Difference between GLE and ML?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 472
Likes: 8
From: Southern California, Orange County
2012 E350
Difference between GLE and ML?
Hey everyone..
I own a w212 and am interested in picking up an SUV.. I'm not really up to date with the new GLE model. All I know is that it is a facelift (full/partial).
Is there a full list/thread of the differences between the two models? I couldn't seem to find one..
Thanks.
I own a w212 and am interested in picking up an SUV.. I'm not really up to date with the new GLE model. All I know is that it is a facelift (full/partial).
Is there a full list/thread of the differences between the two models? I couldn't seem to find one..
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Aside from the letters these are what I know:
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Dec 15, 2015 at 03:08 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 600
Likes: 8
From: San Francisco, CA
16 GLE400, 16 eGolf, 15 M3, 13 328i, 06 S430, 98 E320
For reason #6, I went with the 400 instead of the diesel. The 4 bang diesel in the GLE is a joke for such a heavy suv as the car felt lazy during my test drive and the weight overshadow all those torque of the diesel motor. I don't understand why MBUSA didn't keep the 6 cyl diesel instead here in the US..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
For reason #6, I went with the 400 instead of the diesel. The 4 bang diesel in the GLE is a joke for such a heavy suv as the car felt lazy during my test drive and the weight overshadow all those torque of the diesel motor. I don't understand why MBUSA didn't keep the 6 cyl diesel instead here in the US..
Also I think MBUSA might be putting a real space between the engine types which does make sense. Here in Canada you will be confused and will have a bigger problem which one to pick as the 350d and 400 are almost the same except the 350d has more torque but in the long run if you will be keeping the car beyond the warranty period the 400 is better as their will be less headache on maintenance then you have the 550 then AMG. The way I see MLs here is 70% 350d, 20% 400, 6% 550, 4% AMG. In the US I think the numbers would be more on 50% 250d, 40% 400, 10% AMG. I think the new turbo 6 on the GLE is really good and on the sweet spot for the ML which for me the 350 gas is already more than enough for the ML.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
Likes: 29
From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
For reason #6, I went with the 400 instead of the diesel. The 4 bang diesel in the GLE is a joke for such a heavy suv as the car felt lazy during my test drive and the weight overshadow all those torque of the diesel motor. I don't understand why MBUSA didn't keep the 6 cyl diesel instead here in the US..
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
Likes: 29
From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
No problem, stay in the 20th century. I'm 72, I also own a C7 Corvette, I have owned 60's muscle cars, but I'm willing to move forward. We had a saying in the day, "there's no replacement for displacement". Enough said.
Last edited by gkgeiger; Dec 17, 2015 at 05:49 PM.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
There are compromises that needs to be had from switching from a V6 diesel to a 4 cylinder diesel and speed is one of it. That is the reason MBUSA dropped the V6d because of marketing survey. Like gkgeiger, he is one of those MB customers that not having the all mighty V6d is okay and that suited most folks that will buy the 250d. MBUSA is just responding to what the market is saying that is all. I think if MBCanada will do the same I bet you right now everyone driving a ML350d will soon be driving a X5d when their leases are up just because of few factors that I mentioned particularly the cost of diesel vs gas.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 69
From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
[ I bet you right now everyone driving a ML350d will soon be driving a X5d when their leases are up just because of few factors that I mentioned particularly the cost of diesel vs gas.[/QUOTE]
In my case it would be buying the GL350 BLUETS instead of a ML250 BLUETS. I bought my ML350 Bluetec for the range of it's 24.6 gallon fuel tank and the diesel milage. I HATE stopping for fuel or anything else. Plus the Grunt of the 350 diesel vs the 'other' choices.
Got 2014 ML350 Bluets delivered in Feb of '14 with 60K on it as of today.
In my case it would be buying the GL350 BLUETS instead of a ML250 BLUETS. I bought my ML350 Bluetec for the range of it's 24.6 gallon fuel tank and the diesel milage. I HATE stopping for fuel or anything else. Plus the Grunt of the 350 diesel vs the 'other' choices.
Got 2014 ML350 Bluets delivered in Feb of '14 with 60K on it as of today.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Got 2014 ML350 Bluets delivered in Feb of '14 with 60K on it as of today.[/QUOTE]
Yeah you can think of it like that as well. MBUSA might also be pushing people who wants a v6 diesel to grow up a little bit and have them spend more money and get the GL instead but the feeling might not be the same as a V6 ML as the GL is a massive vehicle.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 595
Likes: 38
From: Boston area
2019 GLS450
Aside from the letters these are what I know:
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
The ML250 BTC/GLE300d vs ML350 BTC debate has been beaten to death. It's up there with all seasons vs winter tires, engine oil choice, etc. 455 lb/ft of tq in the 6 is amazing but only missed if you drove it before driving the 4 cyl diesel. People now going into the GLE300d will find it just fine. And as much as I loved the effortless pull of my ML350 BTC, the oil leak issues of that 642 motor scare me once out of warranty.
Other differences ML to GLE besides those prev mentioned include some options such as ambient lighting that were part of a pkg now being standalone. Collision prevention assist is now standard, lane tracking now part of prem 1 pkg. All new COMAND, not just the screen and touch pad controller. Also the introduction of remote start (thru mbrace app), a new steering wheel, dynamic select, magic vision, and night pkg.
Last edited by skw; Jan 1, 2016 at 09:42 PM. Reason: typo
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
2015 E250 Bluetec
Aside from the letters these are what I know:
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
1. New LED headlights
2. New bumpers
3. New command (IPADish screen, software)
4. New center cluster
5. New engines (GLE 400 is now turbo charged D.I. V6 vs ML350 which is only a D.I. V6)
6. US gets only the small diesel engine compared to us in the North which still gets the grunt V6 diesel (you can curse now to MBUSA)
7. US does not get the 550 anymore and yes the Canadians still has the 550 (again cursing MBUSA is allowed)
8. Two variants of the GLE63 compare to just ML63
9. Some difference on the way the packages are put together because of eguipment changes.
Apart from that nothing really major. Some people like me are glad that the LEDs on the pre-facelift GLE are separated from the headlight housing as just imagine replacing the entire headlight if the LED eyebrows goes out.
If you did not have the pre-facelift ML then you will be happy with the GLE except if you want the diesel engine. The new V6 is really good and that is coming from someone who has the ML350 which I think is sufficient enough for the truck. Just remember that the ML is not meant to be raced except for the 550 and AMG versions which are crazy stupid fast.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
GLE300D, GL 350BT
I came from a 13 SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, right under 500 horsepower and 0-60 in under 5 seconds. I now own a GLE300d and I can say that I won't be taking it to the track anytime soon but I love having a 6-700 mile range on the highway and the power is not bad. I can pass just fine on two lane highways here in Montana and the ride is quiet, smooth and refined.
I am a big believer in clean diesel technology. I also drive a 2014 Ram 3500 with the Cummins and my wife has a GL350 with the 6cyl turbodiesel. People who are in the market for diesels are not looking for blazing speed or track like handling, we are looking for the long term reliability that comes with diesel powerplants and the much improved fuel mileage. We average 60,000 miles per year between the vehicles .
I am a big believer in clean diesel technology. I also drive a 2014 Ram 3500 with the Cummins and my wife has a GL350 with the 6cyl turbodiesel. People who are in the market for diesels are not looking for blazing speed or track like handling, we are looking for the long term reliability that comes with diesel powerplants and the much improved fuel mileage. We average 60,000 miles per year between the vehicles .
Last edited by alphainfinity; Jan 26, 2016 at 12:45 PM.
