Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
$62,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
$62,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$69,200

MSRP

$62,650

Average price

$30,148

Average price

$48,563

Listings

1053

Listings

9542
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive electric range
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian handling
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Reviews Summary

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains.

Reviews Summary

This midsize Mercedes SUV gets a facelift for 2024 that includes an upgraded interior and infotainment system as well as some new styling cues. Mercedes’ 4matic all-wheel drive system is standard across the lineup, as is seating for five, though a small third row is an option. Models include the GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580, all with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Also on tap are the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. However, new for this year, and the primary tester for this review, is the GLE 450e with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: A new plug-in hybrid powertrain helps the GLE hit a sweet spot between performance and efficiency. Elsewhere, this is classic Mercedes: big and beautiful with plenty of luxury touches and great space. These aren’t inexpensive SUVs, but then again, Mercedes is one of the principal faces of the pricey luxury market.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 362 hp I6

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

362 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

27
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
$62,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
$62,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$69,200
$62,650
Average price
$30,148
$48,563
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive electric range
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian handling
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains.

This midsize Mercedes SUV gets a facelift for 2024 that includes an upgraded interior and infotainment system as well as some new styling cues. Mercedes’ 4matic all-wheel drive system is standard across the lineup, as is seating for five, though a small third row is an option. Models include the GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580, all with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Also on tap are the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. However, new for this year, and the primary tester for this review, is the GLE 450e with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: A new plug-in hybrid powertrain helps the GLE hit a sweet spot between performance and efficiency. Elsewhere, this is classic Mercedes: big and beautiful with plenty of luxury touches and great space. These aren’t inexpensive SUVs, but then again, Mercedes is one of the principal faces of the pricey luxury market.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.0L 362 hp I6
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
24
20
MPG Highway
31
27
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.