A Complete Guide To The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is fresh off the Alabama factory line with a mid-generation refresh, all the while still maintaining its ML roots with some new off-road capabilities. Last year, Mercedes celebrated the model’s 25th year in production with the original W163 featuring permanent all-wheel drive and, for the first time ever, electronic stability control. Like most body-on-frame, mid-size luxury SUVs at the time, it struggled to find its identity. Then, with the second generation, it found more of a posh customer with an unibody chassis and a more understood luxury car interior.

2015 saw the drop of the “ML” badge, and it was replaced with “GLE.” This helped segment it between the new GLC and ongoing GLS models, further cementing it as the ultimate mid-size luxury SUV of the three-star brand. Now, we’re in the badge’s fourth generation, labeled: W167. At this point, the GLE, next to the S-Class and the E-Class, is the brand’s most recognizable and iconic model. If you’re looking to purchase one, then look no further because we’re going to go over all the specifications and features you need to understand when looking towards a GLE. We’ll touch on safety, pricing, fuel economy etc. and help educate you on everything you need to know.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024?

The 2024 GLE Class receives a slight mid-generation update that is equal parts form and functional. Inside, the GLE receives a new steering wheel with haptic touch style buttons comparable to other higher end models. It will also come with chrome finished air vents you’d find in Maybach GLS’. The exterior got a slight face lift with new daytime running lights and a slightly refreshed bumper. Mechanically speaking, new off-road and tow modes are available, giving it 1.2 inches more ground clearance. Finally, a new PHEV has been added to the lineup with close to 60 miles of range.

202X Highlights

• MBUX now features over the air updates.
• Updated exterior with new lighting signatures.
• Updated interior with a new steering wheel.
• New off-road and tow modes.
• New plug-in-hybrid model.
• New “trailer maneuvering assist” feature.

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

What’s great about the GLE class is that it comes with a myriad of powertrain options, all offering vastly different outputs. Specifically, you have four to choose from: a turbo I4, turbo I6, (new for ’24) turbo I4 PHEV and a Biturbo V-8. Speaking of the new PHEV, it comes with a 23.3 kWh battery pack employing almost 60 miles in range with a 134-horsepower electric motor. The PHEV Mercedes isn’t new though. They first introduced them back in 2019 in the EU.

All models come standard with Mercedes’ patented 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission, even the PHEV. The intelligent 4Matic all-wheel drive is only biased towards an axle depending on road conditions and how you’re driving your vehicle.

The upper model GLEs comes with an “AIRMATIC” air suspension that self levels and changes based on how you’re driving. The suspension itself includes an independent double wishbone up front and a rear multi-link suspension in the back. The base GLEs come with a dampener system but no air suspension. All models do, however, come with all-season tires.

Performance Specifications

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

The GLE has a maximum towing capacity of an impressive 7,700 pounds. New for 2024 is the “Trailer Maneuvering Assist.” This is an autonomous-based program that helps you, with the trailer attached, back the trailer up to your desired position. It uses a 360-degree camera-based system to autonomously steer the vehicle based off controls on the infotainment system. The screen also shows you how far the vehicle is turning and will alert you if you need to regain control.

Off-Road Capability

By now, we’ve all seen the video of the GLE stuck in the sand, bouncing itself to get out. This is a feature that’s been available in the 4Matic GLEs since this generation came to storefronts. While it doesn’t have a front or rear differential locker, it does have a center one that turns the all-wheel drive feature into full-time all-wheel drive.

New for 2024 is the Off-Road engineering package, further bolstering its 4×4 capabilities with an under-ride guard and an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance that’s only available on the GLE 580. This also includes technical interior features such as pitch and roll indicators on the informational screens, plus a new “transparent hood” feature which basically gives you a view of your vehicle’s undercarriage, so you don’t damage your GLE.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• Rapid heating front seats.
• Heated front arm rests on the door panel.
• Nappa leather upholstery.
• “Air balance” HVAC fragrance system.
• Front row massage chairs.
• Heated and cooled front cup-holders.

