Family father M-class next to GLE
The Mercedes M-Class was planned in the late 90s as a replacement for the traditional G-class, but after a spectacular debut in the film ‘Jurassic Park’, a wave of criticism followed the first Mercedes-Benz from America. The Mercedes GLE is now a fixed factor in the range from Stuttgart, so we look at how close the current hybrid GLE 400E is still at the original.
In the series ‘SUV ancestor’ we look back on the history of the SUV. By always comparing a copy from the initial period with his contemporary descendant, we try to make it clear how this segment developed but also increased in popularity. In this fifth part the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is next to his contemporary successor, which is now called GLE. The focus was on the US at the start, but the first SUV from Stuttgart was also able to claim an important role outside of it.
After now four parts in this series, we know that Jeep can be considered as the founder of the SUV, that Range Rover made the segment suitable for the nobility and the Beau Monde, that BMW has taught the SUV a dynamic driving behavior and that Porsche is still trying to turn it into a sports car.
Mercedes-Benz First German producer with such a SUV
Within the German automotive industry, however, Mercedes-Benz was the first to be there in this highly emerging segment at the time. In 1996, the Mercedes stand during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit de Aavision was stood at the North American. This concept car contained important elements of what was then called an All Activity Vehicle (AAV). The production version with the name M-class was also on the NAIAS in 1997 and a year later with the European dealers. That was well before BMW and Porsche appeared with their variants in 1999 and 2002 respectively. Mercedes-Benz was the first of the German premium brands that supplied an SUV after an American example, but based on German Leest. With regard to the name M-class and in relation to BMW, it is striking that this name was chosen at the time, because it goes without saying that a type designation like M 320 would not be good at BMW and its supporters. For that reason, all models fall under the common name M-class, but the individual models received the designation ML, followed by a type number based on the cylinder capacity, as it used to be common at Mercedes-Benz.
G-Class originally military vehicle
With the traditional G-class, the Zwaben already delivered a dike of a 4×4 that had gradually transformed from military vehicle into a comfortable off-road vehicle in the late 90s. Yet even the 500 GE with a 5.0 V8 that had been released in 1993 on the basis of the radically renewed W463 could not offer sufficient resistance to the increasingly luxurious and comfortable competition.
Especially in the US there was a need for a replacement for the G-Class, because this segment was the new gold vein in the car industry. When the M-class with the internal code W163 was ready in 1997, it had to compete against competitors such as the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade. All of these were surging boats with plastic interiors that were once created as pick-up trucks and that were pulled on the hair by a development process to generate return on investment as quickly and as much as possible. The corresponding miserable build quality stemmed from the fact that the American manufacturers produced their products in such a way that they came over the ditch through the financing period, because a new one was bought after three or four years. The result was that almost the entire American car industry adopted this lax mentality and Mercedes-Benz experienced the consequences of this.
Rattles, beeps and kraakjes
With the expectation that the lion’s share of the future SUV production would end up on the American market, the decision was therefore to have the assembly take place within America (see Alabama Kader). As a result of the aforementioned difference in production methods, finishing and quality control, but also by inexperienced staff, the M-Class was struggling with various quality problems. The criticism from both customers and media was hard and thus Mercedes improved this gradually, especially with the facelift in 2001.
Since the ML 350 we picked up for this story at Garage Hendriks in Rijkevoort in Brabant, from 2005 and is therefore from after the facelift, there is no large shock when we look at the car up close. Admittedly, some switches and materials feel somewhat plastic-like, but in combination with leather, Alcantara and dark wood veneer, the whole looks considerably better than in American counterparts. This ML 350 looks fresh, especially with a mileage of almost 230,000, and the car also drives without significant rattles, beeps and kraakjes.
At speeds of 80 km/h and higher, this ML feels a bit bumpy, but that is a characteristic that almost all models from this segment and this age show. It is also good to know that the first generation ML still has a ladder chassis, which is certainly not a guarantee for excellent driving behavior.
M-class could really do something in the site
An important aspect with which the M-class opposed the competition was independent wheel suspension on both the front and back. This offered benefits in the field of handling and body control, but at the same time ground clearance to be able to handle the beaten track in addition to the beaten track. In addition, the side box also helped with two moves, but the application of three open differentials did not do that again. Instead of choosing mechanically to be differentials, Mercedes-Benz experimented with an electronic solution: Four-Wheel Electronic Traction System, in short 4-sets. This system did its smelly best (literally) to distribute the torque well, but an enormous amount of frictional heat arose through individual braking interventions. With intensive use, the 4-sets even overheated and that not only resulted in excessive wear, but could lead to damage.
