Mercedes-Benz GLE as a used car

The Mercedes-Benz GLE occupies an interesting position on the used-car market. It is large, luxurious and technically sophisticated, yet it can now be found at prices that put it within reach of buyers who could never have considered one when it was new. That combination is attractive, but it also demands a little caution: a used GLE can be an excellent long-distance SUV, family car and towing vehicle, but it remains a premium vehicle with premium repair and maintenance costs.

The GLE name was introduced in the middle of the 2010s as part of Mercedes-Benz’s restructuring of its SUV naming system. The first GLE generation, internally known as W166, was essentially the facelifted successor to the M-Class/ML, while the completely redesigned W167 arrived for the 2019 model year. Mercedes describes the newer GLE as a substantially larger and more technologically advanced generation, with optional third-row seating and new assistance and suspension systems.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLE should you buy used?

W166: the more affordable choice

The W166 is particularly interesting for buyers looking for a relatively inexpensive entry into Mercedes’ large SUV class. Depending on market and model year, the range included four- and six-cylinder diesels, petrol V6 and V8 engines, a plug-in hybrid and powerful AMG derivatives. The facelifted GLE appeared from 2015, with production of the W166 continuing until the arrival of the W167.

Its biggest advantage today is value. The cabin remains genuinely luxurious, the seating position is commanding, and the car is extremely capable as a motorway cruiser. The downside is that age is becoming increasingly important. A ten-year-old luxury SUV can contain a great deal of expensive equipment, and components such as air suspension, four-wheel-drive hardware, electronics and diesel emissions systems can cost considerably more to repair than those of a conventional family SUV.

The W166 therefore makes most sense when the purchase price is not the only thing being considered. A cheaper GLE with an incomplete service history can easily become more expensive than a better-maintained example that initially costs more.

W167: a more modern used GLE

The W167 represents a much more substantial technological step. Mercedes introduced it for the 2019 model year with a new engine range, more interior space, improved assistance systems and a new generation of four-wheel drive. The manufacturer also offered a third row of seats, making the GLE more versatile as a family vehicle.

Inside, the W167 feels considerably newer than the W166, particularly because of its digital displays and newer infotainment architecture. This makes it a tempting choice on the used market, especially for buyers intending to keep the car for many years.

However, newer does not automatically mean inexpensive. The W167 contains even more electronic and electromechanical systems, including sophisticated suspension options and 48-volt technology on many versions. Mercedes has continued to develop these systems, and current GLE models use increasingly complex mild-hybrid drivetrains and advanced suspension technology.

Engines: diesel or petrol?

For many European used-car buyers, diesel versions are likely to be the most logical choice. The GLE is a large and heavy SUV, so the strong low-speed torque of a diesel suits its character particularly well. Older W166 models used Mercedes’ familiar V6 diesel, while later W167 versions received newer four- and six-cylinder diesel engines.

A well-maintained diesel can be an excellent high-mileage choice, particularly for someone who regularly drives long motorway journeys. The opposite is true for a GLE that spends almost all of its time making short urban trips. Modern diesel engines combine turbocharging with increasingly sophisticated exhaust after-treatment, including diesel particulate filters and, on newer vehicles, SCR/AdBlue systems. Those components can become expensive when problems develop.

The petrol engines are attractive for drivers covering fewer kilometres or wanting smoother and quieter performance. Six-cylinder petrol engines provide plenty of performance without necessarily entering AMG territory, while V8 versions deliver considerably more power but bring correspondingly higher fuel and maintenance costs.

The AMG models deserve separate consideration. A GLE 43, GLE 53 or GLE 63 may look tempting because depreciation makes enormous performance more affordable, but the basic principle of buying an older AMG remains unchanged: purchase price and running cost are two very different numbers.

What can go wrong with a used GLE?

Air suspension deserves particular attention

AIRMATIC is one of the features that makes the GLE feel special. It can provide an exceptionally comfortable ride and allows the suspension to adapt to different driving conditions. Unfortunately, an ageing air-suspension system can also be one of the more expensive areas of the vehicle to repair.

On an older W166, inspect the vehicle after it has been parked for several hours. If one corner sits noticeably lower than another, there may be a leak in an air spring or associated component. The compressor should also be listened to during operation. A system that has been compensating for a slow leak for a long period may eventually suffer compressor damage. Specialist used-car guides identify AIRMATIC as one of the major potential cost areas on older GLEs.

This does not mean that every GLE with air suspension is a bad purchase. It means that its condition should be verified rather than assumed.

Diesel systems need the right kind of use

The older V6 diesel is powerful and well suited to the GLE, but buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of the intake and emissions systems. Specialist inspections commonly highlight issues involving components such as intake swirl flaps, turbo-related hardware and the oil cooler system on the OM642 engine family.

On newer diesels, the inspection should also cover DPF, EGR, SCR and AdBlue-related systems. A car that has accumulated a large mileage primarily on motorways may actually be a more attractive proposition than a lower-mileage example that has spent years being driven for short journeys.