There isn’t a list big enough to disclose just how many features you can spec out in your Mercedes-Benz GLE. Typically, in a high-end Mercedes, the back is where you’d want to be, but not in the GLE. Up front, you are fully pampered with rapid heating front seats with ventilation, heated and cooled cup-holders, massage chairs and even heated arm rests on the door panels.

If the exterior’s air quality is too high, don’t worry, the GLE’s got you covered too. Not only does it come with a fragrance dispenser, but this system also includes an air purifier as well to get you to the lowest APM possible in your GLE’s cabin. It comes with a 4-zone automatic climate control system and the second row seats are power adjustable.

Let’s talk upholstery and trim. You get two different styles of steering wheels, either the standard “V” shaped dramatic one with touch sensitive buttons or the “AMG” steering wheel included in the “AMG Line” package that has dual stacked horizontal controls with a chrome accented 6 o’clock trim-piece down the center. Black, brown, beige etc. leather is included, but to achieve the Nappa leather appointments you do need the AMG Line package. Finally, there are plenty of trimmings to choose from. Five in total.

Technology

The GLE comes standard with two 12.3 inch displays that are housed in one single, seamless, informational panel. Mercedes boasts that their MBUX is the best yet, with naturalistic conversations you can have with the “Hey Mercedes” functionality and gesture controls helped by special cameras and lasers in the headliner. Over-the air updates will also be available in ’24 models, ensuring you are always up-to-date with your system.

Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are now featured as well, so it will automatically connect when you turn your GLE on. The Burmester sound system is included in the Premium Package and is a treat for your ears. You are able to focus the sound toward the front or the rear cabin and choose between spatial and 3D audio. To control your infotainment system, you can either use the trackpad down in the center console, or use the touchscreen capabilities.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

In terms of reliability, JD Power scored the GLE at 81. Cost of ownership/maintenance in the first ten years, according to CarEdge, will set you back around $14,738, which is pretty costly for a mid-size luxury SUV. Although IIHS hasn’t come out with an overall crash test rating, it did win top safety pick for the 2023 and 2024 model years. That, coupled with the plentiful airbags and autonomous crash avoidance capabilities, you should rest assured when driving your GLE.

Driver Assistance Features

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has level 3 autonomy at this point. Meaning it will basically help you drive on the highway, but you’ll still have to monitor and intervene at certain points. It can, however, help you change lanes with the flick of the turn signal. The evasive steering assist is extremely handy as the vehicle will detect an imminent impact and will steer and accelerate the vehicle out of harms way without you even thinking. The same goes for the active blind spot monitoring that will steer you out of a side impact if you’re not paying attention to the lane next to you.

• Active lane keep assist.
• Active blind spot assist.
• Active stop-and-go assist.
• Evasive steering assist.
• Speed limit assist.
• Route-based speed adaption.

IIHS Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Warranties

Mercedes-Benz’s warranties are pretty good, especially for a luxury car. 48 months or 50,000 miles for most of the warranties (whichever number comes first, of course). This covers full warranty, roadside assistance and powertrains. Like a lot of American companies, maintenance is dependent upon you and what you want to choose for a pre-paid plan. Surprisingly, some Mercedes can be had with lower maintenance costs. Plans are offered between 2–4 years.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Versus Its Competitors

In a world of un-ending mid-size SUVs, Mercedes, Audi and BMW try and set themselves apart not only in the luxury category but also in general. With impressive materials and even more impressive engines, it is only fair that we compare the incomparable GLE Class to other “incomparable” German luxury automakers.

