Best Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class - #1 Luxury Midsize SUV For 2023/2024

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class exemplifies the Three-Pointed Star’s legacy in the ever-competitive midsize SUV segment. This SUV flaunts a striking design, cutting-edge technology, and a diverse lineup of powertrains. 

While not a complete redesign, the 2024 GLE has received notable enhancements, including refreshed styling, an opulent interior, an upgraded infotainment system, and a new plug-in hybrid option. It's a larger and more upscale alternative to Mercedes-Benz's other SUV offerings, so you wouldn’t be wrong to see it as the E-Class of Mercedes SUVs. 

Crowned “Best Midsize Luxury SUV of 2023/24” by US News & World Report, this article explores the remarkable updates and features that make the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a formidable contender against rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. 

Related Reading: Mercedes-Benz To Unleash The Company’s Refreshed Midsize Vans Portfolio This Summer 

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: The Best Midsize Luxury SUV – US News & World Report

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE set a new standard in the luxury midsize SUV class by raising the bar in almost every aspect. Updated for the new model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLE demands a starting price of $62,650 and introduces an impressive GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid variant. 

The lineup offers a wide range of models, from the practical to the high-performance. The AMG variants offer more standard performance-oriented equipment, and the GLE 53 gets a torque boost from 384 to 413 lb-ft. Even the non-AMG GLE 450 and 580 models boast updated performance. 

Mercedes-Benz has gone to great lengths to ensure that the GLE lineup caters to a wide spectrum of preferences and budgets. The range of models spans from the highly practical to the ferociously fast, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a GLE that matches their lifestyle and performance needs. 

This generation of GLE features enhancements like standard all-wheel drive and an improved infotainment system with advanced voice commands. The optional Burmester surround-sound system now gets Dolby Atmos treatment for an even more immersive audio experience. 

Plus, it borrows luxurious touches from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and S-Class flagship sedan. The GLE 580 even offers an Off-Road Engineering package complete with an adaptive air suspension for added ground clearance and underbody protection. 

The navigation system includes a Trailer Route Planner, and an optional Trailer Maneuvering Assist package simplifies the task of towing. 

With the 2024 GLE, Mercedes-Benz elevated the SUV experience in multiple ways. Even with the minor styling revisions, you don’t have to look hard to see why the new GLE is the top choice in its category. 

US News says it chose the GLE-Class as the top SUV of the year, based on its 8.6 out of 10 score in the luxury midsize category, "which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Best Features

The 2024 GLE lineup offers two body styles: the standard midsize SUV and the sportier Coupe variants. Much like the BMW X5/X6 distinction, the Coupe versions give off a sleeker, more dynamic vibe. 

Notably, these Coupes are exclusively available in AMG versions, while the regular models remain SUVs. For the 2024 model year, the GLE has undergone subtle styling enhancements that only fans can tell. 

These include chrome accents in the grille, a reconfiguration of the LED headlights, and a revamped taillights interior. Additionally, there are new color options like Twilight Blue Metallic and Alpine Grey, as well as fresh wheel designs to add a touch of personalization and style. 

The Engine And Performance

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers a variety of powertrain options. Models wearing the GLE350 badge come equipped with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available with either rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic), and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Stepping up to the GLE450, you'll find a standard all-wheel drive and a robust 362-horsepower powertrain powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine. Notably, both the GLE350 and GLE450 incorporate 48-volt hybrid systems. 

For an even greener alternative, the GLE450e introduces a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 381 horsepower. 

It can travel on all-electric power for a certain distance before the gas engine kicks in like any good ‘ol hybrid would. We don’t know about the electric range yet, but you bet it’ll be as good as plug-in hybrid rivals like BMW's X5, which can keep going for approximately 30 miles on electric power. 

As Mercedes says, owners can charge their GLE 450e 4Matic not only at a 240-volt power source but also at public DC fast-charging stations. This sets it apart from most other plug-in vehicles and offers the convenience of faster charging while you're on the go. 

During an independent speed test, a 2024 GLE350 beat the official power estimate to reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the six-cylinder GLE450 achieved an impressive 5.3-second time. If that sounds sluggish, you can take solace in the Mercedes-AMG GLE53, which takes things up a notch. 

However, the most powerful and luxurious non-AMG model is the GLE580. It cradles a 48-volt system paired with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, generating an impressive 504 horsepower. 

No matter the GLE Variant you go for, Mercedes-Benz’s advanced air-suspension system is at your disposal. This system not only provides a comfortable ride but also leans into corners and can even wiggle the vehicle loose if it gets stuck in enemy territory like sand or mud. 

Have to take a pass on the air suspension? The standard setup features traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars, so you still get to enjoy a more conventional driving experience. 

