2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV

A facelifted and updated Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is now available in the USA and brings with it a brand-new plug-in hybrid GLE 450e that fills a niche that has been exploited by various rivals in Merc's absence, up until now. This new four-cylinder PHEV comes to the party with 381 horsepower and provides an interesting alternative to the identically priced mild-hybrid six-cylinder GLE 450, itself upgraded to 375 hp this year. On either side of these trims, the range is bookended by the base GLE 350 with 255 hp and the V8-powered GLE 580 with 510 hp, which is the top regular GLE just below the AMGs, which we review separately. We've always liked the GLE, but it has a tough time in this class. The Genesis GV80 offers better value, the Porsche Cayenne is sportier, and the freshly updated 2024 BMW X5 is now even better than before while offering a PHEV that outguns the new GLE 450e by 100 hp and costs about the same. The GLE seems to catch up with rivals just as they update their wares and put clear air between them and the Merc again, so is it worth a second look?

The 2024 GLE-Class facelift sees all trims getting new LED headlights with updated DRLs, a restyled grille and front bumper, reworked taillights, and new wheel designs as well. The cabin is updated with new color schemes and trim, a new steering wheel, and Merc's second-generation MBUX infotainment system with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Electrification is the focus now, so the base four-cylinder powertrain gets the 48V mild-hybrid system this year, improving performance and economy. It still has 255 hp, but torque is up from 273 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft. The six-cylinder and V8 powertrains of the GLE 450 and 580 have also been uprated to 375 hp and 510 hp, respectively (previously 362 hp and 483 hp). The 580 gets some new off-roading-focused tech, and all models get a surround-view camera with a 'transparent hood' feature.

Mercedes has quietly dropped the RWD GLE 350 from the lineup, so all GLEs are now AWD, and a proper plug-in hybrid called the GLE 450e also joins the range; it's equipped with the base car's turbocharged four-cylinder engine, combined with a 23.3-kWh battery and 134-hp electric motor added for a total output of 381 hp and an all-electric range of 48 miles.

The starting price of a new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV is around $5k higher than it was last year. The GLE 350 4Matic will cost you $62,650, followed by the GLE 450 4Matic and the new plug-in GLE 450e both at $69,500. The GLE 580 4Matic goes for $86,700. These prices are MSRP and exclude the $1,150 destination fee.

The six-cylinder mild-hybrid GLE 450 used to be our favorite trim, but the excellent new PHEV GLE 450e is now on equal - if not better - footing, depending on how you're going to use it. They cost the same, but the 450e has a bit more horsepower, although it's slower from 0-60 by 0.5 seconds. However, it offers you nearly 50 electric miles and can save you a ton on gas if you do a lot of city driving. Cargo space is hardly affected, so it's just as practical as a regular GLE. For lots of long-distance driving, the GLE 450 is still best, returning good economy, so your choice will very much depend on your usage pattern. Importantly, air suspension is a must on either model to give the car the ride/handling balance it deserves, and you'd have to add the Driver Assistance package to get the missing driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist.

The upscale cabin is still very much the same as before, with high-quality materials, a soft-touch dashboard, and big dual digital displays neatly integrated into the dashtop. The interior features tasteful accent trim with four metallic-finish air vents beneath the screen. There are a few harder plastics in places, but they're skillfully textured and don't jar the high-rent ambiance.

The comfortable front seats are power-adjustable and heated, the ample ground clearance and big doors make it easy to get inside, and all-round visibility is far better than in a coupe-style SUV, helped by the standard inclusion of a surround-view monitor on all trims this year. The MB-Tex leatherette upholstery is of high quality; only the GLE 580 gets genuine leather. The 2024 GLE sees a few subtle changes inside, most notably a new three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and an overhauled MBUX interface running second-generation software.

Interior space is near the top of the class, with ample legroom front and rear thanks to a 117.9-inch wheelbase, though headroom in the second row is adequate rather than generous. The rather flat rear seat makes it easy enough to fit an occasional fifth passenger, but they will be short on shoulder room, and the transmission tunnel eats into much of their foot room. For $2,100, you can add a 50/50-split third row of seats, but it's small and only really suitable for children, both in terms of the clambering required to get there and the space available. Note that the third-row option is not offered on the PHEV, as the under-floor space to fold the seat is taken up by the electric components.

