The Mercedes-Benz GLE is truly an impressive machine, excelling in so many key areas and faltering in so few. The AMG GLE 53 variant is slightly disappointing in that its acceleration isn't really that much quicker than the less powerful and less expensive GLE 450. But the AMG GLE 53's superior handling abilities and ride comfort almost make it worth upgrading on their own.Read full review
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the brand's midsize luxury SUV. It's long been a popular choice for people wanting more interior space than what the smaller GLC offers. It's primarily a five-seat SUV, though there is an option for a small third-row seat that can be used in a pinch. For 2024, the GLE gets a significant update. Highlights include revised styling, a more luxurious interior, an upgraded infotainment system and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
The 2024 GLE 450e is the most exciting addition for this year. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with plug-in hybrid componentry to increase both power and fuel efficiency compared to the base GLE 350. Though the 450e's official electric range figure was unavailable at the time of our review, our test vehicle covered an impressive 59 miles solely on battery power. After that, the 450e's gas engine kicks on and you can drive it as usual. As with all plug-in hybrids, frequent charging will make the most of the GLE 450e's capabilities. Notably, the 450e can be charged at DC fast-charging stations. Most plug-ins are limited to Level 2 charging.
Competitors to consider
The GLE competes with its fellow Germans, the Audi Q8, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, and other rivals such as the Genesis GV80 and Lexus RX. All are worthwhile picks for a luxury SUV, though the GLE stands out as Edmunds' top-rated model in this class. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to get the full report.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers
Great
8.4
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the GLE AMG 53 drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is much slower than a Porsche Cayenne S (4.4 seconds) and only 0.1 second quicker than the GLE 450. If your primary reason for upgrading was significantly more rapid acceleration, we have bad news for you.
On the bright side, braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 108 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.
We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the GLE AMG 53? We were wary to see that the AMG GLE 53 comes with the air suspension standard — the GLE 350 and 450 with this suspension can feel wallowy and floaty — but this version is tuned by AMG, and it's excellent. Body motions are well controlled in Comfort mode, and the SUV feels even more planted in Sport and Sport+. The ride is perfectly compliant in these performance modes, so impacts never feel punishing. The front seats are supportive and remain comfortable after hours behind the wheel. The rear seats are also nicely shaped and cushy, though they don't slide for extra legroom.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard (four-zone is optional) and it worked perfectly fine during our test. Ventilated front seats are newly standard for the AMG GLE 53 as of 2024, and you can control the setting via the MBUX voice assistant. The throaty exhaust note is a double-edged sword. It sounds great, but you do hear it all the time, even under light loads.
Interior
9/10
View interior photos
How’s the interior? The GLE's cabin is close to perfect, exhibiting excellent usability and build quality that is second to none. It's also quite roomy, with plenty of legroom and headroom for second-row passengers. The driving position offers a commanding view of the road and plenty of adjustability, and the controls are within easy reach. Visibility is excellent, with clear sight lines all around.
We like the GLE's intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently and get an input you didn't want.
How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system sets a new bar for functionality. It's easy to use and robust to the point you can alter just about every car setting through it. The Burmester audio system (standard on the AMG GLE 53) has a surround-sound option that fully envelops the driver in hi-fi lusciousness. You'll want to crank up every song for an immersive experience — too bad max volume isn't higher.
Another neat feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. And the GLE's max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds is similarly strong, albeit in line with most competitors. The back seat has four easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats.
How economical is the GLE AMG 53? The AMG GLE 53 powertrain gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined driving. That's not bad considering the performance — the Audi Q8 produces the same EPA numbers but is down nearly 100 hp. By the same token, however, the similarly priced BMW X5 M60i has a 100-hp advantage over the GLE 53 from its V8 powertrain, yet it's only 1 mpg thirstier.
Value
7.5/10
Is the GLE AMG 53 a good value? Considering the AMG GLE 53's lackluster performance gains relative to the GLE 450, it's hard to say this version offers good value. But there's no arguing with the impressive interior design and the quality of the materials used. Every time you run your hands over the meaty, microfiber-wrapped steering wheel or sit in the supple leather seats, you know where your money's going. The warranty isn't exceptional, however. Overall and powertrain warranties are average, and roadside assistance is less generous than what rivals offer.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The GLE can be fun to drive, though this 53 version isn't as great as the AMG badge suggests. Acceleration isn't really superior to the much less powerful GLE 450. On the flipside, the driving dynamics are improved upon — the steering is great, and handling is pretty good, too. If you want a performance SUV, though, you'd have to do some impressive mental gymnastics to choose this over the Cayenne S.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trim level differences
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in six trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. All trims include standard all-wheel drive and a mild hybrid system, except for the GLE 450e and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Seating for five passengers is also standard, but a third row can be optioned that expands capacity to seven passengers on all trims, save the GLE 450e and the AMG models. The related GLE Coupe is reviewed separately on Edmunds.
Which GLE-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
It's hard to make a one-size-fits-all recommendation with this lineup due to the different powertrain types and many models. But for most folks, we'd recommend the GLE 450e. The plug-in hybrid is the same price as the regular GLE 450, but you get the added bonus of more power and enough all-electric range to make it through most days without using any gas at all.
The overall sentiment for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is mixed. Owners appreciate the car's comfortable and luxurious ride, great looks, and impressive electric range. However, many have reported issues with reliability, technological glitches, unexpected noises, and inadequate storage space. Some owners are frustrated with poor customer service and say the car doesn't live up to the luxury brand's high standards.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
Annoying wind noise from driver, passenger windows, rattling noise in headliner, couldn't drive it on freeway with the wind noise, dealer and Mercedes engineers changed many parts couldn't solve the problem, drove another 3 gles they all have similar or worse wind noise, Mercedes said this Annoying wind noise is normal, and there's no fix at this time
I'll have to trade it with … something that doesn't have wind noise. I don't recommend buying any gle since all have this problem.
These Are the Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy in 2024
Got a taste (and a budget) for the finer things in life? A luxury SUV might be right up your alley, and there are a whole lot to choose from. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of all the best. In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian tells you all about the best luxury SUVs on sale in 2024 and why we love them.
Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Blind-Spot Assist
Warns if a vehicle is lurking in the blind spot and alerts passengers to approaching cars or cyclists before they open their door.
Active Steering Assist
Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on curves.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
Not Rated
Driver
Not Rated
Passenger
Not Rated
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 GLE-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLE-Class has 33.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class:
Updated front and rear styling
New plug-in hybrid version (GLE 450e)
AMG GLE 53 produces more torque
Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLE-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLE-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 GLE-Class and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 GLE-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $86,750.
Other versions include:
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $86,750
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the next question is, which GLE-Class model is right for you? GLE-Class variants include AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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