2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Gains PHEV, Off-Road Tech

Competes with: Audi Q7, BMW X5 and X6, Lexus RX

Looks like: The current GLE with a new face

Powertrains: 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with mild hybrid (GLE350); turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with mild hybrid producing 375 hp (GLE450) or 429 hp (AMG GLE53); twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with mild hybrid producing 510 hp (GLE580) or 603 hp (AMG GLE63 S); 381-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric motor and 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery (GLE400e plug-in hybrid); nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: 2023

Last redesigned in 2020, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is getting a significant refresh for 2024, but the most significant changes for the luxury SUV are hidden under the skin. Shoppers may notice minor tweaks to the GLE’s exterior and cabin, but the key differentiators are under the hood and in the vehicle’s new towing and off-road features geared toward road trips.

Related: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class First Drive: Resetting the Luxury Bar

Even prior to the refresh, the mid-size GLE offered a wide range of engines between its standard model and the performance-oriented AMG GLE. For 2024, the mid-size SUV adds one more choice to the dizzying array of options: a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. Meanwhile, all other GLE variants ( including the base 350) employ a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, while AMG models benefit from more standard features, increased torque and faster acceleration.

PHEV Joins the Party

The standard GLE offers three variants (350, 450 and 580), and each comes with a unique powertrain. The base GLE350 gains a mild-hybrid system shared with higher trims and is powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 450 and 580 powertrains carry over with improvements in power or torque. The 450’s turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder now makes 375 hp (up from 362), while the 580’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 bumps power from 483 to 510 hp and torque from 516 to 538 pounds-feet. All-wheel drive is standard, and all three models use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with EQ Boost that can temporarily provide up to an additional 21 hp and 184 pounds-feet torque.

All-new for 2024 is a fourth engine option: The GLE400e PHEV pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery for a system total up to 381 hp and 479 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes says the SUV’s 0-60 mph acceleration is estimated at 5.8 seconds, which lands between the 350’s 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds and the 450’s 5.3 seconds. The new PHEV comes with a standard 11-kilowatt AC onboard charger and an optional 60-kilowatt DC fast charger.

Familiar Looks

As far as the GLE’s exterior updates, the SUV’s front end gets the most attention with a new grille, updated front bumper and redesigned LED performance headlights. The 580 adds standard AMG Line exterior accents that include a diamond grille with chrome trim, side sill panels and body-color wheel-arch cladding; the AMG Line styling is optional on all other trims. The 2024 GLE also gains two exterior paint colors and rides on new 19- or 20-inch wheels, with a 21-inch option for the AMG Line.

The cockpit of the 2024 GLE generally mirrors the outgoing model with a wide screen comprising two 12.3-inch units for the driver display and center touchscreen. Updates include a new steering wheel with sensors on the spokes that control those displays. The GLE also comes with newly available chrome trim on the air vents and two additional interior color options.

New Tech Goes Off the Beaten Path

According to the automaker, the GLE’s MBUX infotainment system received hardware and software upgrades for improved performance and enhanced digital controls; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are newly available, and the SUV’s voice assistant is more intuitive and can now recognize additional vehicle functions.

In addition to these enhancements, the GLE gains a suite of new tech and safety features aimed at helping drivers that tow or venture off-road. An off-road mode allows drivers to see details like gradient, compass roll and steering angle in the main display screen. When coupled with an available 360-degree camera system, a transparent hood function shows a view under the front of the SUV to help drivers identify off-road obstacles — especially useful when navigating steep inclines.

To help with towing, a Trailer Route Planner has been added to the GLE’s navigation system to identify the best routes for towing a trailer. After a defined trailer is set up in the system, the feature accounts for variables like the width and height of the route and weight restrictions on certain roads. Also new is a camera-based trailer-maneuvering assist system that automatically regulates the steering angle of the GLE at low speeds and stabilizes the trailer when in Reverse. The available Steering Assist lane-centering system now works with the towing mode to keep the SUV in its lane even when cornering with a trailer in tow.

AMG Ups the Ante

Shoppers looking for a higher-performance version of the GLE can go with one of the AMG variants: the GLE53 or range-topping GLE63 S. The 53 is powered by a 429-hp, turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with the mild-hybrid system. For 2024, the engine gets a software update and a larger turbocharger to increase torque from 384 pounds-feet to 413, as well as a quicker estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds — down from 5.2 seconds. The 63 S, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is the most powerful GLE variant at 603 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque. According to Mercedes, all AMG models see updates to their software, AWD system and suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.

Each of the AMG versions offers the choice of two body styles: a standard SUV or a sloped-roof coupe. The list of exterior updates for those is similar to the standard models, including a new front-end design with updated side intakes for the GLE53, and updated LED daytime running lights and taillights. Additional changes include a new AMG emblem on the front hood, new exterior paint colors and a new 22-inch wheel design.

The AMG GLE models also get the latest generation of the MBUX system and feature AMG-specific screen designs. The 53 sees newly standard features including an AMG Performance exhaust, augmented reality navigation, a Parking Assistance Package, and heated and ventilated front seats. The 63 S also packs more standard appointments like multicontour front seats, a head-up display and an Air Balance Package with in-cabin fragrances.

TBD: Pricing, Release Date

According to Mercedes-Benz, the 2024 GLE and AMG GLE will go on sale sometime in 2023, but the exact timing for the SUV’s arrival has not been revealed. Pricing for the luxury SUV also remains under wraps for now. The GLE’s starting price currently ranges from $58,850 (all prices include destination) for the 350 to $85,000 for the 580. The AMG GLE, meanwhile, starts at $78,100 for the 53 and climbs to $117,900 for the 63 S.

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