Used Mercedes GLE Buyer’s Guide: W166 vs W167, Best Years and Engine Issues

Last reviewed: November 2026

The GLE is the SUV many luxury buyers end up choosing after comparing the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Lexus RX. It is comfortable, quiet, safe and well equipped. Here is how to buy a good one.

GLE generations explained

Mercedes also sells the GLE Coupe, a sloping-roof version of the same SUV. Everything in this guide applies to the Coupe too.

Years to avoid, and why

• 2016 GLE: The first year under the GLE name, with a refreshed design over the ML. Some ranking sites list it among the weaker years based on complaint data.
• 2020 GLE: The first year of the all-new V167. One reliability index scored it the lowest of the generation, with electrical complaints leading the list.
• 2021 GLE: Still early in the generation, and grouped with 2020 by several sources.

None of these years are "never buy" years. A 2020 GLE that has had its software updates and recalls completed, with a clean history, can be a perfectly good SUV. You just want the price to reflect the extra homework.

The best used GLE years

2018 to 2019 GLE (W166)

By the end of its run, the W166 was a well-sorted SUV. The GLE350 uses a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 that is simple by modern standards, and the GLE400 adds a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with much stronger acceleration. Several sources rate 2018 or 2019 as the best W166 years. The trade-off is older infotainment and fewer modern driver assists than the V167.

2022 and newer GLE (V167)

The V167 is roomier, with available third-row seating, and has the MBUX infotainment system with dual widescreen displays. By 2022, the generation had worked through many of its launch issues. Sources generally rate 2022 to 2024 as the stronger V167 years.

GLE350 vs GLE450 vs GLE580: which engine?

On the V167, the badge tells you a lot about the ownership experience:

• GLE350: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder. Lowest price and simplest drivetrain. Adequate power for most families, but it works hard in a vehicle this size.
• GLE450: 3.0L turbo inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system (EQ Boost). Smooth, quick and the sweet spot for most buyers. Ask about the health of the 48V system on early cars.
• GLE580: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with mild hybrid assist. Effortless power, higher running costs.
• AMG GLE53 and GLE63 S: Performance models. Expect higher costs for tires, brakes and insurance.

On the older W166, the GLE350 V6 is the low-cost choice and the GLE400 is the better performer. Make sure the drivetrain is 4MATIC all-wheel drive if you want winter traction, since rear-wheel-drive GLE350s were also sold.

Common used GLE problems to check

• Electrical and infotainment glitches. The most common complaint on 2020 and 2021 models. Test every screen, camera, sensor and driver assistance feature.
• 48V mild hybrid system (V167 six-cylinder and V8). Early cars had reports of issues with the 48V system and related components. Ask what software updates and repairs have been done.
• Air suspension (AIRMATIC or E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, if equipped). Air springs and compressors are wear items. Check that the vehicle sits level after being parked.
• Oil leaks. Look under the engine for seepage, especially on higher-mileage W166 V6 models.
• Sunroof drains. Clogged panoramic roof drains can let water into the cabin. Check carpets and headliner for water stains.
• Diesel emissions (older BlueTEC diesels). Mercedes BlueTEC diesels from this era were subject to an emissions settlement. Confirm any required emissions modification was completed.

Typical GLE repair costs

These ranges are general estimates reported by independent Mercedes specialists and owner communities. Real costs vary by model, region, parts choice and shop. They are not quotes from Autos of Chicago.

Our guide to buying an out-of-warranty BMW or Mercedes in Illinois explains how to budget for costs like these.

Used Mercedes GLE pre-purchase checklist

1. Decode the VIN to confirm engine, drivetrain (4MATIC or rear-drive) and options.
2. Review the vehicle history report. Here is how to read a CARFAX report like a dealer.
3. Check open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
4. Ask for service records showing regular Service A and Service B maintenance.
5. Test every screen, camera, sensor and driver assist feature.
6. Cycle the air suspension through every setting, then check ride height after the vehicle sits.
7. Check carpets and headliner for water stains.
8. Look underneath for oil leaks and salt corrosion.
9. Scan for stored fault codes, even if no warning lights are on.
10. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes-experienced shop. Our guide to arranging a pre-purchase inspection in Cook County shows you how.

W166 or V167: which generation suits you?

If you mostly want a comfortable, safe and quiet SUV and do not care about the latest screens, a well-kept 2018 or 2019 W166 offers a lot for the money. If you want the newest cabin and safety tech, stretch for a 2022 or newer V167.

Options worth paying for

• Driver Assistance Package: Adaptive cruise control with steering assist makes highway commuting much easier.
• Premium or Burmester audio: A meaningful upgrade for anyone who spends time in the car.
• Heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel: Very welcome in Chicago winters and summers.
• Third-row seating (V167): Useful for occasional extra passengers. For regular seven-passenger use, look at the larger GLS.
• Air suspension or E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Excellent ride comfort, but these systems add potential repair costs as the vehicle ages.

Ask for the original window sticker or a VIN-based options list so you can compare vehicles fairly. Two GLEs at the same price can be very differently equipped.

How many miles is too many on a used GLE?

A GLE that has had its scheduled Service A and Service B visits on time can comfortably reach high mileage. As a general rule, mileage tells you less than the records do. Around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, expect wear items such as brakes, suspension components, engine mounts and, on air-suspended models, air springs to need attention if they have not already been replaced. A higher-mileage GLE with those items already done can be a better buy than a lower-mileage one that is about to need them. Our guide on reading used car maintenance records and spotting gaps explains what to look for in the paperwork.

GLE vs the competition

The GLE's closest rivals are the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. In general, the GLE leans toward comfort and quiet, the X5 toward sharper driving, and the Q7 toward space and understated design. Our used X5 vs Q7 vs GLE comparison breaks it down for Illinois drivers, and our new BMW X5 years to avoid guide covers the BMW side in detail. If you are deciding between a sedan and an SUV, read Mercedes-Benz sedans vs SUVs for Chicago roads.