2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss even for trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The wheels, though pricey at $1,100, filled out the wheel wells nicely. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These interior options added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price. Mercedes provided ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS had a soft sensuality in its design that aged well, especially with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. Upgrades included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, Acoustic Comfort Package, 22-inch wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather covering the dashboard and door panels. The second-row captain’s chairs were a no-charge option, bringing the MSRP to $97,730, including the $1,150 destination charge.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the 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. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode could operate at speeds up to 87 mph, with an estimated EV range of 40 miles. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps well, and its sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system's integrated starter-generator delivered an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, making the GLS 450 feel lively from a stop. A nine-speed automatic transmission fed power to all four wheels through a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLS 450 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. The GLS 450's adaptive air suspension allowed it to handle twisty roads well, though it experienced some oscillations on dips. The large Continental Premium Contact tires provided excellent grip but picked up road grit. The brakes performed admirably, allowing smooth stops in the city. The Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view through the hood, showing the terrain and front wheel position.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered comfortable seating for five, with plenty of space in the first and second rows. The light beige upholstery in the GLE 450e test vehicle contributed to a light and airy cabin feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the rear-facing cameras were convenient. The GLE provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, 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 added 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 options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling but side sill trim that could get in the way when entering or exiting the SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating and ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The new steering wheel was pleasant to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The no-charge optional captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support and expansive second-row legroom. Accessing the third-row seat was a hassle, and space was snug for adults, though kids would be happier with this seat assignment. Interior storage space was decent, with practical cargo space offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could inadvertently increase the music volume while maneuvering.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system had improved graphics and themes, including Classic, Sporty, and Discreet instrumentation themes, and Navigation, Assistance, and Service modes. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console touchpad could cause confusion and distraction. Despite these issues, MBUX was otherwise a sensational technology with intuitive touchscreen operation, outstanding natural voice recognition, and helpful augmented reality for navigation.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active 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 features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and did not over-react to common driving occurrences.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) could be adjusted through MBUX, allowing drivers to turn them on or off, alter their sensitivity, and choose how to receive alerts. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning system, and lane-keeping assist system were praised for their effectiveness and subtlety. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly and transparently. The lane-centering assist momentarily turned off at a T-intersection, but otherwise, the ADAS performed exceptionally well.