2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class slotted perfectly into Mercedes’ SUV lineup, sitting comfortably between the GLA and the GLC. The GLB came in two distinct specifications: the GLB250 and the sportier AMG GLB35. The GLB250 allowed consumers to opt for either front-wheel drive (FWD) or Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) system, while the AMG variant boasted a more powerful drivetrain and an enhanced AWD system.

The 2022 GLB introduced minor yet notable changes. Satellite radio was bundled with the Premium Package, and a new AMG Night Package Plus offered black grille louvers and black badges to enhance its aesthetic. For those with a taste for unique colors, Rose Gold was added as a new paint option for the AMG GLB35. Pricing commenced at $38,600 for the GLB250, not including the $1,050 destination charge from Mercedes’ factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Our test vehicle was the AMG GLB35, which started at $51,000 including destination. With options such as metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel, the cost ballooned to $57,250, inclusive of the Premium and Multimedia Packages.

The AMG GLB35 sported exclusive vertical grille bars, signifying its AMG pedigree. However, the GLB’s design was somewhat polarizing. Despite assignable add-ons, the GLB maintained a boxy, utilitarian appearance—evoking the image of a decorated cardboard box. The steep windshield angle, vertical rear window, and short overhangs emphasized function over form. Yet, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels granted the AMG GLB35 a degree of style and presence.

Inside, the GLB radiated Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious tradition. From the full-color high-definition displays for instrumentation to the artistically designed air vents illuminated by ambient lighting, the cabin offered a lavish experience. Yet, its unconventional controls meant a learning curve for new users. Quality-wise, certain areas hinted at its entry-level status, and the road noise from the 21-inch wheels was notably intrusive. Overall, while the GLB exuded luxury, it might have disappointed those seeking a quieter, more traditional luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, in contrast, underwent subtle yet meaningful exterior modifications. The refreshed design included clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and updated headlight and taillight designs. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added to its allure. Despite these changes, the 2024 GLE’s aesthetics didn’t deviate much from its predecessors, earning a solid seven out of ten.

Our GLE 450e test vehicle was dressed in a striking Twilight Blue metallic finish, complemented by sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Despite their $1,100 price tag, these wheels perfectly filled the GLE's wheel wells. Mercedes offered a wide selection of wheel designs and ten exterior colors to suit varied tastes.

Inside, the GLE 450e showcased a luxurious combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. This combination, costing an additional $1,620 and $160 respectively, was well worth the investment. Mercedes offered no shortage of customization, with ten interior color choices and five trim options, further cementing the GLE’s reputation for high-quality, robust interiors.

In summary, while the GLB's design tilted towards functionality with a dash of luxury, the GLE seamlessly balanced traditional elegance with contemporary enhancements, offering a refined look and feel that catered to a broader audience.

The AMG GLB35 sported exclusive vertical grille bars, signifying its AMG pedigree. However, the GLB’s design was somewhat polarizing. Despite assignable add-ons, the GLB maintained a boxy, utilitarian appearance—evoking the image of a decorated cardboard box. The steep windshield angle, vertical rear window, and short overhangs emphasized function over form. Yet, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels granted the AMG GLB35 a degree of style and presence.

Inside, the GLB radiated Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious tradition. From the full-color high-definition displays for instrumentation to the artistically designed air vents illuminated by ambient lighting, the cabin offered a lavish experience. Yet, its unconventional controls meant a learning curve for new users. Quality-wise, certain areas hinted at its entry-level status, and the road noise from the 21-inch wheels was notably intrusive. Overall, while the GLB exuded luxury, it might have disappointed those seeking a quieter, more traditional luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, in contrast, underwent subtle yet meaningful exterior modifications. The refreshed design included clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and updated headlight and taillight designs. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added to its allure. Despite these changes, the 2024 GLE’s aesthetics didn’t deviate much from its predecessors, earning a solid seven out of ten.

Our GLE 450e test vehicle was dressed in a striking Twilight Blue metallic finish, complemented by sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Despite their $1,100 price tag, these wheels perfectly filled the GLE's wheel wells. Mercedes offered a wide selection of wheel designs and ten exterior colors to suit varied tastes.

Inside, the GLE 450e showcased a luxurious combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. This combination, costing an additional $1,620 and $160 respectively, was well worth the investment. Mercedes offered no shortage of customization, with ten interior color choices and five trim options, further cementing the GLE’s reputation for high-quality, robust interiors.

The AMG GLB35 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, making it 1.8 seconds quicker than the GLB250. However, this performance edge came at a cost; the AMG GLB35 had a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg, compared to 25 mpg for the GLB250 4Matic. During our tests, the AMG variant achieved 21.8 mpg, closely aligning with the EPA estimate.

While the AMG GLB35 offered thrilling performance, it favored speed over comfort. Engine throttle response could lag unless in aggressive driving modes, the DCT appeared occasionally confused, and performance brakes felt uneven in urban settings. Moreover, the ride was particularly firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, and the hood fluttered at speeds above 70 mph.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided a wider range of powertrains, catering to diverse SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG versions GLE 53 and GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S housed a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8, making it as quick as a sports car, but likely excessive for most buyers. The GLE 450e sat in the sweet spot, combining acceleration, handling, and fuel economy.