How The Audi Q8 Compares To The Mercedes-Benz GLE

• 	2024 Audi Q8	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class
  Make	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
  Model	Q8	GLE Class
  Engine/Motor	3.0L Turbo V6, 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	Turbo 2.0-Liter I4 / Turbo 3.0-Liter I6 / Turbo 2.0-Liter I4 PHEV / Biturbo 4.0-Liter V8
  Horsepower	335-500 HP	255 to 510 HP
  Torque	369-568 LB-FT	295 to 539 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$74,895	From $62,250
  0-60 MPH	5.6 seconds	7.0 Seconds to 4.3 Seconds
  Max towing capacity	7,700 Pounds	7,700 Pounds

The Q8 is incredibly expensive to start with. Now, of course, that’s not to say the Mercedes can’t get up there in price, but you can get a base GLE for $10k less than the Audi. While the Mercedes comes with four different powertrains to choose from, the Q8 is only available with one turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. That powertrain, however, rockets the Q8 off to 60 in 5.3 seconds, which is fairly impressive. Equally impressive is the towing capacity the two vehicles share of 7,700 pounds.

The biggest difference between the two vehicles is in the cabin. Both have an enormous amount of tech, but the Audi looks like it’s out of a sci-fi movie with the amount of screens and haptic feedback controls. The Mercedes is just a tad more luxurious with its trims, upholstery and overall offerings in this category. The Mercedes is also that much more off-road capable with a bevy of off-road features and undercarriage protection.

How The Mercedes-Benz GLE Compares To The BMW X5

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class	2024 BMW X5
  Model	GLE Class	X5
  Engine/Motor	Turbo 2.0-Liter I4 / Turbo 3.0-Liter I6 / Turbo 2.0-Liter I4 PHEV / Biturbo 4.0-Liter V8	3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder / 3.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid six-cylinder / 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
  Horsepower	255 to 510 HP	375 – 523 HP
  Torque	295 to 539 LB-FT	398 – 553 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	AWD	Longitudinal front-engine, RWD / AWD
  Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	8-speed automatic
  MSRP	From $62,250	$66,195 (base)

The BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE are probably the most equally matched in this segment. Once again, however, the X5 does come out to be a bit pricier for the base model as compared to the GLE. The Mercedes provides a tiny bit more capability with a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds as opposed to the Beamer’s 7,200. No 4-cylinders to be had in the X5 as you’re treated to either a turbo 6-cylinder or a twin-turbo V-8. The Mercedes just has more range in the powertrain category.

The two mid-size SUVs are pretty much equal when it comes to cargo space and capacity of around 33 cu.ft. with the seats up and into the mid 70s with the second row folded. Now there are a couple of things the Mercedes does have on the BMW, not only in form and function. The Mercedes can actually go off the road where the X5 used to tread that territory, now you probably wouldn’t catch one off the beaten path. The Mercedes also comes with an optional third row, but good luck getting back there.

How Much Does A 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Cost?

The GLE comes in four different trim levels. The price really only jumps up exponentially when you select the biturbo V-8. It is a Mercedes after all. The PHEV and regular turbo 6-cylinder are around the same price while the PHEV offers a bit more power. Every model can be had with the AMG-Line Exterior package, the Night Package, Chrome door handle inserts etc. You can truly customize your GLE to a tea depending on how you want your version specked out.

Fuel Economy

Obviously, the 4-cylinder is going to offer you the best in terms of fuel economy. However, you shouldn’t count the 6-cylinder out because you only spend $100 more a year and get a much more powerful engine. The plug-in-hybrid gets a combined 24 MPG coupled with 58 MPGe and is probably going to be the most fuel efficient out of all them.

GAS/HYBRIDS

EVs

Is It Worth Buying The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class?

Next to the E-Class, the GLE is one of the most capable and versatile Mercedes’ on the market. I believe it blends everything that’s great about Mercedes into one, mildly affordable package. You can specify it to be the most luxurious thing on the planet, or you can get it bare bones with a nice inline 6-cylinder engine, and it’s still going to be nicer than most other offerings in the segment. It’s great to see that Mercedes are once again going back to their off-roading roots with this mid-size SUV, much like the original ML back in 1998, which was always designed to be an off-roading capable sport utility vehicle.

The interior is really nicely appointed and feels really luxurious. The new mid-generation refresh makes the GLE feel even more commanding on the road and is just so gorgeous to look at. If I were to spec one out myself, I would get the PHEV GLE 450e with the AMG Line package, purely because it gives you a great range of features, and looks great too.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, fueleconomy.gov, CarEdge, IIHS, NHTSA