Mercedes' midsize crossover gets new styling and tech for 2024. In this review I will look at the 2024 GLE 450 4Matic and focus on what has changed from the previous year model.
Mercedes-Benz announces a series of updates for its GLE SUV in 2024. Revisions affect the interior, exterior, as well as safety and technology. All GLEs will now benefit from a mild hybridization system.
For the devoted Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, the 2024 GLE-class SUV exudes its customary elegance and familiar features. While its mid-size competitors in the SUV segment are formidable contenders, the GLE stands out with its striking design and advanced technology. In contrast to rivals like the Genesis GV80 and the Volvo XC90, the Mercedes excels with enhanced off-road capabilities, especially when equipped with an optional air suspension, granting greater ground clearance and agility to navigate through sand or mud.
2024 Mercedes GLE Changes
Here is a summary of the changes to the 2024 GLE:
- New plug-in hybrid powertrain: The GLE400e joins the lineup with a turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motor combo that should provide enough electric driving range to avoid using gasoline on short trips around town.
- Lightly altered exterior styling: The GLE-class's exterior styling is lightly altered for 2024, including a revised front bumper design, an updated grille, new lighting elements, and restyled wheels.
- New steering wheel: A new steering wheel has been added with touch-sensitive controls on the spokes.
- Updated chrome trim: Updated chrome trim around the air vents and new two-tone upholstery options have been added to the options sheet.
- A second generation of MBUX infotainment interface: The GLE-class also features the second generation of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface, which now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition to these changes, the 2024 GLE also gets a number of other updates, including:
- A new Off-Road Engineering Package that adds ground clearance, underbody protection, and an OFFROAD drive mode.
- Updated safety features, including a new pre-collision braking system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists.
- A new Driver Assistance Package that includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Here are some of my personal thoughts on the changes to the 2024 GLE:
Although I test-drove the GLE 450 4MATIC, I'm glad to see that Mercedes has added a plug-in hybrid option to the GLE lineup. This is a great option for buyers who want the benefits of a hybrid SUV without having to sacrifice performance.
I also like the new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. This is a convenient way to control the infotainment system without having to take your hands off the wheel.
The updated MBUX infotainment system is a welcome improvement. The new system is more user-friendly and offers more features than the previous version.
I think the changes to the 2024 GLE are positive. They make the SUV more attractive to a wider range of buyers and offer some new features that make it a more enjoyable vehicle to drive.
Pricing and Trims: How much does the 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC cost?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in four trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580. The starting MSRP for the GLE 350 is $63,800, the GLE 450 is $70,650, the GLE 450e is $70,650, and the GLE 580 is $87,850.
The GLE 450 4MATIC is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e is a plug-in hybrid that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with an electric motor to produce 385 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
All four trim levels of the GLE come standard with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 350 and GLE 450 are available with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which adds ground clearance, underbody protection, and an OFFROAD drive mode.
The fuel economy of the 2024 Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC is 19/26 city/highway and 22 MPG combined. The suggested price of the vehicle that I received for a weekly review was $69,500 with the standard features. However, if you add all the options it will reach $91,400.
2024 GLE Exterior Updates and Design
The 2024 GLE 450 gets a mild facelift for the new model year, with a revised front bumper design, an updated grille, new lighting elements, and restyled wheels. The AMG Appearance Package is still available as an option for those who want a model with more character.
The most noticeable change to the front of the GLE 450 is the new bumper. The bumper is more angular and aggressive than the previous design, and it features a larger grille with horizontal slats. The daytime running lights have also been redesigned, and they now feature a sharper, more angular design.
The rear of the GLE 450 has also been revised, but the changes are less noticeable than the changes to the front. The taillights have been redesigned, and they now feature a more horizontal design. The bumper has also been revised, and it now features a larger diffuser.
The GLE 450 comes standard with new 19-inch wheels, but 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are available as options.
Two new colors are introduced for the 2024 GLE 450: sodalite blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine gray solid. These colors join the existing palette of nine colors.
The exterior changes to the 2024 GLE 450 are subtle, but they do give the SUV a more modern and aggressive look. The new bumper, grille, and lighting elements all contribute to this, and the new wheels give the SUV a more upscale appearance. The two new colors are also a welcome addition, and they give buyers more choices when it comes to customizing their GLE 450.
Interior Look of The 2024 GLE 450 and Changes
The interior of the 2024 Mercedes GLE 450 is a luxurious and tech-forward space. The cabin is dominated by two large screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screens are crisp and clear, and they offer a wide range of customization options.
The center console is home to a touchpad that can be used to control the infotainment system, as well as a rotary dial and a few physical buttons. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, with more responsive buttons and a touchpad that can be used to control the infotainment system.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality. The two-tone leather seats are a nice touch, and the ambient lighting can be customized to create a variety of moods.
The GLE 450 comes standard with a Burmester sound system, which is one of the best in the business. The sound system produces clear and balanced sound, and it can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
The GLE 450 also comes standard with a variety of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. These features make the GLE 450 a safe and comfortable SUV to drive.
For 2024, the GLE 450 gets a few minor updates, including the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, and the infotainment system has been updated with new features.
I really like the interior of the 2024 Mercedes GLE 450. It's a luxurious and tech-forward space that's perfect for long road trips or everyday driving. The seats are comfortable, the materials are high-quality, and the infotainment system is easy to use. I also like the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2024.
The Drive
The 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC is a comfortable and luxurious SUV that offers a smooth and quiet ride. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine provides plenty of power, and the 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The GLE 450 4MATIC also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions.
I have been driving this SUV for the past six days, and I was impressed with how quiet the engine was. When I was leaving church last Sunday, my friends noticed how quiet the engine was as I started the engine. They were also impressed with other features of the vehicles and the comfortable seats.
Here are some of the things that other major car review websites have said about the drive of the 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC:
- Car and Driver: "The GLE 450 4MATIC is a smooth and refined SUV that offers a comfortable ride. The engine is quiet and powerful, and the transmission shifts smoothly."
- MotorTrend: "The GLE 450 4MATIC is a great choice for those who want a luxurious and comfortable SUV. It's quiet, refined, and easy to drive."
- Roadshow: "The GLE 450 4MATIC is a great all-around SUV. It's comfortable, luxurious, and offers plenty of power."
Overall, the 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC is a great choice for those who are looking for a comfortable and luxurious SUV with a quiet and refined ride.
Here are some additional thoughts about the driving experience of the 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC:
- The steering is light and precise, and the handling is surefooted.
- The brakes are strong and responsive.
- The ride is comfortable, even on rough roads.
- The interior is quiet and luxurious.
- The infotainment system is easy to use.
- The driver assistance features are helpful and well-integrated.
Overall, the driving experience of the 2024 GLE 450 4MATIC is one of its strong points. It's a comfortable, luxurious, and easy-to-drive SUV that's perfect for everyday use and packed with technology to support the driver.
Let me know if I am missing anything in this review or let me know your opinions about the 2024 GLE in the comments section below.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.