What's in a name? If you're BMW, quite a bit. But what does BMW have to do with the Mercedes-Benz ML range?
BMW owns the rights to the M-designation, followed by three numbers (M235i for example) and was not pleased when Mercedes-Benz launched their new SUV, the M-Class. Their naming convention would see the likes of the M 320 being sold but it was then decided to us ML instead.
The M-Class ran as a model for several years and three generations until being renamed the GLE to bring the model in line with their new global naming conventions.
Related: International press launch: The new and re-conceived Mercedes-Benz GLE
First-generation W163 - 1998 to 2005
The first generation of the ML was made available internationally with no fewer than 8 different engine options. Locally, six of these models were popular. There was a 5-speed manual and an automatic 5-speed 5G-Tronic available.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption (claimed) |
| ML 230 | 2.3l i4 petrol | 110 kW | 220 Nm | 12.7 l/100km |
| ML 320 | 3.2l V6 petrol | 160 kW | 310 Nm | 13.8 l/100km |
| ML 350 | 3.7l V6 petrol | 173 kW | 346 Nm | 12.7 l/100km |
| ML 430 | 4.3l V8 petrol | 200 kW | 400 Nm | 13.9 l/100km |
| ML 500 | 5.0l V8 petrol | 215 kW | 440 Nm | 14.6 l/100km |
| ML 55 AMG | 5.4l V8 petrol | 255 kW | 510 Nm | 14.8 l/100km |
| ML 270 CDI | 2.7l i5 diesel | 120 kW | 370 Nm | 9.4 l/100km |
| ML 400 CDI | 4.0l V8 diesel | 184 kW | 560 Nm | 10.9 l/100km |
Second-generation W164 - 2006 to 2011
The second-generation ML-Class was introduced in 2006 and this model was produced exclusively in the U.S.A. All models were fitted with a 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox and the manual option was removed.
The petrol model were thinned out and focused placed on the diesel models.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption (Claimed) |
| ML 350 | 3.5l V6 petrol | 200 kW | 350 Nm | 11.5 l/100km |
| ML 500 | 5.0l V8 petrol | 225/285 kW | 460/530 Nm | 13.4/13.1 l/100km |
| ML 63 AMG | 6.2l V8 petrol | 375 kW | 630 Nm | 16.5 l/100km |
| ML 280 CDI | 3.0l V6 diesel | 140 kW | 440 Nm | 9.4 l/100km |
| ML 300 CDI | 3.0l V6 diesel | 150 kW | 500 Nm | 8.4 l/100km |
| ML 350 BlueTEC | 3.0l V6 diesel | 155 kW | 540 Nm | 8.7 l/100km |
| ML 350 CDI | 3.0l V6 diesel | 170 kW | 540 Nm | 8.9 l/100km |
| ML 420 CDI | 4.0l V8 diesel | 225 kW | 700 Nm | 11.1 l/100km |
| ML 450 CDI | 4.0l V8 diesel | 225 kW | 700 Nm | 10.6 l/100km |
Third-generation W166 - 2011 to 2019
The third-generation ML-Class was now produced in several countries across the world, ranging from the U.S.A. to India and Indonesia. The styling was based on the E-Class sedan and as a result, was later renamed the GLE when it received its 2015 facelift.
And updated 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox was also employed along with a raft of new driver assistance systems and technologies.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption (claimed) |
| ML 350 | 3.5l V6 petrol | 225 kW | 370 Nm | 8.5 l/100km |
| ML 500 | 4.7l V8 petrol | 300 kW | 600 Nm | 11 l/100km |
| ML 63 AMG | 5.5l V8 petrol | 386 kW | 700 Nm | 11.8 l/100km |
| ML 250 | 2.2l i4 diesel | 150 kW | 500 Nm | 6.1 l/100km |
| ML 350 | 3.0l V6 diesel | 190 kW | 620 Nm | 6.8 l/100km |
