2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showcased subtle yet impactful aesthetic modifications, which anyone attentive could notice. The headlights and taillights appeared sharper, and black fender flares now adorned the wheel arches. The grille boasted stylish chrome inserts, enhancing its luxurious appearance. The AMG Line package, which was an optional choice on the tester, added a sporty flair to the vehicle's exterior, making it quite attractive. Standard 19-inch wheels were provided, with an option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels for those wanting a more commanding stance.

For those seeking a more eye-catching design, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe was available, only in the high-performance Mercedes-AMG version. This version, while incorporating many features of its more practical sibling, sacrificed some interior space to its sporty design.

Inside, the GLE-Class radiated the brand's trademark luxurious charm, albeit not as advanced as the futuristic interiors found in the newer electric EQ cars. The cabin was adorned with leather and soft-touch surfaces. An optional open-pore walnut trim added a touch of elegance. However, combined with Bahia Brown seating surfaces in our tester, it gave the cabin a dated appearance reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled rec room. Opting for a lighter color leather would have alleviated this design mishap.

On the other hand, the 2024 Acura MDX nailed its exterior styling, making it a head-turner. Its large shield grille, flanked by sleek headlights and accented by intake vents below, created a refined, modern presence. The lower bumper area beneath the grille added to its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Acura MDX combined a high-tech ambiance with a somewhat cluttered center console. The array of controls could be overwhelming at first glance and even more frustrating to operate.

Acura provided several trim packages, including Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the sportier Type-S and Type-S Advance packages. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats.

Upgrading to the Technology Package added ambient lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec Package brought sportier styling, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and an in-cabin intercom system. The Advance Package offered additional conveniences like a heated steering wheel, extra USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Type-S packed all the Technology and A-Spec features, plus the Type-S Advance package added luxurious items like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The perforated leather upholstery and firmer, more active massaging seats made long drives a pleasure, positioning the MDX’s interior comfort a cut above some of its peers. While the cabin may not rival the Mercedes-Benz GLS, it surpassed the GLE in massaging seat quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains. The GLE 350 came with a 255-horsepower engine, while the GLE 450 featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The top-tier option was the GLE 580 with a powerful 4.0-liter V8, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, our test model was the new 450e, a plug-in hybrid that balanced performance and efficiency.

The GLE 450e's 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine produced an impressive 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode, surpassing the GLE 350 and GLE 450 in power. However, due to the added weight of its 23.3-kWh battery, it was about half a second slower to 60 mph compared to the GLE 450.

Mercedes claimed the battery offered 48 miles of electric-only range, although our test showed a reading of 55 miles after a full charge. The vehicle defaulted to all-electric mode on startup if the battery was charged, but it was easy to switch to Hybrid or Battery Hold mode. While the Sport mode didn’t dramatically impact the GLE 450e’s driving dynamics, the switch between electric and gas power was smooth and unnoticeable. Despite its light steering and noticeable body roll, it provided a comfortable and quiet commute rather than a sporty experience.

Charging the 450e was convenient with an 11-kW onboard charger, reaching full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 charger. The 60-kW DC fast charge capability was a notable advantage for road trips.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S variant, with its twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, offered 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or Acura’s all-wheel-drive system.

In our Type-S Advance test vehicle, we experienced robust acceleration from the turbo engine in various driving conditions. The luxurious SUV never lacked power, whether pulling away from stops, accelerating to highway speeds, or passing other vehicles. The transmission distributed power efficiently, and throttle response was quick. The MDX Type-S handled bumps comfortably and felt nimble despite its size.

The MDX Type-S came with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that automatically leveled and lowered when the vehicle stopped. Switching to Sport mode via the Integrated Dynamics System reduced ride height for a more sportive handling. This large dial-controlled system included multiple modes: Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

While the MDX Type-S excelled in comfort on highways and boulevards, it managed tight corners well for its size and weight. The steering mirrored the responsiveness of a luxury sedan, and the tight turning radius facilitated maneuvering in congested spaces. Adequate towing capacity was another advantage, with AWD models maxing out at 5,000 pounds and FWD models at 3,500 pounds.