Less than 5 percent GLE buyers is going into site
The GLE 400E 4MATIC is also deemed to independently adjust the technology to the circumstances, but over the years it has been found that less than five percent of the buyers in this segment actually go into the site. As a result, 4×4 capacities are less and less high on the priority list. BMW has never made it a secret that the X5 is not even suitable for off -road driving. The GLE is therefore more focused on comfort and can be adjusted in different heights as a result of the air suspension. This is useful when you end up (consciously) in addition to the asphalt, but also helps to lower the car in the event that the driver gets a sporting inspiration.
During the maneuvering for photography, it is striking that the transition from the drive through the electric motor to the fuel engine is well perceptible. There is also a delay when switching from D to R and back. You have to get used to that, because if you do not anticipate it and the right pedal is already moving down when the transmission is still switching, a bright reaction sometimes creates a shock through the car.
Furthermore, the GLE is primarily a comfortable and spacious SUV, which runs entirely in the footsteps of the M-Class. An important point of improvement compared to the first generation are the longer rear doors and the extra legroom in the back. The ML 350 is really short there and the GLE 400E shows a big advantage. In the meantime, a huge amount happened, because after the freshening up in 2001- ModelPFlege in Mercedes terminology-the second generation (W164) followed in 2004. He in turn received a facelift in 2008, to be repaid in 2011 by the W166. This generation was not only given a facelift in 2015, but also a different name: GLE. There was also a second body variant in the form of the GLE Coupé (C292). The current model ((W/C167) came on the market in 2019 and it already received a small freshening up in 2023.
Loyalty to the original
All the while the M-Class and the later GLE have remained faithful to the original concept, with which Mercedes-Benz has left an important mark on the SUV segment. With an AMG version, Porsche and BMW were later served by reply and even the dubious Coupétrend was followed, but for those who are looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV with typical Mercedes features that do not hit a mud figure on a poor surface, Mercedes-Benz has already feels a model that has a model that has a different roles at home.
Alabama to avoid import duties
When Mercedes-Benz decided to develop an SUV in the early 90s, it was already clear that the US would be the most important market. To avoid import duties, production should take place within the US. The choice fell on the southern state of Alabama, where in the town of Vance in 1993 and under the name Mercedes-Benz US International (Mbusi) the first Mercedes-Benz car factory was built outside Germany. The larger city Tuscaloosa is often also pointed out that is approximately thirty kilometers away. The state of Alabama offered a political climate that received foreign investments with open arms, goal: improving employment in the region. The land was a donation and the tax conditions were very favorable.
Mercedes was not the only one and not the first to take this step. BMW had already started building a factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1992. The production of the Z3 Roadster started there in 1994, followed by the X5 in 1999. For Mercedes-Benz, Alabama meant the start of a long-term relationship with the US and a new direction in the brand positioning: from traditional German to global and versatile.
ML 55 AMG
With the arrival of the ML 55 AMG in 1999, Mercedes-Benz and AMG went to new site. After a few cautious attempts by AMG with the G-class, the ML 55 was the first sporty SUV that could be ordered from the dealer. The model was given a 5.4-liter V8 with 347 hp and managed to keep many a sportsedan and even sports cars behind it. Visually the AMG variant stood out due to wider wheel arches, other bumpers and 18-inch wheels, but hardly any concessions were made in the field of off-road capacities. In the interior, Recaro sports chairs, lots of leather and aluminum details helped to create a sporty atmosphere. The ML 55 AMG not only became popular with enthusiasts, but also with celebrities and certainly in the US the model became a status symbol and thus marked the start of a trend. It was the precursor of later models such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the BMW X5 M.
Forefather M-Class Next to GLE
The Mercedes M-Class was planned in the Late 90s as a replacement for the traditional g-class, but after a spectacular debut in the film ‘Jurassic Park’, a wave of criticism followed the first Mercedes-Benz from America. Meanwhile, the Mercedes Gle is a permanent fixture in the range from Stuttgart, so let’s see how close the current hybrid gle 400e is to the original.
In the series ‘SUV Forefather’, we look back on the origins of the SUV. By comparion an Example from the early period with its modern-day descendant, we try to gain insight into how this segment developed and also increased in popularity. In This Fifth Part, The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, next to its modern-day successor, now called gle is. The Focus was initially on the US, but the first suv from stuttgart also managed to claim an important role beyond that.
