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Thanks: BigTimeAuto 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. 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 The price of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class starts at $ and goes up to $ depending on the trim and options. GLE350: $63,800 GLE450: $70,650 GLE450e: $70,650 GLE580: $87,850 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 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 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 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. 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 GLE450e. 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. Read More