In terms of interior luxuries, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class compensated for its less dynamic driving experience. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded to include ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders were a thoughtful touch, along with customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The Burmester stereo system added to the serene and luxurious ambiance.

Our one gripe was with the non-extending sun visors. While they could pivot to block side light, their fixed position was a minor but annoying oversight in a vehicle of this caliber.

As for towing capabilities, the GLE-Class stood strong with a 7,700-pound towing capacity. The new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology simplified reversing with a trailer, making it easier to maintain a straight path.

In terms of cargo space, the GLE-Class provided 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. Non-PHEV models had slightly more space due to the absence of a large battery.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered standard three-row seating, with the first two rows being supportive and comfortable. However, the third row was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space behind the rear seats was 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with those seats folded. Folding both the second and third rows gave access to a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Additional storage was available beneath the cargo load floor, and a power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free version.

Our Type-S Advance test vehicle’s second-row bench featured a fold-down center console with cupholders and a fold-out armrest for an individual seat experience. An easy-to-use mechanism facilitated access to the third row.

Despite Acura’s thoughtful touches throughout the cabin—like plentiful cupholders, a spacious center console, and a comfortable leather handrest for the touchpad—the center stack of controls was cluttered. The row of buttons for the shifter occupied as much space as a traditional shifter would, and the necessary yet bulky IDS (drive-mode selector) dial added to the confusion. Most drivers just wanted simplicity to get in and drive without needing to fiddle with numerous controls.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system. However, it lacked the large touchscreen found in some of Mercedes' other models, featuring instead a 12.3-inch screen that, while smaller, was still functional. The menu structure was intuitive, and a touchpad on the center console allowed for easy control if you preferred not to use the touchscreen. Additionally, voice commands activated by "Hey, Mercedes," and the smaller touchpads on the steering wheel, though finicky, provided further options for interacting with the system.

The available augmented reality navigation was a highlight, overlaying turn arrows and addresses on a video feed, enhancing the ease of navigation. The off-road page was another intriguing feature, offering rich data on altitude, latitude, longitude, heading, steering angle, tire temperature, and pressure. It even included a transparent hood feature, showcasing what lay under the car on the center screen.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, although our iPhone experience was marred by frequent disengagements. Still, numerous USB-C ports with up to 100W power ensured devices stayed charged.

The 2024 Acura MDX, while packed with features, struggled with its infotainment system. Despite its promising 12.3-inch display, it was not a touchscreen, requiring use of a touchpad located below the shifter. This interface was unintuitive and frustrating.

Nonetheless, the MDX came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were also included.

A clever touch was the charging ports' placement in the center console behind a retractable pad, accompanied by a leather hand rest for the touchpad that hovered above the wireless charging pad. Despite these thought-out details, the infotainment system hampered the overall user experience.

Safety equipment in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was top-notch, with numerous advanced driver aids available. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded through the Driver Assistance Package Plus, which added active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. All features performed admirably, especially the adaptive cruise control. However, the package added nearly $2,000 to the price.

The 2024 GLE hadn't received an overall or frontal crash rating from NHTSA but earned a five-star side crash and four-out-of-five-star rollover ratings. The IIHS gave it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints. Models with the Digital Light package received an "Acceptable" headlight rating.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of high-tech driver assistance features. Standard inclusions were automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the Advance package included a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display.

The MDX had not been tested for 2024 by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model’s ratings applied. The 2022 MDX earned a five-star overall NHTSA rating and a top score of Good in all IIHS evaluations, along with a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation and Superior ratings for crash-prevention technology.

Despite the strong safety features and ratings, the infotainment system posed a distraction risk. The need to look at the screen to gauge touchpad interactions diverted more attention from the road than using a touchscreen would.