GL / GLS X167 (GLS) vs M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE): which is better?
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X167 (GLS) (2019–present) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Specifications
| Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X167 (GLS) | Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2018–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 Turbo (GLS450) | 3.0 Turbo (GLE450) |
| Power, up to | 367 hp | 367 hp |
| Torque, up to | 500 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 207 mm | 4 924 mm |
| Width | 1 956 mm | 1 947 mm |
| Height | 1 823 mm | 1 772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 135 mm | 2 995 mm |
| Fuel tank | 90 L | 85 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X167 (GLS)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 367 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
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 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 367 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
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 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Which one to choose
- GL / GLS X167 (GLS) — 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: GL / GLS X167 (GLS) or M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE)?
GL / GLS X167 (GLS): up to 367 hp, M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE): up to 367 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: GL / GLS X167 (GLS) — about 42 425 ₸, M-Class / GLE V167 (GLE) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.