2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen made some subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and added ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features, although it was a common issue among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs with modularity to support various models. This platform was akin to the MQB platform used in VW’s gasoline vehicles. The interior of the ID.4 carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE saw minor aesthetic changes, such as sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome inserts in the grille. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille and 19-inch standard wheels, with an option for 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available only in the Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sportier look but with reduced interior space.

Inside, the GLE’s cabin was luxurious, featuring leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the newer all-electric EQ models. The available open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but the combination with Bahia Brown seating surfaces in the test model gave the cabin a dated look. Choosing a lighter color leather could remedy this design issue.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models retained the 82-kWh battery pack, available with either RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Volkswagen estimated that the smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery RWD version. The AWD ID.4 had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Golf R but lacked the handling prowess. The ID.4 used regenerative braking but did not offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several powertrain options, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, tested here, featured a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the extra weight of its 23.3-kWh battery.

Mercedes claimed the 450e’s battery could store enough energy for 48 miles of all-electric driving, though the gauge showed 55 miles after charging. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The switch from electric to gas power was smooth and seamless. The 450e’s Sport mode didn’t significantly enhance driving dynamics, and the plug-in hybrid felt staid with light steering and body roll. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger, capable of charging to 100 percent in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and could also accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing most other entry-level EVs. However, it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console, a better spot for a phone, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats, optional ventilation and massage functions, heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The cabin remained quiet even on noisy highways, and the Burmester stereo system added to the relaxing ride. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a notable omission in a luxury SUV.

The GLE 450e could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. It offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics, a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view, and natural-language voice recognition.

However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons, were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature, part ambient lighting system and part AI assistant, changed color based on drive mode and provided navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While it didn’t have the giant touchscreen of other Mercedes models, it offered a 12.3-inch screen with an easy-to-learn menu structure and a touchpad on the center console. The “Hey, Mercedes” voice command system and smaller touchpads on the steering wheel provided additional control options.

The available augmented reality navigation system overlaid numerical addresses and turn arrows on a video feed, aiding navigation. The off-road page in the MBUX system offered information like altitude, latitude, longitude, heading, steering angle, and tire temperature and pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though the system had connectivity issues with the iPhone. Multiple USB-C ports provided up to 100W of power for charging.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added standard Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver’s aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and an optional Driver Assistance Package Plus, which included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star rating for side crash and four stars for rollover from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints. Cars with the Digital Light package received an “Acceptable” headlight rating.