Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Generations: All Model Years

Back in the late ’90s, the W163 Mercedes-Benz ML made a grand entrance in the first Jurassic Park movie, with the subsequent W164 generation for MY2006 also called the ML. For the 2016 model year, the first of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV generations appeared, but it was simply a renamed ML as part of the third-generation W166 ML’s mid-cycle refresh – a car that had already been on the market since MY2012. As a rival to the BMW X5, the GLE grew in stature and capability over the years, with a small third row eventually becoming available to turn it into a 5+2-seater, along with a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid. For the 2020+ model years, the latest redesign of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV went on sale, getting a facelift and a new four-cylinder plug-in hybrid for MY2024.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV W167 (4th Gen) Facelift

For its mid-cycle refresh, a 381-hp plug-in hybrid was added to the lineup, using the 2.0L turbo-four and capable of almost 60 miles of all-electric range.

W167 Generation GLE-Class SUV Production Years:

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV W167 (4th Gen)

After the facelifted W166 had been on the market for four model years, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV was redesigned and now came with a 255-hp 2.0L turbo-four in the GLE 350, a 362-hp mild-hybrid 3.0L turbo-I6 in the GLE 450, and a 483-hp mild-hybrid 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in the GLE 580. All were connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all got AWD as standard except the base four-pot, which could also be had with RWD. An AMG GLE 53 with a 429-hp version of the GLE 450’s powertrain was later added.

W167 Generation GLE-Class SUV Production Years:

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV W166 (3rd Gen) Facelift

The MY2012 ML came in for a mid-cycle refresh for the 2016 model year, becoming the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV, and with other changes including a restyle and more features. At this point, powertrains included a 201-hp 2.1L four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a range of gas engines that included a 302-hp 3.5L V6, a 329-hp 3.0L turbocharged V6, and a plug-in hybrid using the V6 turbo and producing 436 hp. A seven-speed automatic transmission was standard and all trims were AWD, with a RWD configuration available with the 3.5L V6 only.

W166 Generation GLE-Class SUV Production Years:

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Review