After Four Installments in This Series, We Know that Jeep Can Be Considered The Founder Of The SUV, That Range Rover Made The Segment Suitable for the Nobility and The Beau Monde, That BMW Brought a Dynamic Driving Behay to the Suv and that Porsche Is Still it a Still and that Porsche Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it a Still it is a Still and that Porsche.
Mercedes-Benz First German Manufacturer with Such An SUV
Within the German automotive industry, However, Mercedes-Benz was the first in this then Strongly Emerging segment. In 1996, The Aavision was on the Mercedes Stand During the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This concept car contained important elements of what was then called an all activity vehicle (AAV). The Production Version with the name M-Class was also at the Naias in 1997 and a year later at European dealers. That was well before bmw and porsche appeared with their variants in 1999 and 2002 respectively. Mercedes-Benz was Thus the First of the German Premium Brands to Supply an SUV Based on the American Example, But Tailored to German Standards. With Regard to the Name M-Class and in Relation to BMW, it is striking that name was chosen at the time, because it goes without saying that a type designation such m 320 would not sit well with bmw and its supporters. For this reason, All Models Fall Under the Common Name M-Class, But The Individual Models Were Given the Designation ML, Followed by A Type Number Based on the Cylinder Capacity, AS Was Previously Common at Mercedes-Benz.
G-Class Originally A Military Vehicle
With the traditional g-class, The Swabians had Already Been supplying a dik or a 4×4 for almost two decades in the late 90s, which had gradually transformed from a military vehicle into a comfortable off-road vehicle. Yet even the 500 ge With A 5.0 V8 That came out in 1993 Based on the drastically Renewed W463 Could not sacrifice Sufficient resistance to the Increasingly Luxurious and Comfortable Competition.
Especialy in the US, there was a need for a replacement for the g-class, because segment was the new gold mine in the automotive industry. When the m-class with the internal code W163 was ready in 1997, it had to compete agininst Competitors Such as the Ford Expedition, The Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade. Each and every one of these were Were Swaying Boats with plastic interiors that had one originated as pick-up trucks and that was dragged through a development process by the hairs in order to generate as much return on investment as quicly as possible. The Associated Appalling Build Quality Voormed From the Fact That The American Manufacturers Produced Their Products in Such A Way That They Barely Made It Through The Financing Period, BeCause A New One was Bought After Or Four Years. As a result, Almost the Entire American Auto Industry Adhered to this Lax Mentality and Mercedes-Benz Suffered the Consequences.
Rattles, squeaks and creaks
With the expectation that the Lion’s Share of Future SUV Production would end up on the American Market, the Decision was made to have the assembly Take Place Within America (See Alabama Box). AS A Result of the Aforementioned Difference in Production Methods, Finishing and Quality Control, But also Due to Inexperienced Personnel, The M-Class Struggled with Various Quality Problems. The Criticism of this from Both Customers and the Media was Harsh and Mercedes Gradually Improved This, Especial with the Facelift in 2001.
Since the ml 350 that we picked up for this story at garage Hendriks in Rijkevoort, Brabant, is from 2005 and therefore after the facelift, there is no major shock when we look at the car up close. Admittedly, Some Switches and Materials Feel A Bit Plastic-Like, But in Combination with Leather, Alcantara and Dark Wood Veneer, The Whole Looks Consider has Better than in the American Counterparts. This ml 350 Looks Fresh, Especiate with a Mileage of Almost 230,000, and the Car also Drives without Significant Rattles, Squeaks and Creaks.
At Speeds of 80 km/h and higher, this ml Feels a bit bumpy, but that is a characteristic that almost all models in this segment and this age exhibit. It is also good to know that the first generation ml still has a ladder chassis, which is Certainly No Guarantee for Excellent Driving Behavior.
M-Class Could also Really Do Something Off-Road
An important aspect that set the m-class separate from the competition was Independent Suspension on Both the Front and Rear. This sacrifices in Terms of Road Holding and Body Control, But At The Same Time Ground Clearance to Be Able To Hand well Off The Beaten Track. The Transfer Case with Two Gears also Helped, but the use of three open differentials did not. Instead of Opting for Mechanical Locking Differentials, Mercedes-Benz Experimented With An Electronic Solution: Four-Wheel Electronic Traction System, OR 4-ETS for Short. This System Did its best (Literally) to Distribute The Torque Properly, But Individual Braking Interventions Created An enormous Amount of Frictional Heat. With intensive use, the 4-sets just overheated, which not only caused excessive wear, but could also lead to damage.
