2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: The Luxury of Choice
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Having choices, or options, is typically seen as a good thing. And for an automaker trying to make a name for itself in a specific segment, offering a multitude of combinations and variants is like casting a wide net over potential buyers to try to satisfy their every need. There are some very interesting options in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, such as the Acura MDX or the Genesis GV80. But their limited lineups can turn off the modern buyer who, let's face it, simply wants it all.
The popular GLE has received some upgrades for 2024, gaining select cosmetic changes and add-ons, as well as new on-board technologies that add to the already dizzying array of finishes and gadgets. It's also more electrified, and it retains its twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S variant, an engine that gets to stick around for the time being.
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The Car Guide travelled to Asheville, North Carolina, to drive a few key variants of the popular GLE family.
Hybridized, From Four to Eight Cylinders
The GLE lineup now has something lineups love to brag about; it is fully hybridized. That means that every available engine includes some form of hybrid system. But because there's "hybrid" and there's hybrid, it doesn't mean everything is more efficient.
In the case of the GLE, we're talking about a 48-volt alternator/starter system that sits between the engine and the transmission – that’s a mild hybrid system. For 2024, the entry-level GLE 350 powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder receives this technology. It develops the same power at 255 horsepower, but gains 12 lb-ft of torque for a total of 295. This one comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, as does the rest of the lineup.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to drive it because it wasn't available in North Carolina, but we did get to spend some time behind the wheel of its siblings, namely the GLE 450, which uses the same 48-volt system on a turbocharged six-cylinder to make 375 horsepower. The AMG 53 variant uses the same engine, but this one develops 451 horsepower to earn the three letters of Affalterbach.
In the summer of 2021, a Mercedes-Benz memo had leaked that the V8 would be retired from a series of products, citing supply chain issues and the transition to smaller engines. However, the 603 horsepower eight-cylinder block still sits atop the lineup for another year! Eureka!
Another big news is the introduction of plug-in hybrid models (...real hybrids!) to the GLE lineup. Unfortunately for us Canadians, those will be staying south of the border for the time being, which is rather curious. We suspect a "paperwork" problem...
Versatile Driving Dynamics
The GLE fulfills its tasks in terms of comfort and sportiness, yet it doesn't particularly stand out in either. The GLE 450 variant does the job in spirited driving, with sufficient power under the right pedal. To spice up the experience, it's advisable to create your own "individual" driving mode by modulating suspension settings, throttle response and steering, as "comfort" and "sport" modes aren't always best suited to rough roads, as well as those that are twistier and more inviting.
In the AMG variants, the 53 makes more power on paper, but it's still hard to feel the increase compared to the 450. If you go crazy and opt for the AMG 63 S, acceleration (and fuel consumption!) defies the laws of physics.
As for the on-board experience, you'll enjoy Mercedes-Benz's superior finish and good ergonomic design. Although the third-row option is still too narrow and the coupe variants lose a bit of cargo space, the GLE does very well in providing a luxurious and extraordinarily well put together environment, without becoming overly opulent. The infotainment system is overflowing with features, but this doesn't seem to hinder its quick and intuitive nature.
More Isn’t Always Better
With numerous models, four power levels including the turbocharged AMG V8, hybrid technologies, regular and coupe body styles, all matched with useful and not-so-useful technologies, the net the GLE casts over the segment is as wide as it gets. And if the current 2023 lineup's prices are any indication, an increase is expected to follow the recent upgrades.
Uniqueness and personality come at a price, too. And that's perhaps one of the things the GLE doesn't excel at as much as its rivals with less varied lineups. However, if PHEV variants eventually come to Canada, its lineup will be more complete than ever. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE will arrive in Canadian dealerships at the end of the second quarter of 2023. Pricing should be published closer to the release date.
