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Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163

1997 – 2005 — GERMANY

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, is a mid-size luxury SUV by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz since 1997. Positioned between the GLC and GLS, it shares platforms with the latter. The first-generation M-Class, W163, was a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. In a brief period from 1999 to 2002, the W163 M-Class was also manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market before all production was consolidated in the U.S. The second generation, W164, transitioned to a unibody platform and shared many components with the GL-Class, offering a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. Key Points: 1. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV introduced in 1997. 2. It was formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and shares platforms with the GLS. 3. The first-generation M-Class (W163) was discontinued in 2004. 4. Production of the W163 M-Class briefly occurred in Austria before shifting entirely to the U.S. 5. The second generation M-Class (W164) moved to a unibody platform, sharing components with the GL-Class to cater to third-row seating needs. In summary, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, evolving from the M-Class, offers a luxurious and versatile mid-size SUV option with advanced features and platform sharing with its larger and smaller