Less than 5 percent of GLE buyers go off-road
The GLE 400E 4MATIC is also expected to independently adjusting the technology to the conditions, but over the years it has become clear that less than five percent of buyers in this segment actually go off-road. AS A Result, 4×4 Capabilities are Becoming Less of a Priority. BMW HAS NEVER MADE A SECRET OF THE FACT THAT THE X5 is not even Suitable for Off-Road Driving. The Gle is Therefore More Focused on Comfort and Can Be Set At Different Heights As A Result of the Air Suspension. That is useful when you (consciously) end up off the asphalt, but also helps to lower the car in case the driver gets a sporty inspiration.
Duration Maneuvering for the photography, it is noticeable that the transition from the drive by the electric motor to the fuel engine is clearly visible. There is also a delay when switching from d to r and back again. You have to get used to that, because you don’t anticipate it and move the right pedal down at the moment that the transmission is still shifting, Sometimes a fierce reaction occurs that sends a shock through the car.
Furthermore, The Gle is Primarily A Comfortable and Spacious SUV, which is fully following in the footsteps of the M-class. An Important Point of Improvement Compared To The First Generation Are The Longer Rear Doar Doors And The Extra Legroom In The Back. The ML 350 Really Falls Short there and the GLE 400E shows a major advantage. A lot has happened in the Meantime, because after the facelift in 2001 – Modelpflege in Mercedes Terminology – The Second Generation (W164) Followed in 2004. That in Turn Received a facelift in 2008, to be replaced not only a a -generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation and this generation, this generationiftift, this generationiftift, this generationiftift, this generationiftift, this generationiftiftiftiftiftiftiftiftift, this generation, this generation, and Different name: GLE. There was also a second body variant in the Form of the Gle Coupé (C292). The Current Model ((W/C167) Came on the Market in 2019 and has already recurred a minor facelift in 2023.
True to the Original
All this time, the m-class and the later gle have remained true to the original concept, with which Mercedes-Benz has made an important mark on the suv segment. With an AMG version, Porsche and BMW were later served with a reply and even the dubious coupé trend was followed, but for those looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV with typical Mercedes characteristics that does not cut a muddy figure on a bad surface, Mercedes-Benz has been offering a model for decades that Feels at home in a wide variety of roles.
Alabama to Avoid Import Duties
When Mercedes-Benz decided to develop an SUV in the early 1990s, it was already clear that the us would be the most important sales market. To avoid import duties, production would have to take place within the us. The Choice Fell on the Southern State of Alabama, Where the First Mercedes-Benz Car Factory Outside Germany was Built in the Town of Vance in 1993 Under The Name Mercedes-Benz Us International (Mbusi). The larger city of tuscaloosa, which is about thirty kilometers away, is also or pointed out. The State of Alabama Offered a Political Climate that Welcomed Foreign Investments with Open Arms, The Aim: To Improve Employment In The Region. The Land was a donation and the tax Conditions Were Very Favorable.
Mercedes was not the only one and not the first to take this step. BMW had Already Started Building A Factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1992. Production of the Z3 Roadster started in 1994, followed by the X5 in 1999. For Mercedes-Benz, Alabama Meant the beginning of a New Management in Brand and A Long-term RelioSHIP in Brand and A Long-term RelioShip: Fersmrationship in Brand and A Long-term Relionship: For-Term RelionShip: Global and Versatile.
ML 55 AMG
With the arrival of the ml 55 AMG in 1999, Mercedes-Benz and AMG Ventured Into New Territory. After a Few Cautious Attempts by AMG With the G-Class, The ML 55 was the first sporty suv that could be ordered from the dealer. The Model Received A 5.4-liter V8 With 347 HP and was Able to Leave Many Sports Sedans and Even Sports Cars Behind. VISUALLY, The AMG Variant Stood Out Due to Wider Wheel Arches, Different Bumpers and 18-inch Wheels, But Hardly Any Concessions Were Made in Terms of Off-Road Capabilities. Inside, Recaro Sports Seats, Lots of Leather and Aluminum Details Helped to Create A Sporty Atmosphere. The ML 55 AMG Became Popular not only with Enthusiasts, But also with celebrities, and Certainly in the US The Model Became A Status Symbol and Marked the Beginning of A Trend. It was the forerunner or later Models Such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the BMW X5 M.