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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Starting at $63.800
Highs Spacious first and second-row seats, high-tech features abound, offers some legit off-road capability.
Lows Stiff ride on larger wheels, snug passenger space in the optional third row, unlocking the best features requires a big investment.
Verdict The GLE-class's premium cabin and plentiful tech features bolster its luxury status, but it doesn't stand out among similarly desirable rivals.
Overview
If you're a die-hard Mercedes-Benz customer, the 2024 GLE-class SUV has the panache and features you're familiar with, but rival SUVs in the mid-size segment are closely matched. The Benz is handsome and tech-forward with a quartet of available powertrains that run the gamut from a simple turbo inline-four to a twin-turbo V-8. A monolithic dashboard display provides almost as much digital real estate as Times Square, which is either impressive or annoying depending on your tastes. In contrast to rivals like the Genesis GV80 and the Volvo XC90, the Mercedes offers more off-road capability when equipped with an optional air suspension that can provide more ground clearance or even shimmy the GLE to-and-fro to help extract itself from sand or mud.
What's New for 2024?
A facelift and new plug-in hybrid powertrain are the headlines for the 2024 GLE-class SUV. The GLE450e model joins the lineup with a turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motor combo that should provide enough electric driving range to avoid using gasoline on short trips around town. The GLE-class's exterior styling is lightly altered for 2024, including a revised front bumper design, an updated grille, new lighting elements, and restyled wheels. A new steering wheel has been added with touch-sensitive controls on the spokes. Updated chrome trim around the air vents and new two-tone upholstery options have been added to the options sheet. The GLE-class also features the second generation of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface, which now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
GLE350: $63,800
GLE450: $70,650
GLE450e: $70,650
GLE580: $87,850
After driving two of the four available powertrains, we'd suggest sticking with the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Even though it's the least powerful option, it moves the GLE with enough authority to satisfy most drivers, and it returned the best fuel economy in our testing. With the money saved by selecting the base model, we'd splurge on the Premium package (Burmester audio system, 360-degree camera, and 115-volt household-style power outlet) as well as the Warmth and Comfort package (heated front armrests and upper door panels). We'd also add heated seats in the second row and four-zone climate control, both of which are standalone options.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Models wearing the GLE350 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the GLE450 brings standard all-wheel drive and a 362-hp powertrain that consists of a turbocharged inline-six. Both the GLE350 and GLE450 utilize 48-volt hybrid systems. The GLE450e's plug-in hybrid powertrain comprises a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that combine for a total of 381 horsepower. The GLE350 we tested took 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, and the six-cylinder GLE450 managed a 5.3-second time. While the souped-up Mercedes-AMG GLE53 (reviewed separately) brings even more heat, the Benz-branded GLE580 represents the most powerful and expensive non-AMG model. Here, a 48-volt system combines with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to make up to 504 horsepower. Every GLE can be outfitted with an advanced air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.
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