GLE-Klasse
Introduced in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse replaced the M-Class within Mercedes-Benz’s revised SUV naming structure. This period mainly covers the facelifted W166-based GLE, together with the GLE Coupé, a lower and sportier body style introduced as a new companion model. The conventional SUV emphasizes space, comfort, and versatility, while the Coupé uses a sloping roofline and a more dynamic presentation. Depending on the market, the range included diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, and Mercedes-AMG models. ScanRacer’s selection runs from 2015 to 2019 and includes Coupé and SUV variants. The 2019 model year requires some caution, however: Mercedes-Benz unveiled an entirely new-generation GLE in 2018, and the changeover from the earlier model took place progressively across different markets.
What about the car you photographed?
Upload a photo to get a suggested make, model and likely year.
No account needed for the result · Publish only if you choose
Variants by year
Make: Mercedes-Benz · Model: GLE-Klasse
4 / 4 versions shown
2019
2015
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Introduced in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse replaced the M-Class within Mercedes-Benz’s revised SUV naming structure. This period mainly covers the facelifted W166-based GLE, together with the GLE Coupé, a lower and sportier body style introduced as a new companion model. The conventional SUV emphasizes space, comfort, and versatility, while the Coupé uses a sloping roofline and a more dynamic presentation. Depending on the market, the range included diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, and Mercedes-AMG models. ScanRacer’s selection runs from 2015 to 2019 and includes Coupé and SUV variants. The 2019 model year requires some caution, however: Mercedes-Benz unveiled an entirely new-generation GLE in 2018, and the changeover from the earlier model took place progressively across different markets.
History
The GLE-Klasse traces its roots to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, introduced in 1997 as one of the brand’s first premium SUVs. The third-generation M-Class, identified by the W166 series, entered production in 2011. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz gave it a substantial update and adopted the GLE name to align the SUV more closely with the E-Class within the company’s revised naming system. The update brought revised exterior styling, updated electronic equipment, and changes to the powertrain range. Mercedes-Benz reported an average 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with the preceding models, while selected diesel versions gained the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The period also introduced the brand’s first plug-in hybrid SUV model. Alongside the conventional SUV, Mercedes-Benz launched the GLE Coupé as a sportier alternative in the expanding SUV-coupé market. It used a distinct fastback-style body rather than being merely an appearance package. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a completely new GLE generation with a larger body and a substantially revised electronic architecture. As a result, 2019 can represent two different product phases depending on market availability, production timing, and registration date.
Generations
Two technical reference points are important for the period covered here. The first is the W166-based GLE, which represents the conversion of the third-generation M-Class into the GLE nameplate. Updated for 2015, it received redesigned front and rear styling, efficiency improvements, and revised interior technology. Its basic proportions remained those of a conventional family SUV, with a tall body, a large tailgate, and a commanding driving position. The second reference point is the GLE Coupé, commonly identified in specialist documentation by the development code C292 and introduced in 2015. It shared the broader GLE technical family but used a lower body, a sloping roofline, and a more overtly sporting character. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz presented an all-new GLE generation, generally associated with the W167 series. That vehicle brought a larger cabin, the MBUX multimedia system, expanded dimensions, and newly developed chassis technologies. ScanRacer’s supplied context ends in 2019 and does not specify how its entries are divided between these generations. Identification should therefore rely on the vehicle’s series code, production date, body style, and equipment rather than on the registration year alone.
Key differences
The GLE SUV and GLE Coupé differ primarily in body style and intended emphasis. The conventional SUV retains a taller, more functional shape, with easier rear access and a layout better suited to family-oriented use. The Coupé uses a sloping roof, a more sharply angled rear section, and a visibly sportier stance. That design can reduce the sense of rear-seat space and overall practicality compared with the standard SUV, even though both belong to the same premium SUV family. Engines, transmissions, and equipment packages varied by market, so the same badge does not always guarantee identical specifications. Mercedes-AMG versions should also be separated from regular Mercedes-Benz models because they received distinctive styling, chassis tuning, and performance hardware. A further complication is the 2019 model year: a vehicle registered in 2019 may belong either to the facelifted W166 phase or to the newer generation introduced in 2018. Production date, market, series code, and equipment are more reliable identification clues than registration year alone.
Photo recognition
The facelifted W166 GLE can be identified by a softer-looking front end than the earlier M-Class, redesigned headlamps, and a Mercedes-Benz grille with a prominent central star. LED daytime-running lights and chrome details on the lower front bumper can help, although their availability depended on trim level and options. At the rear, revised lamp units and bumper detailing distinguish the GLE from earlier W166 vehicles still carrying the M-Class name. The GLE Coupé is easier to recognize from its body: a sloping roof, shorter rear side glass, angled tailgate, and proportions resembling a raised sports coupé. AMG versions generally add more assertive bumpers, dedicated exhaust outlets, and distinctive wheels, but appearance packages can reproduce some of these details. For 2019 vehicles, identification should not rely on the registration year. Check the multimedia display, dashboard design, headlamp shape, body proportions, and series code before assigning the vehicle to the W166-based GLE or the newer generation introduced in 2018.
Important versions
Notable versions from this period include diesel GLE models, often paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and, depending on market, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The GLE 500 e 4MATIC is especially significant because it was Mercedes-Benz’s first plug-in hybrid SUV in this family. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and GLE 63 S represented the performance peak of the W166-based phase, using a twin-turbocharged V8 and dedicated AMG equipment. The GLE Coupé broadened the range with a sportier body style, while the new generation unveiled in 2018 introduced a substantially revised platform and multimedia architecture. Exact model names, engines, and equipment packages varied between countries. These badges should therefore be read together with the vehicle’s series code, production date, and original market rather than treated as universally identical specifications.
The name “GLE-Klasse” follows Mercedes-Benz naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Mercedes-Benz name
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 244.9 kw (333 hp) | 516.3 lb-ft (700 Nm) | 130 mph (209 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 9-Speed automatic G-Tronic | Hybrid Gasoline |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2015 - 2019.
- How many Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 10 published scans from 9 members, with the latest photo added in October 2026.
- What is the power output of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse?
- The sourced technical data lists 244.9 kw (333 hp).
What about the car you photographed?
Upload a photo to get a suggested make, model and likely year.
No account needed for the result · Publish only if you choose