Mercedes does not provide a figure for the trunk volume available behind the optional third row, but it's very limited, as is typical of mid-size SUVs with a third row, and you won't fit more than a few shopping bags back there. Since the third row will probably mostly be used for the school run, most people will keep it folded down, and in this configuration, there's an ample 33.3 cu-ft of trunk space behind the second row - or 74.9 cu-ft with the 40/20/40-split second row folded. Because of its slightly higher load floor, the GLE 450e PHEV offers a little less, with 31.5 cu-ft behind the second row, although Mercedes claims the same 74.9 cu-ft with the second row folded, which we find a bit strange.

The cabin is about average for storage options, but we don't love the front cupholders, which don't hold tall drinks containers securely. There are many places to put things, though, including an average-sized glove compartment, four spacious door pockets, and a lidded storage box in the center console. The center console also houses a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone. The second row gets cupholders in the fold-down center armrest.

The bottom three trims get MB-Tex leatherette upholstery, but it's of good quality and looks like the real thing. More interior colors are available this year, but the default is still black. No-cost options include Bahia Brown/Black, and Macchiato Beige/Black. You pay $1,620 for leather upholstery in any of the same three colors, in addition to Catalana Beige/Black. Nappa leather is included in the $3,400 AMG Line Interior package, which also includes a sports steering wheel and front seats, stainless-steel pedals, and other sports highlights; there are two color schemes, namely all Black and White/Black. The most expensive option is the $2,990 Exclusive Nappa leather, which also requires the Warmth & Comfort package, rear side airbags, heating for the front armrests, upper door panels, and second-row seats, and a top-stitched MB-Tex dashboard for a total outlay of more than $6,000. The GLE 580 gets real leather, but a combination of MB-Tex leatherette and faux suede is also available.

The only no-cost interior trim choice is brushed aluminum, and you pay $160 extra for three regular wood options, namely Brown Linden, Natural Grain Grey Oak, and Brown Walnut. Piano Black Flowing Lines lacquered wood costs $850. The steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather but can be had in a wood/leather combination for $600, while a leatherette top-stitched dashboard is a $350 option.

The same list of standard features can be found on all trims, with a few exceptions, such as the GLE 580's leather upholstery and 115V power outlet. All trims get keyless entry with push-button start, heated power front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilting/sliding sunroof, a power-adjustable tilting/telescoping steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather, a garage-door opener, and a wireless charging pad. Options include ventilated and massaging front seats and a panoramic roof.

The updated infotainment system now runs second-generation MBUX software, which means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally connect wirelessly this year. Other features of the system include dual 12.3-inch displays (a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen), voice control, "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation, navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, two front-cabin and two second-row USB ports, HD Radio, and SiriusXM. The base trims have an eight-speaker audio system, but a 13-speaker Burmester setup - standard on the GLE 580 - is available for $1,600. The MBUX system can be updated over the air and can be controlled via the touchscreen, the touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, or a centrally-mounted touchpad.

The base engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV's 350 trim is still the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, but it gains a 48V EQ Boost starter-generator that provides up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft in the low and middle rev range. The instant electric response makes it feel lively, smoothing out the automatic transmission's shifts and eliminating turbo lag. This system was already standard in all the other gas trims. Power output is unchanged at 255 hp, but torque increases from 273 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft. Performance feels noticeably more sprightly. It gets the car to 60 mph in seven seconds with its standard all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 4Matic still has its turbocharged inline six-cylinder, but it's been uprated from 362 to 375 hp, while torque remains the same at 369 lb-ft. It makes the 0-60 dash in 5.3 seconds.

The new GLE 450e uses the 350's four-cylinder engine, tuned for 248 hp and 295 lb-ft, but adds a synchronous electric motor worth 134 hp and 325 lb-ft to the drivetrain. Outputs don't peak at the same revs, so system totals are 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. It's more powerful than the 450 but also nearly 700 pounds heavier, so it gets to 60 mph in a slower 5.8 seconds. It's punchy and uses the torquey electric motor whenever it can, only calling on the gas engine when more power is needed. Three levels of regenerative braking are available, but the brakes feel rather artificial as they try to blend regenerative and friction braking.

