2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e Review
The perfect plug-in luxury SUV
NEW YORK CITY — There’s a moment while cruising over the Manhattan Bridge in all-electric silence when you realize that you don’t need a fully electric car to enjoy (nearly) all the perks of an EV.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e showcases again why a plug-in hybrid is perhaps the perfect vehicle for the mid-2020s.
This version of Mercedes’ popular midsize SUV offers an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, enough to cover most daily commutes without burning a drop of fuel. It’s a significant improvement over previous plug-in efforts from luxury automakers, which often struggled to deliver even 20 miles of electric driving.
The GLE 450e splits the difference between the smaller GLC and the gargantuan GLS in Mercedes’ alphabet soup lineup. Think of it as a competitor to the BMW X5, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC60.
As tested, my Twilight Blue Metallic GLE 450e was priced at $90,990 and came loaded with nearly every option imaginable. The AMG Line exterior package gives it a sporty flair, while the Pinnacle trim adds goodies like the excellent Burmester surround sound system and augmented video for navigation.
But it’s what’s under the hood that really matters. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor to deliver a combined 381 horsepower and a whopping 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt to move this 5,600-pound SUV from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, which is plenty zippy.
More importantly, the 23.3 kWh battery pack allows for significant electric-only driving. During a drive from Brooklyn to Manhattan, I was able to complete the entire journey without the gas engine ever firing up. The car estimated 12 miles of range remaining when I started, with just 7.4 miles to go. I made it with electrons to spare.
In an interesting twist for a plug-in hybrid, the GLE 450e comes equipped with DC fast charging capability. It can charge at up to 50 kW, allowing you to top up the battery in about 30 minutes. While this feature might seem superfluous for a vehicle with a gas engine backup — actually, it’s totally unnecessary, and I doubt most folks will ever use it — it is kind of cool.
Inside, the GLE 450e is pure Mercedes luxury. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, running the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system. The implementation of wireless Apple CarPlay is excellent, taking full advantage of the widescreen display.
Ambient lighting bathes the cabin in a customizable glow, lending a discotheque vibe to the otherwise traditional luxury aesthetic. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of old-world craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech that somehow works.
The massaging seats offer a variety of programs to keep you relaxed on long drives, but one of my favorite features is the “seat kinetics” function, which subtly adjusts your seating position during long drives to reduce fatigue. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that makes a Mercedes into a Mercedes.
But my favorite needless feature has to be the heating and cooling cupholders. With the press of a button, you can keep your coffee hot or your iced latte cold. It’s the kind of over-the-top feature that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
The Burmester sound system is a standout, though I discovered an interesting quirk: For the best audio quality, you’ll want to plug your phone in via USB rather than relying on the wireless connection. It’s a small price to pay for audiophile-grade sound (and it’s worth it).
On the road, the GLE 450e offers a supremely comfortable ride. The adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps with ease, while the electric drivetrain provides smooth, instant torque. When the gas engine does kick in, it’s nearly imperceptible.
Mercedes’ latest driver assistance tech is on full display here. The “Intelligent Drive” system combines adaptive cruise control with advanced lane-centering for a near-autonomous highway driving experience. Unlike some competitors, it allows for seamless driver intervention without fully disengaging.
It’s not all roses, however. The GLE 450e’s hefty curb weight is evident in corners, and the brake pedal feel can be a bit spongy — a common trait in plug-in hybrids. It’s also pricey but not out of range with its competition.
But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional package. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e manages to be both a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid and a traditional luxury SUV. It’s equally at home silently gliding through city traffic or cruising down the autobahn at triple-digit speeds.
For buyers looking to dip their toes into electrification without sacrificing the comfort and capability of a premium SUV, the GLE 450e makes a compelling case. It’s a bridge to an all-electric future that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a parking spot in Manhattan. At least I won’t have to worry about finding a gas station. Maybe they’ll even charge it up for me.