2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review

byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　, rating written byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the brand's midsize luxury SUV. It's long been a popular choice for people wanting more interior space than what the smaller GLC offers. It's primarily a five-seat SUV, though there is an option for a small third-row seat that can be used in a pinch. For 2024, the GLE gets a significant update. Highlights include revised styling, a more luxurious interior, an upgraded infotainment system and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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

　　$204/mo  for GLE-Class GLE 350 4MATIC

　　GLE-Class GLE 350 4MATIC

　　GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $62,650 MSRPGLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $69,500 MSRPGLE 450e 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) - $69,500 MSRPGLE 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $86,700 MSRPAMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $86,750 MSRPAMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $127,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The 450e plug-in hybrid

The 2024 GLE 450e is the most exciting addition for this year. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with plug-in hybrid componentry to increase both power and fuel efficiency compared to the base GLE 350. Though the 450e's official electric range figure was unavailable at the time of our review, our test vehicle covered an impressive 59 miles solely on battery power. After that, the 450e's gas engine kicks on and you can drive it as usual. As with all plug-in hybrids, frequent charging will make the most of the GLE 450e's capabilities. Notably, the 450e can be charged at DC fast-charging stations. Most plug-ins are limited to Level 2 charging.

　　

Competitors to consider

The GLE competes with its fellow Germans, the Audi Q8, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, and other rivals such as the Genesis GV80 and Lexus RX. All are worthwhile picks for a luxury SUV, though the GLE stands out as zzdcar' top-rated model in this class. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to get the full report.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　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

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GLE-Class drive? We tested the GLE 450e, which has the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Overall, we're impressed by how easy it is to drive. With a charged battery, the SUV stays in electric mode unless you need all of its power at once, and when the engine kicks in it does so gracefully. At the zzdcar test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds.

　　The steering feel is ultra-light. That's great for twirling around parking lots but not so great for giving you a feel for the road. Our GLE 450e also felt less stable and planted around turns compared to other versions of the GLE we've tested; the vehicle's extra mass from its plug-in hybrid components is likely to blame. But overall the GLE is a winner for city commutes and highway driving alike.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLE-Class? Interior comfort is a top reason to buy a Mercedes GLE. Our test vehicle came loaded with features such as rapid seat heating, seat ventilation and massage. Those add-ons, alongside the excellent climate control system, provide a truly relaxing experience. The optional brown leather and natural wood trim look nice but we actually prefer the feel of Mercedes' synthetic leather MB-Tex.

　　We also recommend skipping the adaptive air suspension. We've tested it on GLE models in the past and found it too floaty for everyday use. This GLE's standard suspension works just fine for riding comfortably while keeping the SUV in control.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below