Related Reading: 2024 BMW X1: The Best Subcompact Luxury SUV For 2023/2024 – A Comprehensive Comparison With The Closest Rivals 

The Off-Road Capable GLE-Class

The 2024 GLE580 Off-Road Engineering package, combined with the Airmatic air suspension, provides 1.2 inches of extra ground clearance, along with an underride guard for added protection. 

Inside, the 12.3-inch touchscreen display offers features like Off-Road Mode, displaying essential information such as a compass, steering angle, roll angle, and gradient. If equipped with the 360-degree camera system, you can access a "transparent hood" function, providing a view of what's directly in front of the SUV, even if it's outside your field of vision. 

While not exclusive to Mercedes, this feature promotes practicality when utilized effectively. For those other kinds of off-road adventures, such as towing a boat along a light dirt trail, the updated Trailer Maneuvering Assist comes to the rescue. 

This technology aids in steering adjustments at low speeds and helps guide the trailer around turns of up to 90 degrees, promising a valuable assist for those with towing needs. We look forward to putting this feature to the test. 

The Fuel Economy

In an unexpected twist, the GLE450, equipped with a six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, shares the same fuel-efficiency ratings as the rear-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder-powered GLE350. Both models boast EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 22 mpg. 

During an independent 75-mph fuel-economy test route, the all-wheel-drive GLE350 4Matic achieved an impressive 25 mpg, while the GLE450 4Matic delivered a commendable 23 mpg. 

Comparatively, the V8-powered GLE580 burns fuel more rapidly, resulting in an unsurprising efficiency estimate of 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 18 mpg. 

When pitted against competitors like the six-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive40i, the Bimmer outperformed the GLE in a real-world test, achieving an impressive 28-mpg. As for the GLE450e plug-in hybrid variant, the EPA is yet to release its fuel economy estimates. 

The Interior And Cargo Volume

The 2024 GLE's cabin receives luxurious upgrades for this model year. It now features elements once exclusive to the ultra-posh Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and S-Class sedan, such as chrome accents on the air vents, piano black trim, and ambient lighting in a variety of colors. 

Two new color schemes, Catalana Beige/Black and Bahia Brown/Black, enhance the interior's visual appeal. The GLE's cabin flaunts a perfect blend of comfort and advanced technology. 

The interior radiates true luxury with premium materials like genuine leather, wood, and metal. The massage function in the AMG GLE 53 raises the comfort levels, although we'd rather activate this feature via a single button rather than navigating through the infotainment system. 

The heated front seats, armrests, and center console lid keep passengers cozy, especially on cold mornings. However, note that installing the optional 3^rd-row seating cramps the legroom, making it better suited for occasional rather than regular adult passenger use. 

If you need spacious third-row seating for adults, we recommend the larger GLS-Class. In any case, the second-row seating is spacious and comfortable, and cargo space is abundant. With the optional third-row seats out of the way, the cargo area accommodates 11 carry-on suitcases, expanding to 26 with all seats folded flat. 

The 2024 GLE's interior rivals the X5's interior and cargo volume, with minimal road noise so passengers can enjoy the available high-quality Burmester audio system without distractions. The dashboard features large displays and a host of tech features. 

The Technology

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasts standout tech and convenience features, including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, powered tailgate (standard with programmable height settings), and Active Parking Assist feature. 

The Active Parking Assist is standard across all GLE-Class models, expertly maneuvering the GLE into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. 

There’s also the optional Burmester 13-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system that's now enhanced with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience. This premium sound system comes standard in the AMG variants. 

The onboard digital assistant, activated with a simple "Hey Mercedes," is more responsive and capable of handling various commands, from controlling powered shades to answering questions. 

The new GLE-Class also features an AR (augmented reality) function, which superimposes useful information like direction arrows and street numbers on the forward-facing camera image, making navigation more straightforward. The feature comes standard on the AMG variant but is optional on other GLE models. 

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Pricing

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup offers a variety of pricing options. The starting point is the GLE 350 4Matic at $62,650. This year, there's no rear-wheel-drive GLE in the lineup. Since it’s made stateside, the new GLE 450e 4Matic, priced at $69,500, may qualify for a federal tax credit, just like the rest of the GLE range. 

If you hear the V8 power calling out to you, the GLE 580 is available at $86,700. High-performance enthusiasts can explore the AMG range, starting at $86,750, while the range-topping AMG 63 S Coupe kicks off at $129,050. 

So, how does the GLE-Class’s pricing structure compare to the competition? The Audi Q7 starts at $59,500, the BMW X5 at $65,200, the Porsche Cayenne at $79,200, and the Volvo XC90 at $56,000. 

More budget-friendly options include the Acura MDX, beginning at $49,800, the Lexus RX at $49,900, and the Genesis GV80, with a starting price of $57,400. If the GLE seems too large, the compact GLC starts at around $47,100, and for those who need more space, the GLS is available starting from $87,000. 

Sources: US News & World Report, Kelley Blue Book