Explorer V vs M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE): which is better?
Ford Explorer V (2010–2019) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE) (2011–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Explorer V
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE)Specifications
| Ford Explorer V | Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2019 | 2011–2019 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 | 3.5 V6 (ML350 / GLE400) |
| Power, up to | 249 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 346 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 006 mm | 4 804 mm |
| Width | 2 004 mm | 1 926 mm |
| Height | 1 803 mm | 1 796 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 860 mm | 2 915 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 93 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Explorer V
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Ford 6F35/6F50/4F27E gearbox: valve body and solenoid wear
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Gearbox (Ford 6F35/6F50/4F27E): valve body and solenoid wear; shift shocks.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 93 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Explorer V — if you care more about: torque.
- M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE) — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Explorer V or M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE)?
Explorer V: up to 249 hp, M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Explorer V — about 68 375 ₸, M-Class / GLE W166 (ML / GLE) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.