The Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today. It brings the heat with a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, helpful technology features and a diverse lineup of engines. This is a luxury SUV that quietly executes its job with ease.Read full review
Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
Pros
Well-appointed and quiet interior
Wide range of powertrains deliver both power and efficiency
Helpful voice command system
Plenty of standard and optional features
Cons
Steering wheel controls can be clumsy to operate
Optional third row is cramped
Options quickly drive the price up
What's new
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
Overview
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.38 per gallon for premium unleaded in Oregon.
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
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today. It brings the heat with a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, helpful technology features and a diverse lineup of engines. This is a luxury SUV that quietly executes its job with ease.
How does the GLE-Class drive? We tested the GLE 450e, which has the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Overall, we're impressed by how easy it is to drive. With a charged battery, the SUV stays in electric mode unless you need all of its power at once, and when the engine kicks in it does so gracefully. At the Edmunds test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds.
The steering feel is ultra-light. That's great for twirling around parking lots but not so great for giving you a feel for the road. Our GLE 450e also felt less stable and planted around turns compared to other versions of the GLE we've tested; the vehicle's extra mass from its plug-in hybrid components is likely to blame. But overall the GLE is a winner for city commutes and highway driving alike.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the GLE-Class? Interior comfort is a top reason to buy a Mercedes GLE. Our test vehicle came loaded with features such as rapid seat heating, seat ventilation and massage. Those add-ons, alongside the excellent climate control system, provide a truly relaxing experience. The optional brown leather and natural wood trim look nice but we actually prefer the feel of Mercedes' synthetic leather MB-Tex.
We also recommend skipping the adaptive air suspension. We've tested it on GLE models in the past and found it too floaty for everyday use. This GLE's standard suspension works just fine for riding comfortably while keeping the SUV in control.
Interior
9/10
How’s the interior? This is what a luxury SUV's interior should look like. The GLE's cabin is elegant and built with high-quality materials. The GLE's cabin is very spacious. There's plenty of room in both rows. The GLE does sit relatively high off the ground (especially on these 21-inch wheels), so speccing the running boards is a good idea for the shorter friends among us. The visibility from the driver's seat feels commanding, with plenty of seat adjustability to find the right angle.
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 that you didn't want.
Save as much as $15,447 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $15,447 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLE 63 S trim.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S pricing in Corvallis, OR
How’s the tech? The GLE's touchscreen is bright and colorful, with high resolution and impressive response times. The menus can become confusing if you dig in too far, but the main features are just a press or two away. We love the augmented reality feature for the navigation system that overlays turn-by-turn integration atop a live camera view on the screen. The available Burmester audio system 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.
Rivals like Cadillac and BMW now offer hands-free driving assist features. The GLE doesn't yet offer such a system, but otherwise the vehicle's driving aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping work well and are unobtrusive in routine driving.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? In some plug-in hybrids, storage takes a hit because of the battery pack intruding on cargo capacity. But that is not a worry with the GLE 450e. This Mercedes does have slightly less room than its gas-only counterpart but is still outstanding. It's also better than the majority of the competition. And considering how big the battery pack is, the packaging is even more impressive. The second row has a 60/40 split to help with longer items too. Storage for smaller personal items is plentiful.
Got small children? The back seat has easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats. The GLE will also work out well if you plan to tow a trailer. Properly equipped, it's rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is enough to handle most small or midsize trailers.
How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy will vary widely depending on the version you pick. We tested the GLE 450e, which is the most frugal of the bunch. It's a plug-in hybrid, and we were able to drive it about 59 miles on a full battery before it switched over to typical hybrid operation. That's above average for a plug-in SUV. Once the battery was flat, our GLE posted 28 mpg in combined driving, which is still very good. As an added bonus the GLE 450e has the ability to use DC fast charging, giving it a nice edge over its plug-in hybrid rivals.
Value
8/10
Is the GLE-Class a good value? The GLE can get expensive when you load it up with a lot of options, but overall we think you're getting your money's worth. Build quality on our test GLE was excellent. If there is an unimpressive aspect to the GLE, it's the warranty coverage. The powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties are fairly standard four-year/50,000-mile offerings, but nearly every competitor offers more in the way of roadside assistance and corrosion protection coverage by some margin.
Wildcard
8/10
Non-AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer the quintessential luxury SUV experience. They might not have the most over-the-top styling or personality, but they tick every box they otherwise need to.
Which GLE-Class 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.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Best experience buying the car and truly the car is more than I ever could have asked for! It is beautiful sleek, unique and very bad-ass! I know, who knew such a car would have the makings of a fast car and a luxury SUV all in one! Yes please and I am in love!
Amazing SUV
5 out of 5 stars
Doktorj, 11/07/2023
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Fun and fast SUV. Love the way it drives.
No ML350
5 out of 5 stars
Norma T-H, 12/29/2023
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
I had a 2000 ML350 way back when in 2000. I wanted another SUV since I had been in other Mercedes cars all this time. The new 2024 GLE63S is that ML on steroids in every single way! It has been upgraded from V6 to a V8 bi-turbo, touch controls, primo paint and leather seats.
2024 GLE 63s great choice
5 out of 5 stars
Joe Thomas , 11/07/2024
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Two months into my 2024 GLE 63s and love it more with each drive. Still haven't used the sport plus mode and at 1350 miles so far it begs me to drive hard. I needed that cross between performance and hauling with a decent price considering. Exhaust note is heaven with the crackle. Comfort is superior and haven't leave utiized all the functions yet.
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 8.3 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 8.3 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 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $127,700.
Other versions include:
AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $127,700
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 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S info
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