Electronics and optional equipment

The GLE was sold with an impressive selection of equipment, and that equipment is part of its appeal. Heated and ventilated seats, panoramic roofs, adaptive lighting, driver-assistance systems, electric tailgates, cameras and sophisticated infotainment can make an older GLE feel remarkably modern.

They can also create additional repair possibilities. This is why a used GLE should be tested systematically rather than simply driven around the block. Every electric seat adjustment, screen, camera, parking sensor, sunroof function, climate-control setting and assistance system should be checked before purchase.

How does the GLE drive as a used car?

The GLE’s greatest strength is its ability to cover distance effortlessly. It is not a small or particularly agile SUV, but its size becomes an advantage on the motorway. The seating position is commanding, the cabin is quiet and the suspension is designed around comfort rather than aggressive cornering.

Four-wheel drive is standard or widely available depending on generation and specification, and the GLE’s substantial weight gives it a planted character. It is also a useful towing vehicle, although buyers should check the exact towing rating and equipment of the individual car rather than relying on the model name.

The W167 takes this character further. Its greater dimensions provide more interior room, while the newer chassis and electronic systems make it feel closer to a luxury touring vehicle than a traditional off-roader. Mercedes also developed sophisticated versions of its E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL and AIRMATIC systems for the newer generation.

What should you check before buying?

A professional pre-purchase inspection is one of the best investments a prospective GLE owner can make. The inspection should begin with the vehicle’s history: service invoices are considerably more useful than a simple statement that the car has been “regularly serviced.” Look for evidence of correct oil changes, transmission servicing where applicable, brake replacement and maintenance of the four-wheel-drive and suspension systems.

The engine should be inspected both cold and warm. A cold start can reveal noises that disappear once the engine reaches operating temperature. The automatic transmission should shift smoothly through its ratios, both during gentle driving and under stronger acceleration. Any hesitation, harsh engagement or unexplained vibration deserves investigation rather than dismissal as a characteristic of the car.

The suspension should be checked for leaks, unusual noises and correct ride height. The underside should be inspected for oil or coolant leaks, damage and evidence of poorly repaired accident damage. On diesel cars, diagnostic equipment should be used to examine stored fault codes and the condition of emissions-related systems.

Finally, do not overlook the tyres and brakes. A large premium SUV can consume expensive tyres and brake components, particularly in powerful versions with large wheels. These are normal running costs, but they should be reflected in the price you are prepared to pay.

Running costs: the part buyers often underestimate

The GLE is an expensive car that has depreciated; it is not an inexpensive car. That distinction is crucial. A ten-year-old GLE may cost similar money to a much smaller new SUV, but its replacement parts, tyres, suspension components and labour can remain firmly in the premium-car category.

This is particularly relevant to heavily equipped examples. A basic specification with conventional suspension can be mechanically simpler than a car equipped with every available luxury and chassis option. That does not necessarily make the simpler car objectively better, but it can make the potential ownership equation easier to understand.

Fuel consumption is another consideration. Current GLE models illustrate how much the figures can vary between engines: Mercedes lists approximately 7.4–8.3 l/100 km for the current GLE 350 d, while the petrol GLE 450 is officially listed at roughly 9.5–10.5 l/100 km, with the figures varying according to specification and test configuration. Older engines should not be expected to match these newer official figures.

Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLE a sensible purchase?

For the right buyer, the answer depends much more on the individual vehicle than on the badge. A GLE with a complete history, sensible specification, healthy drivetrain and documented maintenance can provide a combination of comfort, space, performance and towing ability that is difficult to reproduce for the same used-car budget.

The most important rule is therefore simple: buy the condition and history, not merely the price and equipment list. The cheapest GLE on an online marketplace may be cheap for a reason, while a more expensive example with excellent documentation and a recent major service may represent considerably less financial risk.

The W166 is the value-oriented route into GLE ownership, provided the buyer accepts its age and checks expensive systems carefully. The W167 offers a much more modern interior, greater space and newer technology, but its greater complexity means that a healthy maintenance budget remains important. Diesel versions suit high-mileage users particularly well, while petrol versions can make sense for drivers covering fewer kilometres.

Ultimately, the GLE makes the most sense as a used car when its owner continues to treat it as the luxury SUV it was designed to be. It rewards proper maintenance with excellent long-distance comfort and impressive versatility, but it is unlikely to reward an owner who treats a premium SUV like a cheap second-hand car.

Mercedes-Benz GLE technical specifications

The figures below are representative rather than universal, because the GLE has been sold with numerous engines, model years and equipment combinations. For reference, Mercedes’ W167 launch information confirms the 2019-generation GLE’s new engine family and 4MATIC system, while later official specifications show how substantially engine outputs can vary within the range.

Mercedes’ official specifications for the current GLE 350 d list 210 kW (286 hp), 650 Nm, a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, a 4,923 mm overall length and a 630-litre luggage compartment, illustrating the evolution of the model from the older W166 generation. (Mercedes-Benz)