278 (V8): cylinder bore scoring risks on some units, timing chain tensioner issues, camshaft adjuster problems. Higher repair risk.
- M157 (AMG): timing chain stretch, oil consumption, chain tensioner recalls.
- Oil leaks and cooling system attention needed across the range.
Transmission (7G-Tronic / 9G-Tronic)
- Conductor plate or valve body issues possible on 7G-Tronic at higher mileage. Fluid service recommended earlier than official intervals. Generally durable with maintenance.
Other
- Power tailgate strut failures.
- Engine mount wear (labour-intensive replacement).
- Brake hose and handbrake cable wear reported in some markets.
- Water ingress into spare wheel well affecting fuel pump control unit (specific recall on some cars).
- Multiple recalls (timing chain, airbags, fuel system, software). Always verify full VIN status.
- Suspension bush wear and tyre wear under heavy use.
What a buyer should check
- Full service history, including air suspension operation (if fitted) and transmission fluid changes.
- VIN-specific recall and service campaign status (timing chain, fuel pump, airbags, emissions software).
- Air suspension function: all corners level after overnight parking, no sagging.
- Cold-start engine noise (timing chain rattle on diesels or petrol).
- Oil leaks, cooling system condition, and any coolant/oil mixing on V6/V8 engines.
- For diesels: AdBlue system function, DPF regeneration history, and NOx sensor faults.
- Transmission behaviour from cold and in traffic.
- Power tailgate operation and suspension condition.
- Signs of water ingress (especially spare wheel well) or interior wear.
- Full electronic function.
Running costs
Indicative costs for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 in normal Belgian/EU use (approximate 2026 figures). Actual figures vary by region, driving style and service location.
Fuel consumption
- GLE 350 / 400 (M276 V6): typically 9.0–12.0 L/100 km.
- GLE 500 (M278 V8): typically 11.0–14.0+ L/100 km.
- GLE 250 d (OM651 2.1): typically 6.0–7.5 L/100 km; AdBlue consumption low.
- GLE 350 d (OM642 3.0 V6): typically 7.0–8.5 L/100 km.
- GLE 500 e PHEV: highly dependent on charging; can be very low if mostly electric, or similar to petrol if not charged.
Maintenance
Mercedes service is premium-priced. Oil service typically €200–400. 7G-/9G-Tronic automatic fluid service every ~60,000 km is recommended. Tyres and brakes add up. AdBlue consumption on the diesel is low. AIRMATIC air suspension can be expensive to repair. Independent Mercedes specialists keep bills more reasonable than dealers.
Road tax / registration (Belgium)
Highly region-dependent (Flanders more CO₂-oriented; Wallonia/Brussels influenced by power/CV and mass). The 3.0 V6 and V8 engines sit in higher brackets. Expect roughly €500–1,500+/year depending on engine, exact CO₂, region and any ongoing reforms. One-off BIV/TMC on first Belgian registration is also engine- and age-sensitive.
Insurance and LEZ
Large premium SUV; AMG and V8 variants rate higher. Annual premium heavily dependent on age, history, location and cover level. Full comprehensive is expensive on higher-value examples. LEZ: all engines Euro 6 compliant and unrestricted in Belgian/EU low-emission zones.
Belgian/EU market notes
The ML/GLE W166 was a common large premium SUV in the Belgian used market, competing with the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 of the period. The 250 d and 350 d diesels were frequent choices for mixed private and company use due to torque and fuel economy. High towing capacity made it relevant for caravan or trailer users. Road tax and registration tax are significant due to weight and power; regional differences apply. Car-Pass documentation is required for Belgian sales. Many examples show higher mileage from mixed use. The facelift GLE (2015–2018/19) is more common in the used market than early ML cars. The Coupé is less frequent than the standard SUV. Early production requires closer scrutiny of specific diesel campaigns (OM651/OM642) and air suspension condition. Later cars with 9G-Tronic and updated engines are generally preferred.
Summary
This generation offers solid space, towing capability, and refinement for a large premium SUV of its era, provided the known cost items (AIRMATIC air suspension where fitted, diesel AdBlue/DPF and oil cooler issues on OM642, petrol oil cooler and timing chain risks, and full VIN recall status) are verified. Cars with steel springs avoid the highest air suspension repair risks. Facelift examples are generally more stable. The M276 petrol engines are often viewed as the more robust choice compared with the higher-output V8s.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