With a 4.3-second sprint from 0-60, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV with the best performance is the V8-powered GLE 580 4Matic. Its outputs have increased from 483 hp/516 lb-ft to 510 hp/538 lb-ft this year. All the GLEs use the same nine-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is 130 mph for all trims except the GLE 580, which can reach 155 mph. Trailering is good, and on par with what the competition can tow. Every trim, including the hybrid, has a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

Last year, we complained about the standard steel base suspension's occasional crashy ride and its inability to satisfactorily damp vertical body motions. We went as far as to say it will be a deal-breaker for some. We haven't tried the 2024 GLE with the base suspension, but Mercedes doesn't list any changes, so we'd definitely recommend that you try it on a bad road before deciding. The optional air suspension is not available on the 350s at all, but all other trims have access to it. It transforms the ride and handling and is a must-have in our books, giving the GLE the on-road and off-road polish it deserves.

Gas mileage wasn't a GLE 350 strong suit last year, but with the new 48V mild-hybrid system, the base model of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV finally has mpg figures worth writing home about. The GLE 350 4Matic returns EPA estimates of 20/27/23 mpg for the city/highway/combined cycles - an improvement of 2 mpg on the combined cycle. Interestingly, these figures are still worse than those of the class-leading X5, which manages to return 23/27/25 mpg, even with its 375-hp six-cylinder engine and AWD. The figures for the GLE 450 and GLE 580 are 19/26/22 mpg and 15/20/17 mpg, respectively. With a 22.5-gallon fuel tank capacity, 350 4matic models can now manage 518 miles on a tank, with this reducing to 495 miles for the 450 4Matic and 382 miles for the 580 5Matic.

At the time of writing, Mercedes had not yet provided MPGe figures for the GLE 450e, but on our recent test drive of the plug-in hybrid, the automaker claimed 48 miles of range - much higher than the BMW X5 PHEV's 39 miles. It comes with an 11-kW AC and 60-kW DC onboard charger, the latter capable of replenishing the 23.3-kWh battery from 10-80% in 20 minutes.

The NHTSA hasn't conducted a safety review of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class for 2024, but last year's model already achieved five stars overall, and the new models should build on this foundation. The IIHS hasn't tested the latest model at the time of writing, but the 2022 GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ award and the 2023 model achieved top scores. The 2024 model should emulate these results.

Nine airbags are fitted, in addition to ABS brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and a backup camera. Besides these, you also get automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision alert, automatic brake initiation, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes eCall, Mercedes Pre-Safe, and, from this year, a surround-view monitor on all trims. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are all part of the optional $1,950 Driver Assistance package, which also adds traffic-sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and speed-limit assist, among others.

JD Power's 2024 Quality & Reliability rating for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV is not yet available, but it rated the 2023 GLE at 80 out of 100. The 2024 GLE hasn't been recalled at the time of writing, but the 2023 model was recalled for rear-door window trim bars that may detach while driving and for a loss of drive power due to a fuel pump shutting down. These recalls apply to the 2022 GLE range as well, in addition to recalls for an unsecured ground connection that may cause a short, a disabled emergency-call system, and a loose locking screw that may lead to a loss of steering control.

The limited warranty of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV is valid for four years/50,000 miles - the same limits that apply to the powertrain warranty.

The GLE carries the classic styling cues that we've become familiar with over the years, such as its distinctive C-pillar treatment and well-balanced proportions. It's always been a cohesive design, and it looks quite a bit sharper this year with its restyled LED headlights, reprofiled front bumper, bigger air intakes containing a horizontal trim strip, and bold new grille. At the rear, the lighting elements in the taillights have been subtly updated, too.

A power sunroof is standard on all trims, but you can have a power panoramic glass roof for $1,000. The bottom three trims all get 19-inch alloys, but various 20- and 21-inch designs are optional. Larger 22-inch alloys can be had if you order the air suspension on 450 trims. The GLE 580 comes with 20-inch alloy wheels and the AMG Line Exterior package, which adds package-specific aprons and AMG body styling. This package is optional on the other trims for $3,150. The $400 Night package comes with black-accented 20-inch wheels and blacks out the exterior trim.

The GLE has managed to retain its identity over the years and is an accomplished product with elegant styling inside and out, a top-quality build, and an expansive resume of talents. But it's fallen behind in recent years, and its fuel economy has now merely been brought up to the class average with the latest mild-hybrid tech. Its PHEV trim is late to the party, and although the new X5 PHEV up the stakes and offers much more power, it doesn't have the same claimed electric range. The GLE 450e might be a stellar GLE, but the BMW xDrive50e costs about the same and is a far better package. The same applies in terms of general performance and ride/handling, where the GLE is competent, but hardly leading the pack. There's nothing wrong with it, and this year's big improvements are tangible, but it's still just a step behind the class best.