The Mercedes-Benz GLE has solidified its position as a top-selling model for the German automaker in the American market. Through the first three quarters of 2023, this mid-size SUV outpaced all other Mercedes models, finding its way into over 43,000 homes – a testament to its broad appeal. But what exactly makes the GLE so popular, and does the updated 2024 model live up to the hype? We delve into a comprehensive Mercedes Gle Review to explore its luxurious features, powerful performance, and overall value in the competitive luxury SUV segment.
The GLE’s success formula is rooted in the classic Mercedes-Benz hallmarks: a potent yet refined powertrain, a sophisticated and technologically advanced interior, and a plethora of premium features, all wrapped in a spacious and commanding SUV package. While it’s positioned firmly in the luxury category with a starting price exceeding $62,000, it manages to remain attainable for a significant portion of the luxury car market. The current GLE generation, launched in 2020, has received timely updates for the 2024 model year to maintain its edge. We spent a week evaluating both the mid-range 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and the high-performance GLE 63 AMG to bring you an in-depth mercedes gle review, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right luxury SUV for your needs.
Refreshed for 2024: What’s New in the GLE?
The 2024 GLE-Class boasts subtle yet significant updates, including revised exterior and interior styling, engine enhancements for improved power and efficiency, and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid variant. However, the changes are evolutionary, maintaining the core identity of the popular SUV.
As before, buyers can choose between the traditional SUV body style, which we tested, and a sportier “coupe” variant with a sloping roofline, available on performance-oriented models. It’s important to note that the GLE SUV retains a sophisticated and subtly rounded rear design, distinguishing it from the more aggressively boxy Mercedes G-Class. Both GLE versions share a prominent upright front fascia, dominated by the iconic three-pointed star logo. The grille, featuring updated detailing for 2024, projects confidently between the assertive headlights. Different grille designs are also employed to visually differentiate between models focused on luxury versus outright performance.
Inside the GLE: A Sanctuary of Opulence and Technology
Stepping inside the GLE reveals an interior that masterfully blends traditional luxury with modern technology. A standout feature is the seamless integration of dual 12.3-inch screens – one serving as the central touchscreen infotainment display and the other as a configurable digital instrument cluster. This widescreen cockpit design, increasingly common even in mainstream vehicles, is elevated in the Mercedes-Benz GLE by being positioned above a rich strip of wood trim. For the 2024 update, Mercedes has also refined the trim surrounding the dashboard’s climate vents, adding to the sense of premium detail. Unique to the GLE and differentiating it from Mercedes sedans are the robust, leather-wrapped grab handles on the center console, subtly illuminated at night, adding both functionality and a touch of rugged elegance.
Our mercedes gle review found the interior to be genuinely beautiful – both aesthetically pleasing and meticulously crafted. It strikes a balance, feeling warmer and more inviting than some overtly minimalist modern luxury car interiors, yet avoids any hint of appearing dated. However, our primary critique lies in the complexity of operating some of the vehicle’s numerous functions. The design prioritizes visual appeal, sometimes at the expense of straightforward usability. While this is a common trade-off in luxury vehicles, we believe there’s room for improvement in simplifying core functions. Adjusting basic settings like the air conditioner fan speed shouldn’t feel like a multi-step process. Fortunately, the infotainment system offers seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing users to opt for their familiar smartphone interfaces instead of the built-in system.
Space and Practicality: Room to Stretch Out
While a seven-seat configuration is available for the GLE, including an optional third row in our test vehicle, it’s best considered primarily a five-seater luxury SUV. The third row is more suited for occasional use or smaller passengers. As a five-seater, however, the GLE excels in passenger space. Unlike some luxury brands that push buyers towards full-size models for generous rear legroom, the GLE offers ample stretch-out space for five adults, particularly when the adjustable second-row seats are slid fully rearward.
In terms of cargo capacity, the GLE SUV provides 33.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this is comparable to a compact SUV like the Honda CR-V, it surpasses many of its luxury competitors. The GLE Coupe variant offers slightly less cargo room at 27.5 and 63.2 cubic feet respectively. For hauling larger items, the GLE boasts a commendable towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, impressive for a mid-size luxury SUV.
Engine Options: Power for Every Preference
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers a diverse range of turbocharged engine options, from four-cylinder to V8, catering to various performance and efficiency needs. The base GLE 350 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It achieves a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds and delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined. Our GLE 450 test vehicle featured a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, boosted to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque for 2024. This engine significantly improves performance, reaching 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds while maintaining nearly identical fuel economy to the four-cylinder, with us observing 23 mpg during our week of testing.
