2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe SUV

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is our favorite midsize luxury SUV. The GLE Coupe is the sporty and sleek variant that features a sloping roofline and is only offered with higher-performance AMG engines. The GLEs are bookended by the compact GLC and larger GLS in the Mercedes lineup. The standard GLE is also offered with the same AMG engines as the GLE Coupe, but it doesn't suffer the Coupe's reduced rear headroom and cargo space, a byproduct of that roofline. If you're attracted to the GLE Coupe's shape and are willing to sacrifice some utility, it's an excellent choice.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$239/mo  for GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53

　　GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53

　　AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $89,800 MSRPAMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $129,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Plenty of changes for 2024

Three years after the last redesign, the GLE Coupe receives a midcycle refresh for 2024 to maintain its competitive edge against rivals. Styling updates are slight and are mostly limited to the exterior lighting and bumpers. The big news this year is an update to the already praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system that now comes with augmented reality video overlays to better help you navigate unfamiliar roads. There are also more standard features, including premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a sport exhaust system and several other luxury conveniences. These updates should keep the GLE Coupe among the top models in its class. Check out our Expert Rating to find out more about its strengths.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe's most direct rival is its own sibling, the standard GLE. It holds an edge over the GLE Coupe with greater interior space and similar performance in comparable trims. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe offers many of the same traits, but it's more focused on ultimate performance. It's also quite a bit more expensive. The BMW X6 essentially started the "coupe-like" craze and continues to be a strong choice, alongside the Audi Q8.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once we test the GLE Coupe's updated MBUX infotainment system for 2024.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GLE-Class Coupe drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 113 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.

　　We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLE-Class Coupe? The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's interior is serene and quiet. The heated front seats, plus our test vehicle's ventilated and massaging versions, provide excellent all-day comfort. The rear seats don't slide or recline but are pleasant for adults, even on long road trips. Our test vehicle had the optional Acoustic Comfort package, which features extra insulation and specially coated glass, and we found it suppressed noise quite well. The four-zone climate control system is strong, and once set, you can forget it. The optional heated armrests are a must-have for colder climates.

　　Alas, the ride quality isn't so great. It's overly stiff, especially at lower speeds and on less than perfect roads. Things smooth out at higher speeds, but the trade-off at lower speeds makes the AMG GLE 53 feel less elegant.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below