If the G-Wagen is too large (or costly), and the GLA is too small, the best Mercedes SUV for you could be the mid-size GLE.
Originally intended to be a military contract vehicle, it soon found its way into civilian hands. But it was crude, slow, inefficient, and very much not the type of vehicle that most folks think Mercedes-Benz would make.
While the G-Wagen was officially the first SUV from Mercedes – and would eventually make a significant mark on the Mercedes brand – the SUV that gained mainstream success gets our vote as the best. For us, the ML/GLE offers everything you could ever want in an off-road capable Benz.
Mercedes ML First-generation (1997-2005)
Jurassic Park: The Lost World was the platform that Mercedes chose to debut their new SUV to American audiences. The prehistoric thriller saw the Mercedes ML320 showcase its off-road ruggedness on the silver screen, making it a superstar overnight.
The ML was launched after the initial success of the SUV in the American market, led mostly by the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mercedes wanted to get some market share in this segment and started the development of a mid-size SUV in the early ’90s.
It debuted in 1997 and was a body-on-frame SUV. Off-road prowess was supplied by locking differentials, a proper transfer case, and true low-range for the more treacherous conditions.
For a first in the Mercedes brand, the ML series was made in Alabama, rather than Germany. Initially offered as the ML320, a 3.2-liter V6 made 215 horsepower. Later versions included an ML350, with a 232 horsepower V6.
If you wanted more power, three V8 versions were available. In 1999 Mercedes offered an ML430 with 268 horsepower. In 2001 this was replaced by the ML500, making 288 horsepower. If that wasn’t enough Mercedes and AMG developed an ML55 AMG, giving 342 horsepower.
From 1998 through 2001, the Mercedes had suffered some quality control issues. A report from Car and Driver indicates interior trim on these early models was often criticized.
In 2001, a significant re-fresh came, with external and interior refreshments abound. If you have the chance, get one of the 2001 or newer models for these SUVs. Otherwise, the “M112” V6 and “M113” V8 engines will provide long life. Some points to look out for include interior trim such as sagging headliners, and broken trim pieces.
Mechanical points of concern include the power steering system, which can leak over time, and the brake lamp switch which can fail and leave cruise control engaged.
Mercedes ML Second-generation (2006-2011)
Mercedes completely revised the ML line with the introduction of its second-generation model. Now built on a unibody chassis, the ML-class was now more car-like.
More importantly, it became more Mercedes-like. Vast improvements in quality were the highlights of the new ML, internally known as the W164. With a chassis based on a car, some of the off-road capabilities were lost. However, Mercedes found that most ML owners preferred a vehicle with better road manners.
Along with the chassis changes, an entirely new series of engines and transmissions were introduced. All four wheels receive power, but now through a single-speed transfer case eliminating low-range.
That transfer case receives power through an all-new seven-speed automatic transmission. Paired with new engines, it meant the ML had far superior economy compared to its predecessor.
An all-new family of engines arrived for the ML. V6 and V8 models are known as M272 and M273 respectively. Power for the V6 was up considerably, which now sat at 268 horsepower.
The same could be said of the V8. The ML550 had a stout 382 horsepower. And if you wanted the AMG treatment, the ML63 AMG had a bespoke M156 V8 that made 503 horsepower.
For those concerned about fuel efficiency, a new 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 was available in the ML320 CDI and is worth looking at. Power output is modest, just 215 horsepower. But the torque number looks like that of a V8 motor at 398 lb.-ft. Car and Driver reports fuel range is impressive for a vehicle this size.
But according to popular Mercedes forums, the diesel engine is prone to leaking from the oil cooler. Unfortunately, that leads to a necessary fix, as it is a problem that can’t be ignored.
Unfortunately, while initial quality was vastly improved, this generation of Mercedes suffered some teething issues. Interior trim and reliability of electronics are still below-par. It is worth noting that for the 2006 and 2007 model years, the M272 and M273 engines were prone to failure, and a class-action lawsuit was formed.
The issue came from sprocket gears on a balance shaft within the engine. This would cause timing issues, and ultimately the engine could fail. Thankfully, it affected only the 2006 and 2007 model years.
Mercedes GLE (Formerly the ML) Third-generation (2011-2018)
For 2012, the ML class grew larger but still retained unibody construction. Gone were the troublesome engines and in their place were a number of highly advanced engines.
Models included the ML350, ML400, ML550, and ML63 AMG which used gasoline engines. The ML250 and ML350 BlueTEC models were the new turbo diesel models.
Turbocharging and direct injection sets these engines apart, with the ML350 being the only model that utilizes a traditional V6. The ML400 is a turbo V6, and the ML550 and ML63 are both turbo V8 models.
Reviews from Edmunds seem to indicate that owners of these SUVs absolutely adore them, with little complaints, and tons of praise.
Quality for this generation of ML was dramatically increased, bringing it more in-line with other offerings from Mercedes-Benz. A modern interface for all infotainment features called COMAND utilized Bluetooth tech and connectivity for modern hands-free use of phones and music streaming.
Additionally, safety tech was added, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, emergency brake assist, and more.
For the 2016 model year, a slight refresh was introduced, along with a new naming nomenclature. Such was the success of the G-wagon and GL class that Mercedes applied the “G” suffix to all SUVs in its line.
As such, the ML’s slot in the SUV lineup mirrors the E-class in the sedan segment. As such, the new SUV was dubbed the GLE.
Mid-cycle name changes aside, the GLE continued on carrying the SUV torch for Mercedes. Part of the refresh included a slew of new tech. Another upgrade to the COMAND interface brings touch-sensitive panels where you can now draw out letters and numbers instead of spinning a dial to get to them.
On top of that, the voice control system is even more intuitive and easier to use. You can use the touchpad and the rotary dial in the same way, as they both control the COMAND center. It all just depends on how you wish to use it. How could they improve on this design? Well, they did, with the current ML as seen below.
Mercedes GLE Fourth-generation (2019-present)
In 2019, Mercedes launched the fourth generation ML, and it carried on the tradition of high luxury and variety from the third generation.
Engine technology is at the forefront of this generation of GLE, with almost the whole gasoline range featuring “EQ Boost.” That tech is a mild hybrid system, which amounts to an integrated starter/generator. Essentially it is a motor that assists the engine, rather than drives the wheels like other hybrid systems.
Which Car also points out this 48 volt system also aids the turbochargers, preventing lag. In the GLE 450 and GLE 53 AMG, EQ boost works with a three-liter inline-six engine. Outputs are 362 horsepower and 429 respectively. In the GLE 580, GLE 63, and GLE 63S, that same tech works with a four-liter V8. Power in the top trim is an impressive 603 horsepower.
Driver assistance tech in the GLE is standard fare, with the COMAND system evolving to MBUX. That acronym stands for Mercedes-Benz User eXperience and allows drivers to use steering wheel, dial or voice commands to control the multimedia interface. It also acts as a personal assistant, much in the same way that Siri does for Apple devices.
As expected, Mercedes stays at the forefront of technology. This model is too new for a mid-cycle refresh to come out, but we’d expect one by 2024. Not that it’s needed.
Mercedes’ vast ML lineup has offered just about everything that drivers could ask for in an SUV. What started out as just one model has turned into a wide range of engines and even a “coupe” offering.
In our research, we found some typical, and not-so-typical Mercedes traits in these vehicles, which has given us a clearer view of the better models within the ML lineup.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
