2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs

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 GLE400e 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

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 GLE400e’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.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The GLE400e model comes with a 23.3-kWh battery pack, but Mercedes-Benz hasn’t given an estimated driving range just yet. A range of around 40 miles per charge is a good bet, but we’ll update this story with more details when we get them.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Surprisingly, the six-cylinder GLE450 with all-wheel drive has the same fuel-economy estimate as the rear-drive, four-cylinder GLE350; both have EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined). The V-8-powered GLE580 burns gas at a faster rate and is expected to have estimates of 16 mpg city, 21 highway, and 18 combined. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, an all-wheel-drive GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg and a GLE450 4Matic delivered 23 mpg. The GLE450 goes head-to-head with the six-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive40i, but the Bimmer wins in our real-world test with its 28-mpg result. The EPA has not yet released fuel economy estimates for the GLE400e. For more information about the GLE-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Fine materials such as genuine leather, wood, and metal impart a sense of true luxury inside the GLE, but they also add a pretty penny to the bottom line. Not only can the front seats be heated, but the armrests and center-console lid can, too—quickly taking the chill out of a frigid morning. The spacious interior can be outfitted with an optional third row of seats (a tad snug for adults). The GLE’s dashboard boasts prominent displays, and the interior is filled with other tech-focused bells and whistles. With the optional third-row seats stowed, we fit 11 carry-on suitcases in the cargo area. With all seats folded flat, the GLE offers room for up to 26 carry-ons. The rival X5 matches the Mercedes in both metrics, but other competitors such as the more coupelike Audi Q8 held far fewer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays stretch nearly the length of the dashboard and offer several ways to interact with the system, including the MBUX voice recognition system. Like Apple’s Siri or Google’s virtual assistant, MBUX can respond to many commands, thus enabling the driver to keep their hands on the wheel but still turn up the heat, switch on the ventilated-seat function, or tune to a specific radio station. A touchpad on the center console allows for tactile interaction with the infotainment system, and the screen is also touch-sensitive. Still, the menus aren’t all logically structured. Navigating them is better done when the GLE is parked. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, which makes keeping up with calls, texts, and other communications while on the go a little easier.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A standard suite of driver-assistance features makes the GLE-class a good pick for families. For more information about the GLE-class’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Whereas BMW and Volvo include three years of maintenance in the price of any new X5 or XC90, Mercedes offers zero complimentary maintenance. As far as warranty policies go, the GLE’s standard offerings are among the most basic in the luxury car marketplace.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance