Mercedes-Benz has been occupied with the most high-profile EV announcements and has been shifting the corporate EV nomenclature plan for the coming years. While the automaker’s goal to be an exclusively electric concern in 2030 continues to dominate media attention, it quietly added the GLE-class Mercedes-Benz 450e plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) in the U.S. mid-size SUV lineup in 2024 without much fanfare.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic Review
This isn’t the first time that GLE has made a venture into the world of plugs. For several years it has been it has been offering the GLE350e and GLE350de diesel PHEVs, as well as the gas-powered small GLC PHEVs that have been accessible to Europeans. Certain versions of the plug-ins were scheduled in the past for North American debuts, but there’s a rumor that European demand was so high that they’ve remained in a holding pattern. As a bonus, the regular GLE450 is equipped with an electric hybrid system that runs at 48 volts from 2020. However, the 2024 version of the GLE450e was the initial GLE model to be sold in Europe equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well as a large electric range.
Engine
GLE is the second-highest-priced model on Mercedes’s US lineup behind the smaller GLC as well and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e is a part of the returning GLE350, GLE450, and GLE580 models that use turbocharged six- and four-cylinder and V-8 engines, respectively. In 2024, the 48-volt hybrid assist which was already standard on GLE450 and GLE580 variants will be extended to the GLE350 too. All-wheel drive is a standard feature across all models. The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 as well as GLE63 S variants are on the market We’ve reviewed the two models separately.
In the case of the powertrain of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e the fossil fuel side of the equation is based on the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can produce 248 horsepower as well as 295 pounds-feet of torque. The electric part is the 134-hp synchronous engine that adds 325 pounds of torque. It draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack that has a usable capacity of 23.3 kWh. This tag team has been certified for 381 ponies in total and 479 pound-feet. This puts it ahead of both GLE350 (255 horses and 295 pound-feet) as well as GLE350 (255 horses, and 295 pounds) as well as GLE450 (255 horses and 295 pound-feet). GLE450 (375 horses as well as 369 pounds).
Mercedes estimates the time to reach 60 mph that the GLE450e has at 5.8 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds faster than GLE350’s 7.0-second claims for its GLE350, and only 0.5 seconds less than the GLE450’s 5.3-second time. It’s tempting to imagine the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e PHEV as a first step toward the future of electric vehicles or as a way to accommodate people who are skeptical about the promise of EV Babylon. Without a doubt, it’s both of those things.
However, it is worth noting that the GLE450e is also a PHEV with a full-baked design that performs flawlessly regardless of the environment, while also enticing its passengers with the same luxurious manner and features as the rest of the GLE lineup. It’s quiet at any speed, in large part because of the unwavering determination that the software has to favor electric power in virtually all driving situations. In towns and on the highway or on the two-lane rural roads that make up the Smoky Mountains The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e shows remarkable restraint and only dials in assistance from the internal combustion engine just when needed. My driver and I were engaged in conversation at the length of time required and we were astonished by the sound of the four-cylinder roaring to assist the depleted battery.
Fuel Economy
Official EPA estimates of the fuel economy and range on the GLE450e are still in the works at the moment, and Benz officials were wary of the determination of a definitive range for the EV only. However, when we tested it the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e had an apparent 43 miles in electric power in the combination of rural and city driving in a typical way of driving.
The fundamental GLE driving characteristics remain it is more compact and agile than the size of its footprint suggests while the riding is comfortable. However, our car’s 21-inch AMG wheels, which are an element of AMG Line’s AMG Line design package make sure that any road imperfections will not go unnoticed. The electric motor offers quick acceleration out of a stop at only the slightest throttle input. entering the PHEV after a traditional GLE will require a bit of adjustment to ensure that you don’t run away from the stoplight. It’s a solid rock above highway speeds, and it, like its sibling models has an electronically restricted speed of up to 130mph.
The regenerative capabilities of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450emade us long for an extra level of refinement on the brake pedal, and an increase in efficiency in the area of recharging. Manufacturers have had to contend with the pedal’s jittery feel and unsteady brake action since hybrids have been around and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e is not without struggles. However, the amount of recovered energy, or the lack thereof, as shown by the indicator for battery status in the panel is leaving us wondering what’s wrong.
Similar to the majority of hybrids and PHEVs regeneration takes place when you are braking or coasting by the software. Two different levels of regen can be selected by using the paddles on the steering wheel. The first one provides light regen while the other one boosts regeneration and brings the car to a complete stop. Pretty normal things.
However, it’s worth noting that we only managed to push the juice meter in a descent of nearly 3,500 feet down the mountain, which is about 761 feet higher than sea level. A sporadic observation, for sure, however, receiving an item in exchange for “nothing” is a cheap hybrid thrill we’ve come to anticipate. We’ll examine this idea more in-depth once we have the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e to test on our own.
