2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Not that it really needed it, but the GLE is updated this year, with arguably the most important development being the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant, the GLE 450e 4Matic.

It joins a comprehensive lineup of variants going from perfectly acceptable to preposterously accelerative. Depending on budget, the GLE seems capable of supplying more of everything.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of luxury midsize SUVs.

Let’s start with the most exciting development: the GLE 450e 4Matic. This is a plug-in hybrid model. These hybrids have the ability to travel a useful distance just on battery power alone. Just what that distance might be for the GLE 450e had still to be announced while compiling this review, but it needs to be about 25 miles or better.

This generation of GLE, which debuted for the 2020 model year, already had drivetrains with a mild-hybrid setup, but the changes for 2024 result in every model (except for the GLE 450e) receiving one. All-wheel drive also becomes standard across the range.

Improvements in the infotainment system bring a better experience when using voice commands, while the Dolby Atmos treatment takes the optional Burmester surround-sound system to greater listening heights.

Some interior choices have migrated from the super-plush Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and S-Class flagship sedan.

An Off-Road Engineering package for the GLE 580 adds an adaptive air suspension with extra ground clearance along with some underbody protection. The navigation system offers a Trailer Route Planner, and an optional Trailer Maneuvering Assist package makes towing life easier.

The AMG variants gain more standard equipment, while the GLE 53 has its torque boosted from 384 to 413 lb-ft. The non-AMG GLE 450 and 580 models also get a power hike.

Last and possibly least, the 2024 GLE has a few extremely minor styling revisions.

For an idea of what else is out there, the Audi Q7 starts at $59.5K, the BMW X5 at $65.2K, the Porsche Cayenne at $79.2K, and the Volvo XC90 at $56K. A little more affordable are the Acura MDX (from $49.8K), Lexus RX (from $49.9K), and the Genesis GV80 (from $57.4K). Should it turn out that the GLE is too big, the compact GLC begins at about $47.1K. GLE too small? Check out the GLS from $87K.

Before buying a new GLE luxury midsize SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values of the GLE are actually quite respectable.

Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted when they’re exactly right. With the GLE luxury midsize SUV, Mercedes-Benz has managed to reconcile opposing forces. It’s responsive yet stable, taut yet comfortable, poised as well as planted. That’s a difficult thing to pull off, yet it all seems so effortless in the GLE.

It gets even better with the optional hydro-pneumatic suspension (E-Active Body Control) that scans the road ahead and, in milliseconds, adjusts settings to suit. It also allows the GLE to take quick corners without succumbing to excessive body roll. And speaking of quick, the AMG versions are exceptional.

This year’s new kid, the 2024 GLE 450e 4Matic, has yet to be tested. But with a meaty 381 horsepower and ample thrust from an electric motor, it should be fun and frugal in equal measure.

Starting with the changes for 2024, the GLE’s cabin now offers touches that were once the preserve of the incredibly posh Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and S-Class large luxury sedan. These include chrome accents on the air vents, piano black trim, and ambient lighting in the same colors as those ultra-pricey stablemates. New color schemes are Catalana Beige/Black and Bahia Brown/Black.

The rest of the GLE’s cabin remains a welcoming yet tech-rich environment, full of quality materials and assembled with painstaking attention to detail. It’s comfortable and quiet. Except for when the optional third seating row is installed.

That’s when the lack of legroom will result in complaints from those sitting in it. This third row might be OK for the occasional trip when one of the kids’ friends is coming along, but for anything more regular, a step up to the GLS may be in order.

There are no such issues with the second row. And cargo space is also plentiful.

As well as being a midsize SUV, and we’re sure we’ve all seen enough of those to know what they look like, the GLE lineup also includes variants with sloping roofs, which Mercedes-Benz calls Coupes. It’s like the BMW X5/X6 arrangement. To acquire one of these, though, means going for an AMG version, since the regular models are SUV only.

We’ve already mentioned that the 2024 GLE has received subtle styling updates. They amount to details like chrome accents in the grille, a rearrangement of the LEDs in the headlights, and Mercedes-Benz says the interior of the taillights has been revised.

Twilight Blue Metallic and Alpine Grey are new color choices. There are some fresh wheel designs as well.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Phone integration becomes cable-free for 2024, which is pleasantly convenient.

Powered tailgate
This is standard and includes programmable height settings.

Hey Mercedes
The onboard digital assistant — activated by saying “Hey Mercedes” — becomes more adept at recognizing commands given in natural speech. It can also carry out a greater number of those commands, like operating the powered shades (if they’re fitted, obviously) or answering questions such as “Hey Mercedes, where’s the first aid kit?”

Active Parking Assist
This standard feature works with parallel and perpendicular spaces, steering the GLE into and out of them.

Burmester audio
This excellent 13-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system is now enhanced with Dolby Atmos to produce an even more immersive audio experience. It’s optional in the regular models, standard in the AMG variants.

Augmented Reality
Superimposing information like direction arrows or street numbers on the image from a forward-facing camera makes navigating much easier. This is now standard in the AMG models, optional elsewhere.

On paper, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine might seem underqualified to propel a luxury midsize SUV. But the one in the GLE 350 4Matic is turbocharged to produce 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is probably adequate for many people.

The 4Matic designation means all-wheel drive, by the way, which is standard in every new GLE — even the AMG models that don’t have 4Matic in their names.

Back to that 4-cylinder unit. For 2024, it receives a mild-hybrid arrangement with an integrated starter generator (ISG) that promises nice and smooth engine stop/start action while helping the engine reach its maximum output quickly and efficiently.

The new-for-2024 GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid also has a turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, but pairs it with a beefier electric motor and battery. Combined output is a punchy 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine (with cylinders all in a line, as opposed to the common V shape) and a mild-hybrid system provide the GLE 450 4Matic with 375 horsepower (up from last year’s 362) and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The GLE 580 4Matic has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8/mild-hybrid system developing 510 horsepower (up from 483) and 538 lb-ft of torque (up from 516).

Over in the AMG garage, where Mercedes-Benz vehicles are turned into high-performance/high-thrill machines, the GLE 53 SUV and Coupe deploy 429 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque (up from 384) generated by its turbocharged and mild-hybridized 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine.

A handcrafted, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 — as well as a mild-hybrid system — turns the GLE 63 S SUV and Coupe into machines with serious muscle: 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

Every new GLE has a 9-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, the transmissions and all-wheel-drive systems in the AMG models have been tuned for sportier responses. Premium gasoline is required across the board.

GLE 350
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2023): 20/24 mpg

GLE 450e
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine/electric motor
381 total horsepower
479 lb-ft total torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA

GLE 450
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine
375 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2023): 20/25 mpg

GLE 580
4.0-liter turbocharged V8
510 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2023): 16/21 mpg

AMG GLE 53
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine
429 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
413 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2023): 18/22 mpg (SUV), 71/21 mpg (Coupe)

AMG GLE 63 S
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
603 horsepower @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2023): 15/20 mpg (SUV), 15/19 mpg (Coupe)

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty from Mercedes-Benz is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This applies to the powertrains as well, and is typical among Mercedes’ closest competitors. We expect the new GLE 450e 4Matic’s hybrid battery to include the same 6-year/62,000-mile coverage applied to other hybrid batteries in the Mercedes lineup.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the GLE-Class to its Top Safety Pick+ list for 2024.