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/2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
VS
2016 Mercedes-Benz M350
$51,100
MSRP
$48,300
3.5L V6
Engine
3.5L V6
302
Horsepower
302
18/24 City/Highway MPG
Efficiency
18/24 City/Highway MPG
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
For the 2016 model year, the M-Class was redesigned. This redesign gave birth to the GLE-Class SUV and GLE-Class Coupe. As one of the most popular SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz lineup for many years, it was concerning to some to see it go. On the other hand, the new GLE looks more modern and features technologies that the M-Class never had. So which one is better? We would like to assume the new one is better, but that isn't always the case. If given the choice, which would you choose in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class decision?
For the sake of simplicity, we found a common ground to start from. The 350. Both the M-Class and the GLE-Class are offered as a base-model GLE350 or M350. There are also diesel versions that would technically be the base model overseas, but here, the GLE350 and the M350 have proven to be the most common. Once we narrowed that down, it was easy to see the ghost of the M-Class living in the GLE. They both offer the same engine, but Mercedes-Benz was able to push a few extra horses out of the engine for 2016. This gives an advantage to the GLE. As far as performance goes, the differences almost completely stop right there.
GLE350 vs M350
Even if it is difficult for you to distinguish the difference between the two from the outside, the inside will astound you. One of the biggest changes to the SUV is the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes. This was not offered in the M-Class, and neither was the COMAND NAVIGATION pad that is used to control it. DYNAMIC SELECT allows the driver to adjust the suspension and performance aspects of the car based on terrain. Paired with AIRMATIC AIR suspension, the GLE is now capable of adjusting its ride height multiple times every second.
The M-Class and the GLE-Class will both go down in history as one of the best SUVs of the decade, but we have to give the cake to the GLE-Class. Not because it is newer, but because of the modern design and flexibility that comes with it. With that in mind, you still may opt for the M-Class because of its affordability or nostalgia aspects.
