M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) vs Land Cruiser 100: which is better?
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) (1997–2005) vs Toyota Land Cruiser 100 (1998–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100Specifications
| Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) | Toyota Land Cruiser 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1997–2005 | 1998–2007 |
| Body | crossover SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.2 V6 (ML320) | 4.7 V8 |
| Power, up to | 218 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque, up to | 315 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 587 mm | 4 890 mm |
| Width | 1 833 mm | 1 940 mm |
| Height | 1 822 mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 2 820 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 220 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 96 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 66 275 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W163 (ML)
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100
Pros
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: very reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Large tank: 96 L
Cons
- Toyota 2UZ-FE engine (4.7 V8): timing belt and water pump wear
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: jolts when the valve body wears
Engine (Toyota 2UZ-FE (4.7 V8)): timing belt and water pump wear; seal leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60): very reliable; shocks when the valve body wears.
Which one to choose
- M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Land Cruiser 100 — if you care more about: power, torque, 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: M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) or Land Cruiser 100?
M-Class / GLE W163 (ML): up to 218 hp, Land Cruiser 100: up to 235 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: M-Class / GLE W163 (ML) — about 66 275 ₸, Land Cruiser 100 — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.