Our GLE 450e test vehicle featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power was distributed to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The vehicle’s acceleration felt robust, whether merging onto highways or starting from a signal.

Official EPA figures for the GLE 450e’s electric-only driving range or city/highway fuel economy were unavailable, but we estimated around 40 miles on electric power alone. In electric mode, the GLE could silently and efficiently cruise at highway speeds up to 87 mph.

The transition between gas and electric power was barely perceptible, and the nine-speed gearbox operated seamlessly. Regenerative brakes, though occasionally numb, aimed to recharge the battery pack efficiently. Overall, the GLE 450e delivered nearly flawless performance, remaining quiet and luxurious in hybrid mode. Its suspension adeptly absorbed uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride despite the large wheels.

While the GLB excelled in cornering agility and spirited driving, the GLE offered a more sophisticated and balanced driving experience, making it a compelling choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class appealed to space-conscious urbanites seeking a roomy yet compact SUV. Its design prioritized comfort and cargo, offering an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and MB-Tex simulated leather upholstery, with the option to upgrade to real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were also available.

Access to the GLB was easy, whether through the front or rear doors, and both the driver and front passenger enjoyed a high seating position with excellent visibility. While storage was adequate, Mercedes could have improved by adding a small tray on the dashboard. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated two adults, though the middle seat was best avoided. An optional third-row seat, although less practical in the U.S., provided additional seating for children, but reduced storage space beneath the cargo floor.

The GLB featured a standard power rear liftgate, revealing a 22 cubic-foot cargo area capable of holding four full-size suitcases. Folding down the second-row seats expanded the cargo capacity to 62 cubic feet, though at the expense of the optional third-row seat.

Conversely, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. Our GLE 450e, with light beige upholstery, boasted a spacious and airy cabin. The GLE’s excellent outward visibility contrasted with many modern SUVs, which often suffer from narrow rear windows and large blind spots. Behind the GLE’s 40/20/40 split-folding second row was a commendable 33 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the BMW X5 (33.7 cubic feet) and significantly less than the Cadillac XT6 (43.1 cubic feet) and Volvo XC90 (41.8 cubic feet).

The GLE technically offered an optional third-row seat for the GLE 350 and GLE 450 models. However, its limited dimensions made it suitable only for young children, much like the GLB’s optional third-row seat.

Standard comfort features in the GLE 450e included power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also boasted the Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, adding luxury items such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, LED intelligent lighting, star pattern logo projectors, and the Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system. Additional standalone options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

Comparing cargo capacities, the GLB’s 22 to 62 cubic feet ranged significantly contrasted with the GLE’s more consistent 33 cubic feet, highlighting the GLE’s superior storage potential.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which could initially seem complex. In the AMG GLB 35, MBUX comprised a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard technological features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services, such as remote engine starting and a vehicle locator. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system featuring an augmented reality overlay.

Potential upgrades not found on our test vehicle included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi, and the MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Mercedes also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam.

The MBUX system could be operated via natural voice recognition, touchscreen, center console controls, or steering wheel controls. As users grew accustomed to the system, they might develop a preferred control method, typically using a combination of inputs. The high-resolution graphics, responsive touchscreen, and effective natural voice recognition with the “Hey Mercedes” prompt significantly enhanced the GLB’s user experience. However, the navigation system’s augmented reality technology stood out, especially useful in densely populated areas during nighttime.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, technology took a significant step forward, particularly in the GLE 450e. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The infotainment system could be controlled via touch commands, a center console control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.

While the GLE’s MBUX system was feature-rich, requiring an initial learning curve, it was generally user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, alongside an enhanced “Hey Mercedes” voice command system, which was less hypersensitive to the vehicle’s name.

The GLE’s head-up display and augmented reality navigation were exceptionally clear and convenient. However, a small annoyance was the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel, which inadvertently increased music volume while parallel parking. Nonetheless, these minor quirks were outweighed by the overall functionality and advanced features of the GLE’s infotainment system.

Our test 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, an oversight considering its almost $58,000 price tag. This package, costing an extra $1,700, added twelve advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance—features standard in lower-priced competitors.

Absent safety systems included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While the test vehicle included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, the lack of the comprehensive Driver Assistance Package felt like a significant omission.

Safety ratings for the GLB were unavailable, further emphasizing the importance of the optional safety pack for buyers seeking top-tier protection.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class boasted a comprehensive array of active safety features as standard, befitting its image and price. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor.

Our GLE 450e test vehicle came with the optional Driver Assistance package, costing $1,950. This package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Given its benefits and relatively lower cost compared to other luxury options, it proved to be a worthwhile addition.

These features operated unobtrusively, effectively enhancing safety without unnecessary intrusions during regular driving. Despite the extensive safety suite, we appreciated that none of the systems overreacted to common driving scenarios, making the GLE a safe and reliable vehicle choice.