W163 → W164
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) (1997–2004) compared with its successor, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) (2005–2011).
Changes stated by the sources
- Chassis The body-on-frame construction of the W163 was replaced by a unibody shared with the GL-Class.[1]
- Dimensions The new model is 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first generation.[1]
- Design The drag coefficient was reduced to 0.34.[1]
- Powertrain The 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission was introduced.[1]
- Drivetrain In most markets except the US, an optional Off-Road Pro package offered centre and rear differential locks, a two-speed transfer case with low range and adjustable ground clearance.[1]
Size
Length 4,636 → 4,781 mm (+145 mm); Width 1,895 → 1,910 mm (+15 mm); Height 1,760 → 1,815 mm (+55 mm).
market not stated figures (neither source states the market): ML 55 AMG[1] against standard[1].
From the documented specifications
- Powertrain Powertrain types documented for the W164 but not the W163: hybrid.
Derived by comparing the sourced lists on the two generation pages; a type missing from a list may also mean it is not documented here yet.
Side by side
| Item | Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) First generation | Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) Second generation |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 1997–2004[1] | 2005–2011[1] |
| First shown | 1997[2] | January 2005[1] |
| Model years | 1998–2005 (NA)[1] | 2006–2011 (NA)[1] |
| Codes | W163[1] | W164[1] |
| Platform | Not documented here | W164/V251/W166 (shared with GL-Class X164 and R-Class)[1] |
| Body styles | 5-door SUV (body-on-frame)[1] | 5-door SUV (unibody)[1] |
| Seating | Not documented here | Not documented here |
| Drivetrain | AWD[1] | AWD[1] |
| Powertrain types documented | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid |
| Dimensions — market not stated (the sources do not state the market for any of these figures) | ||
| Version compared | ML 55 AMG[1] | standard[1] |
| Length | 4,636 mm | 4,781 mm (+145 mm) |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,910 mm (+15 mm) |
| Height | 1,760 mm | 1,815 mm (+55 mm) |
| Luggage capacity | Not documented here | Not documented here |
| Highest output documented | 255 kW (347 PS) ML 55 AMG, market not stated[1] | 380 kW (517 PS) ML 63 AMG 4MATIC, market not stated[1] |
Differences in brackets are against the column to the left. Dimensions are compared only for the same market and the standard body; luggage figures are shown with their market and measuring method because they are often not comparable.
Sources
- Mercedes-Benz GLE — Wikipedia Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
- Mercedes-Benz W 163 — Wikipedia (de) Reference work (read 9 October 2026)
Wikipedia sources link to the exact revision that was read. Specifications differ between markets, years and versions; each figure is shown with the market and version its source states.