2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the base GLS 450 model presented a refined and understated appearance, steering clear of the ostentatious chrome adornments seen on competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes showcased confidence by avoiding a flashy grille reminiscent of designs from BMW X7 or Lexus LX.

With other GLS models poised for a return to showrooms, buyers could soon opt for a more dramatic visual aesthetic. The AMG GLS 63 performance model stood out with its flared wheel arches, muscular grille and front bumper, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version went all-out on chrome detailing, incorporating it into the grille, window trim, and front-bumper mesh. It also featured a traditional hood ornament, power running boards, and optional massive 23-inch wheels. Both the AMG and Maybach models offered opulent interiors, with the Maybach boasting reclining rear seats and the AMG featuring a performance-oriented interior complete with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. Mercedes’ Air Balance Package, which included a perfume spritzer, was also on the options list.

The test car had a relatively basic interior by GLS standards but still exuded a sense of luxury with its (non-Nappa) leather upholstery, panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. Details like intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added a rugged touch that complemented the SUV's interior. The GLS featured a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen housed under one piece of glass, integrated seamlessly within an upright dashboard.

Overall, the GLS 450's interior felt suitable for a luxury SUV, offering high quality without appearing delicate. It had a subdued yet sophisticated vibe, even with the all-black trim of the test car, and seemed ideal for surveying a country estate from behind its three-spoke steering wheel.

Conversely, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class received an exterior makeover that was subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the Mercedes star logos in the front grille added a clever and cute touch. Changes to the headlights and taillights were more noticeable when compared side-by-side with the older model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available.

The 2024 GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels—although an additional cost of $1,100—looked particularly striking. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard and seven wheel designs along with ten exterior colors, allowing plenty of customization.

The tester's interior combined Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim, adding a touch of class and luxury. With ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum and various types of wood, the GLE offered a highly customizable and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, complemented by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor contributing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. This setup also powered most accessories, reducing the engine’s workload and enabling an aggressive engine start/stop system.

Production of the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic was expected to resume, each equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing up to 603 hp in the AMG version. The GLS models came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), with a performance-tuned drivetrain for the AMG GLS 63.

The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, with the electric assist blended seamlessly. The inline-six design offered inherent smoothness, making it a perfect fit for a luxury vehicle. However, the suspension left room for improvement, with the standard air suspension exhibiting poor body control, bouncing over bumps, and leaning excessively in corners.

Mercedes quoted a 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity for the GLS 450, which was decent but fell short compared to competitors like the Lexus LX (8,000 pounds) and Lincoln Navigator (8,700 pounds).

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the 2024 lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, alongside two AMG models: AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S, offering sports car levels of performance.

The GLE 450e emerged as the optimal choice for acceleration, suspension tuning, handling, and fuel economy. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor produced a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, distributed via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, which felt accurate during highway merges and traffic signal accelerations.

The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission changed gears seamlessly. However, the regenerative brakes occasionally felt numb and didn’t recharge the battery pack as efficiently as hoped. The GLE 450e performed impressively, with a quiet cabin even in hybrid mode and a suspension that absorbed bumps effortlessly, maintaining composure even on rough pavement.

Measuring over 196 inches in length and 76 inches wide, the GLE managed to feel highly maneuverable, thanks to its sophisticated steering. For enhanced reflexes, the AMG models were available, but the GLE 450e offered suave and sophisticated driving manners that gave it an edge over its competitors and other GLE models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version swapped the second-row bench for individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold to access the third row, while the standard bench seat slid fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches.

The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Although cargo space was a bit less than the larger Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes made loading and unloading easy with one-touch power-folding second-row and third-row seats and a power tailgate. The air suspension could also lower the vehicle, making it easier to load cargo.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with seating for five, provided ample space and comfort for passengers. The GLE 450e’s light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy feel in the cabin. Outward visibility was excellent, a notable advantage over many modern SUVs with narrow rear windows and large blind spots. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but slightly less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90.

Optional third-row seating was available for the GLE 350 and GLE 450, though it was suitable only for young children due to its limited dimensions. Standard comfort features 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. The Exclusive trim added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, and augmented reality navigation. The Pinnacle trim further enhanced comfort with massaging front seats, a head-up display, heated front seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, and Mercedes’ Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, natural-language voice recognition, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system could be controlled via voice commands, a touchpad controller, small touchpads on the steering wheel, or the touchscreen itself. The voice recognition system, activated by the prompt “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well.

However, the touchpad controller was less user-friendly due to its sensitivity, making it cumbersome to navigate menus. While the touchscreen and instrument cluster had good-looking graphics, the GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature available in newer Mercedes models. Additionally, the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested illogical routes, undermining confidence in its reliability.

In comparison, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured an updated MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens, serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. The learning curve was steep due to its feature richness, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard.

The updated “Hey Mercedes” voice command system was less hyper-sensitive, reducing the frequency of accidental activations. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were clear and convenient, though the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could accidentally increase the music volume while maneuvering, which was a minor annoyance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came with a lengthy list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the car for a collision by tightening the seat belts, closing the windows and sunroof, and adjusting seats. It also emitted a “pink noise” to protect ears during a collision. However, several features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and second-row side airbags, were optional, along with advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class also boasted a comprehensive lineup of standard safety features, including 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. The optional Driver Assistance 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.

These safety systems were unobtrusive and effective during everyday driving, and the package cost $1,950—a worthwhile investment for the added safety.