I'm currently shopping for a 2012+ ML and I'm curious as to the differences between the last ML and the first GLE. Used car prices haven't yet fully settled down from the insane levels brought on by the chip shortage and supply chain issues but I have noticed that the GLE has not held its value as well as the GLC. For two models that were about $10K apart when new, I'm finding same-year GLE's for about $2000 more than a GLC (bought a 2017 last week).

 

Quite a bit actually.... The basic body and drive trains are the same, the exterior front and rear bumpers are different. The interior is the biggest change...

GLE has a larger navigation screen, the controls are little different but not so much that you can't figure it out pretty quickly...

I've had a 2012 ML63, 2016 GLE63s coupe and currently a 2018 GLE63s.

Mike

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...en-gle-ml.html
This is me asking the same question.
Since the thread, I had a friend visiting me with his W166 ML.
Having 2 cars side by side you could not tell they are the same body. Different trims, different wheels make whole vehicle looking different.
Just like women hair job and make up.
Than GLE come with more gadgets.

 

Not enough difference for the price point other than looks. The later models do look better and the LED active headlights are very good/better than the active HID headlights. You can install a larger screen and get everything you would want that the later models have on command. The remote start on the later model GLE/GLS via phone is also nice if you live in an area with weather extremes. The main option I like more on the early vs later model, if so equipped, is the active lane keep assist in the late model GLS/GLE. It actively steers the car to stay centered in the lane. It's not perfect but works pretty well. The earlier versions were only active when it sensed you going over a painted line.

 

If Carplay is your thing, I do like parts of it but dislike others....

Having it read me texts is pretty cool....

But I prefer the Factory Nav over the carplay version.... Factory is intuitive and very few clicks or moves to manipulate it while driving... I find Carplay Nav to be tough to get it to do what i want and not intuitive, a lot more click/moves to get it to do something...

I think carplay is an option in late 2016 builds....

 

Agree with the above posts.

The only functional difference is COMAND, the rest is trim/cosmetics.

GLC and ML/GLE are not comparable because of size and towing, if these are at all important to you.

The GLC uses the questionable M274 engine which has a piston cracking habit, meaning engine replacement. I would not own any M274-engined vehicle (C300, E300 and GLC300).

GLE350/400/43 use the M276 engine which is the most reliable MB has produced in more than 10 years.

 

MLs are equipped with 7-speed transmission while GLEs - with 9. However, I find 9 speed in GLE too eager to upshift very early and not wanting to downshift in timely manner when trying to pass on freeway. 7-speed in ML does not do that.

Steering feel precision however is much improved in GLE vs. ML.

 

GLE with a 9 speed ? Have to go check that, I've had 2 GLE and both 7 speed...

Here we go, this explains why my GLE's had 7 speeds

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...Benz_GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class[edit]

• 2016–2019 GLE (W166) (except 63 AMG & 350 models)
• 2020–present GLE (W167) (except 63 models)

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class[edit]

• 2017–2019 GLS (X166) (all except AMG)
• 2020–present GLS (X167)

 

Yes I was comparing 7-speed in my former '14 ML550 with 9-speed in my current '19 GLE43 (GLE400s also have 9 speed). If OP is considering 350, then it is non-issue. 9-speed is the only thing I (and just about everyone who drove my car) do not like about GLE V6TTs.

 

ML and GLE 350 models with 3.5L NA gasoline V6 use the 7G-Tronic.

400 and 43 models with the twin turbo 3.0L V6 gasoline use the 9G.

 

thanks to all! I am active on several forums here and some are better than others; this one is STELLAR in terms of helpfulness and knowledge! I am totally game for an ML550, but not finding any available. It's really an "extra" car I'm shopping for; replacing a 2006 Lexus RX 330 that serves as my beach car / winter car. I want my fleet to be 100% MB.

 

off topic on my own thread but I swapped out the grille on the new GLC, really liking it:

 

There is allot of preference on people liking and needs. All I have to say is do your research first and go test drive them. If you agree on the price go for what ever your happy with.

 

I am biased to liking white/tan interiors.
Some GLE have them really beautiful and when I could not find white with the engine I wanted, I found light tan. Added custom carpets to it and each time I open the door showing it to new person, I am getting "WOW" as response.
Did not see such interiors on ML. Maybe my bad luck, maybe they are only GLE mounted?

 

Ginger beige/expresso brown is probably the most popular interior on the 166 models from 2012 and up. Nothing rare at all and certainly not limited to the GLE/GLS models. I like the ginger beige/black leather but there are far fewer of them. In my opinion, the ice grey interior is the nicest looking and rarest but the linen and black looks great too.

 

I’m finding about 75% with black interior in my search, 100 miles from Boston, 2012 and up. Nearly all 350’s, one 63 and no 550’s.

 

True, should have said other than black.