GLE W166

About the GLE W166

Mercedes renamed the M-Class to GLE and the W166 was the platform that carried the transition. The M276 3.0-liter V6 turbo in the GLE 400 made 329 hp, the M278 V8 in the GLE 500 hit 449 hp, and the AMG GLE 63 S got the M157 at 577 hp. The coupe variant arrived looking like BMW's X6 and splitting opinions accordingly. The interior was Mercedes-grade with COMAND infotainment, available Nappa leather, and a cabin that was a full generation ahead of the W164. Air suspension was optional and handled the weight well. The GLE drove like a big, comfortable cruiser that could hustle when asked. The plug-in hybrid GLE 500e added electric range for city driving. The W166 was Mercedes doing what Mercedes does: building a comfortable, prestigious SUV and selling it in enormous numbers.