Stepping up to the GLE 580 brings a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, dropping the 0-60 mph sprint to a brisk 4.3 seconds, but with a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg. The new GLE 450e plug-in hybrid combines a more powerful version of the four-cylinder engine with electric power, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and an expected electric driving range of 30-40 miles. For those seeking ultimate performance, the AMG models offer even more potent powertrains, which we explore further below.
AMG Performance: Unleashing the Beast
For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the GLE AMG variants represent the pinnacle of the lineup. The entry point to AMG performance is the GLE 53 AMG, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds for this model.
However, the ultimate expression of GLE performance is the GLE 63 S AMG, as tested in our mercedes gle review. This beast boasts a hand-built turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine cranking out a massive 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The result is blistering acceleration, launching to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note from its quad exhaust outlets. While undeniably thrilling, this raw power and sound might not appeal to everyone. We also noted that the engine’s stop/start system in the GLE 63 S AMG could be somewhat hesitant in restarting the engine smoothly. Fuel economy, as expected, is significantly lower in the AMG models, with our observed highway fuel economy around 23 mpg and city driving dipping to just 12 mpg. EPA estimates are 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort and Control
The GLE 63 AMG, despite its immense power, remains surprisingly composed in handling. Its sophisticated suspension effectively manages body roll without compromising ride comfort excessively. While it may not offer the razor-sharp handling of a Porsche Cayenne, it delivers a distinctly more dynamic driving experience compared to the standard GLE models.
The rest of the GLE lineup, exemplified by our GLE 450 test vehicle, prioritizes a smooth and refined driving experience. Handling is competent and secure, but the focus is clearly on comfort and quietness. While rivals like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 may offer slightly sharper handling dynamics, the GLE excels in providing a whisper-quiet and exceptionally comfortable ride. This emphasis on ride quality is a significant advantage, particularly in the luxury SUV segment where smooth cruising is highly valued. Standard adaptive suspension and selectable driving modes across the GLE range contribute to its balanced ride and handling characteristics.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Top-Tier Protection
The Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritizes safety, evidenced by its perfect five-star safety rating in all crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS specifically highlighted an optional cross-traffic detection system that enhances the GLE’s automatic emergency braking performance in pedestrian avoidance scenarios.
Standard safety and driver assistance features in the GLE include forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and a hands-free parking system. Available upgrades include the aforementioned cross-traffic detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping steering assist, and a reconfigurable surround-view parking camera system, further enhancing safety and convenience.
Pricing and Value: A Premium Proposition
The 2024 GLE-Class sees a price increase, starting at $62,650 for the GLE 350 and $69,500 for both the GLE 450 and the GLE 450e plug-in hybrid. The GLE 580 starts at $86,700, the GLE 53 AMG at $86,750, and the high-performance GLE 63 AMG commands a starting price of $127,700.
The GLE offers a generous list of standard features, including a power driver’s seat with memory, a sunroof, GPS navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and adaptive suspension. However, genuine leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance technologies are extra-cost options, features that are standard on some competitors, even at lower price points.
Competition: Navigating the Luxury SUV Landscape
The mercedes gle review must consider its rivals in the fiercely competitive luxury SUV market. Key competitors include the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, both German rivals known for their sporty driving dynamics. Other compelling alternatives include the Genesis GV80, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90.
The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 prioritize sportier handling, while the Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 emphasize family-friendliness, often at a lower price point than the GLE. However, we found the GLE’s interior to be more inviting, spacious, and luxurious than many of its competitors. For those not requiring a third row, the GLE offers a compelling alternative to larger, full-size SUVs. Furthermore, the GLE 450e plug-in hybrid powertrain surpasses the Lincoln Aviator in efficiency and potentially rivals the BMW and Volvo plug-in hybrid offerings, while Audi and Genesis lack plug-in hybrid options in this segment.
Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Luxury SUV
Ultimately, a luxury vehicle purchase often transcends pure specifications. Brand loyalty and emotional connection play significant roles. While our mercedes gle review has highlighted areas where the GLE excels and areas for potential improvement compared to competitors, the overarching impression is of a refined, comfortable, spacious, and beautifully crafted SUV.
Mercedes-Benz provides an impressive engine range for the GLE, catering to diverse needs and preferences, from fuel-efficient four-cylinders and plug-in hybrids to powerful and sonorous V8s. If the Mercedes-Benz GLE aligns with your luxury SUV aspirations, you are likely to find a version that perfectly suits your requirements. Just be prepared for a premium price tag that reflects its luxury positioning and extensive feature set.