The GLE450e has an 11.0-kW AC and 60-kW DC onboard charger but there is no official U.S.-specific charging information is available at this time. In a way, it is a copycat of its European counterpart, which has the same 31.2-kWh batteries, We believe that the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e will be able to charge between 20 and 80 percent in around 20 minutes using a 60-kW DC fast charger. Anyone looking to replenish a battery that is completely depleted is advised to plan at least 26 hours of charge on an ordinary 120-volt outlet in the home or less than four hours using the 7.0-kW Charger Level 2. We anticipate Mercedes-Benz to release the appropriate figure shortly, closer to launch.
Driving
The route from the plant is the primary part of the route that runs from Birmingham up to Atlanta. At manufacturing, the car is charged approximately 60% of the charge. The final total of 67 miles of electric range, spread across 234 miles. Most of us don’t go that far in one day, so 39 miles across 42 miles of driving time is closer to the average commute. The 450e can be charged in 2.5 hours using the 240-volt outlet, and up to 60 kW using a DC fast charger. This will take around 10 minutes to get between 20 and 80 percent.
Other powertrains that do not have the charge port typically transfer, but the majority of them get some form of mild hybrid boost. GLE 350 models get the identical 2.0-liter turbo-4 that’s in the 450e model, but the engine produces 255 horsepower however it’s assisted by a mild-hybrid system of 48 volts which can produce an additional 20 horsepower. GLE 450 GLE 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that has been improved this year. It produces 375 horsepower which is compared to 362 hp on the 2023 model. It also comes with 20 horsepower of boost thanks to an electric mild hybrid system that runs at 48 volts. GLE 580 models feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 510 horsepower.
The AMG models are also available. GLE 53 is the GLE 53 that uses a 3.0-liter turbo-6 that can produce 429 hp as well and its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 of the GLE 63 turns up the power to 603 horsepower. Both AMGs as well as GLE 580s GLE 580 get a 21-hp boost from their mild hybrid systems. The other changes tend to be cosmetic. The GLE’s design is revamped with a slightly different chrome line that runs across the grille. There are also new details for the front air intakes, as well as new headlights’ internals. The taillights are also upgraded with new internals as well and three new designs for the standard 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are offered.
Interior & Features
Inside, the upgrade to technology is much more robust. It has two of 12.3-inch screens within one glass panel and now comes with the latest version of the company’s MBUX infotainment technology that is improved in both its software and hardware. The touchscreen on the center screen is simple to operate and is logically laid out. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster comes with Sporty, Classic, and Discreet themes for display The central part of the IP can display the navigation screen and also off-road, driver assistance system as well as the vehicle’s service info. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless. Additionally, the new steering wheel comes with buttons that are touch-sensitive on the spokes for controlling both screens.
A clear view of the hood is accessible for off-roading and a camera-based trailer maneuvering Assist feature allows steering up to 3 miles per hour to allow a trailer to go either direction. It can be controlled by the center screen and then can be used to precisely position the trailer. The new plug-in GLE is a class above in all the ways we’ve become accustomed to from this top-of-the-line SUV. Four-corner air suspensions help to counteract body lean, and adaptive dampers ease bumps and help the GLE more stable than an SUV of this size would. The interior is made of top-quality materials and provides a comfortable ride for rear and front passengers.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic Price & Release Date
Pricing isn’t yet available for 2024’s Mercedes-Benz GLE but it’s expected to start with the $50,000s upper end on it to be priced at the same level as GLE 350. We expect the GLE 450e 4Matic to cost at or higher than the $60,000 cost of the GLE 450 4Matic. GLE 450 4Matic. With its big battery and robust motor The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is an excellent family-friendly vehicle that functions as an EV a lot more often than most plug-in hybrids we’ve seen thus far. It’s an effective method to reduce the cost of gas at the pump and also provides plenty of power when coupled with the gas engine when it is needed.
Price is also unanswered at this point. We’re estimating that the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e will begin at about $76,000, or about $8K higher than the regular GLE450. It’s a significant increase over the $56,595 cost of GLE450, which is the same as for the Audi Q5 Premium PHEV (though it didn’t reach the EPA’s estimate of 23 miles during C/D tests). Additionally, the Benz is more refined about the interior materials. Additionally, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is also available, however, it costs close to $90K and is estimated to have an electric range of only 17 miles. This Volvo Recharge is a close match to the model of the GLE450e and comes into the range of just $75,000 ($81K on Recharge Ultimate). Recharge Ultimate) which comes with an estimated 36 miles of electric range (29 miles during C/D testing).
But the GLE’s main problem is the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e (which replaces the X5 with the xDrive45e). The X5 Drive50e costs $73,495 and promises 40 miles of electric vehicle range with its 25.7-kWh battery. It’s like Munich and Stuttgart were part of the same focus group when they were developing. Like most PHEVs, they are an enumeration game. When you consider that Benz’s electric EQE SUV boasts 253-275 miles of range at $79,050, customers can choose to skip the PHEV altogether and take the complete EV leap for a modest cost in comparison to the GLE450e.
However, if their usage scenarios are just 40-plus miles driving in an average day then the PHEV gives the option to fulfill the EV promise with an electric safety net for longer drives. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e is constructed along with the rest of the GLE collection at Mercedes-Benz’s factory located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. You can expect the GLE450e to make its debut at U.S. showrooms late this summer.