The third-generation Mercedes M-Class, renamed GLE from mid-2015, is again a typical representative of the brand with the star in many respects. Also finds the TÜV - except for one test point.
The third generation of the Mercedes luxury SUV (type W 166) (2011 to 2019) does not make it easy for those interested in used cars to do their research. Should they search for the designation M-Class or GLE?
The answer is simple: it depends. If you are looking for older vehicles, you will find them under M-Class. With the facelift in mid-2015, Mercedes changed the name to GLE.
The length of the 4.80 meter long SUV indicates that lack of space is not a problem. The up to five occupants can settle down comfortably on lavishly shaped seats. One rather towers over the traffic than one profanely drives from A to B. The interior is typical of Mercedes and, depending on the willingness of the first owner to invest in equipment, ranges from dignified to very classy.
Thanks to the high interior variability, the SUV is suitable as a family transporter or as a relaxed touring car. The trunk volume varies between 550 and 2000 liters. Since the facelift, the luggage volume has increased to at least 690 liters. Anyone who appreciates a more elegant design language is looking for the GLE Coupé, which has been available since 2015. However, the nicer lines affect the subjective feeling of space, especially in the rear, the trunk volume shrinks to 650 to 1720 liters.
The GLE versions can be recognized visually by the modified headlights and power domes on the bonnet, among other things. The characteristic C-pillar has been preserved. Inside there was a larger multimedia display.
Mercedes offered six and eight-cylinder petrol engines and two diesels for the M-Class. All-wheel drive (4Matic) was always on board. As a 350 4Matic, the 3.5-liter six-cylinder delivers 225 kW/306 hp. According to the standard, the engine gets by with 8.5 to 8.8 liters Super. The eight-cylinder engines are thirstier and more powerful. The 500 4Matic with 408 hp approved an average of 11 to 11.5 liters. The 5.5-liter top model, the 63 AMG with at least 525 hp, draws an average of 11.8 liters from the lines.
The diesels are more economical. The 2.1-liter four-cylinder with 204 hp (250 Bluetech 4Matic) consumes between 6 and 6.5 liters, the three-liter six-cylinder with 258 hp takes one liter more.
None of the engines has problems getting the 2.2 ton heavy ship up to speed. Top speeds are between 210 and 250 km/h. Depending on the engine, the trailer load varies between almost 3 and 3.5 tons. A seven-speed automatic transmission takes care of the power transmission.
With the change to the GLE, the diesel and petrol engines were revised and made more economical. Since then, the nine-speed automatic transmission has always been used in the diesel engines, also in the GLE 43 AMG 4Matic with 367 hp and the 500 GLE 4Matic with 435 hp. Another six-cylinder with three-liter displacement and 333 hp was offered for the coupe. The small 2.1-liter diesel (250 d) was now only available with rear-wheel drive. There was also the GLE 500 e as a plug-in hybrid with a system output of 442 hp and an electric range of 30 kilometers. The 5.5-liter AMG model now had 557 hp (AMG GLE 63), in the AMG GLE S version it was 585 hp.
The basic levels of the M-Class and GLE offer class-typical decent equipment. But the price lists lured with all sorts of extras, so that those interested in used cars should take a closer look at the scope of equipment of their desired model. Those who value suspension comfort are best looking for vehicles with air suspension. If you need off-road properties, vehicles that have the On
When it came to safety, the SUV scored 5 stars in the NCAP crash test in 2012. 11 airbags as well as control and assistance systems contribute to safety. Since the facelift, a crosswind assistant has also been part of the standard equipment. An intersection assistant was available as an option.
The drivers of the W 166 cover many kilometers, so that the mileage of the M-Class and GLE is well above average. However, the high stress is only slightly noticeable in the TÜV main inspections in most of the test criteria. So far, the TÜV inspectors have found nothing to criticize about the axle suspension and the steering, and the control of the damping is in the proper range. According to the TÜV report, the lights and exhaust system are also not a problem. When examining the brake system, complaints are often made about the wear on the brake discs in younger vehicles. But those interested in used cars also have to watch out for oil loss, which is the problem area of the W 166.
Conclusion: The luxury class SUV is a versatile vehicle. It is suitable as a pack donkey, draft horse or family friend and offers a wide range of engines. Around 16,000 euros are called for older vehicles with high mileage. As a GLE, prices in the online portals start at around 30,000 euros.
