2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class subtly refreshed its aesthetics, making notable enhancements despite appearing minimal at first glance. This iteration sported sharper headlights and taillights, while black fender flares over the wheel arches added a touch of ruggedness. The grille showcased sleek chrome inserts, enhancing its glimmer. The optional AMG Line package we tested provided a distinct grille, lending the vehicle a sportier air. Standard 19-inch wheels adorned the default setup, but buyers could opt for grander 21-inch units for an elevated look.

For those seeking a more alluring body design, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, available exclusively in the sporty Mercedes-AMG version, came with similar features. However, it traded some interior space for its coupe-like silhouette.

Inside the GLE-Class, the cabin oozed typical Mercedes-Benz luxury, though it wasn’t as avant-garde as the newer all-electric EQ models. The interior boasted plentiful leather and soft-touch surfaces. Our test model featured the available open-pore walnut trim, which paired with Bahia Brown seating to give off a somewhat retro vibe reminiscent of a wood-paneled room from the 1970s. Lighter-colored leather options were advisable to circumvent this aesthetic issue.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a longstanding automotive icon, maintained an imposing yet familiar presence on the road. Its elongated silhouette nearly matched the length of an NBA baseline three-point shot, measuring a colossal 18 feet 10 inches. Standing over six feet tall, it was unmistakably sizeable, making it a polarizing choice for urban drivers. Nevertheless, its mammoth dimensions were a boon for those with needs for expansive cargo and passenger space, as well as substantial towing capacity.

Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Initial trims included practical features like automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights and taillights, and tinted windows. Wheel sizes ranged from standard 18-inch alloys on the LS to stylish 22-inch alloys on the High Country trim.

While some might have anticipated more standard high-end equipment at top trims, even the High Country retained optional extras like power running-board steps ($1,745) and a panoramic power moonroof ($1,500).

The Suburban's interior provided a cozy space for the driver and front passenger, complemented by expansive rear seating. Standard trim LS came with cloth seats, while all higher trims featured leather upholstery. Our High Country test model flaunted a warm “Mocha” leather interior. Standard features included a heated steering wheel, three-stage heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. However, despite the plush seating and ample adjustability, the Suburban’s cabin felt somewhat pedestrian compared to its price and rival upscale SUVs.

For the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, buyers had the choice between multiple robust engines. The entry-level GLE 350 delivered 255 horsepower, while the mid-range GLE 450 featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The top-tier GLE 580 came with a mighty 4.0-liter V8. All versions were mated to a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our focus, however, was on the new GLE 450e plug-in hybrid, boasting a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine. In hybrid mode, it delivered 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, surpassing both the GLE 350 and GLE 450 in power. Despite the extra weight from its 23.3-kWh battery causing a slightly slower 0-60 mph acceleration compared to the GLE 450, its performance and efficiency were praiseworthy.

Mercedes claimed the battery supported 48 miles of all-electric driving. Interestingly, after charging, our test vehicle displayed an impressive 55-mile range. The GLE 450e also defaulted to all-electric mode on startup if the battery was charged.

The car's drive modes included Hybrid and Battery Hold, ensuring versatility in power management. Although the 450e offered smooth transitions between electric and gas power, and an 11-kW onboard charger enabled under-three-hour full charges on Level 2 home chargers, injects simplicity into road trips with a 60-kW DC fast-charge capability. On the flip side, the driving dynamics fell short of exciting. The light steering and noticeable body roll hinted at a focus on comfort over sportiness.

On the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, buyers had three engine choices: the standard 5.3-liter V8, a more potent 6.2-liter V8, and a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, generated a commendable 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It achieved an impressive 8,300 pounds of towing capacity with the Max Trailering Package for Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models.

The 6.2-liter V8, reserved for higher trims, churned out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering zippy acceleration without surpassing the 5.3-liter's towing ceiling.

The Duramax diesel, with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, stood out for its efficiency, producing superior fuel economy to its gasoline counterparts. Interestingly, opting for the diesel in the High Country trim saved $1,500 compared to the V8, providing both initial and long-term fuel savings.

Our preference leaned toward the diesel, thanks to its satisfying performance and fuel efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed shifts decisively, making the large Suburban surprisingly manageable.

Rear-wheel drive was standard on all Suburban trims, except the off-road-specialized Z71. Every trim could be functioned with four-wheel drive for added versatility. The test vehicle’s height-adjustable air suspension smoothly conquered Boston’s rough roads, while easing entry into lower-clearance parking garages. However, the Suburban’s weight did seem to affect its ride, contributing some body roll and emphasizing the need for prudent braking.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior luxury, compensating for its less enthusiastic driving dynamics. Standard heated front seats received an upgrade in our tester to include ventilation and a massage function. Heated and cooled cup holders kept beverages at the desired temperature, while customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to its plush appeal.

The GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds and included the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology, streamlining trailer operations. Cargo space measured 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a cargo titan. It dominated with colossal storage capacity, boasting 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row (27% more than the Subaru Outback’s trunk). Folding the third row offered 93.8 cubic feet, while maximum capacity reached a staggering 144.7 cubic feet.

The Suburban’s massive cargo capacity dwarfed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. With a 28-gallon fuel tank and EPA-estimated 26 mpg highway fuel economy from the diesel engine, it achieved an impressive 650-700 miles on a full tank, ideal for long trips.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The MBUX infotainment system returned, forgoing the larger screens available in other Mercedes models for a 12.3-inch display. Users could control the system through a center-console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, or voice command by saying "Hey, Mercedes." One standout feature was the augmented reality navigation system, overlaying addresses and turn arrows on a live video feed, which was extremely handy for precise navigation.

The GLE-Class included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, in our testing, our iPhone frequently disengaged. Beyond that, numerous USB-C ports provided robust 100W power outputs for all devices.

Complimenting the off-road page feature, our tester provided detailed telemetry like altitude, heading, and tire conditions. A “transparent hood” feature displayed a video feed of the ground beneath, enriching the tech experience for driving enthusiasts.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban’s tech fell slightly behind, especially with a more robust update expected for 2025. Our tester featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen (standard on all but the LS trim’s 8-inch display). The interface was intuitive, featuring Google Built-in for seamless navigation, voice commands, and app access without tethering a smartphone.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, but Google's integration reduced their necessity. An optional rear-seat entertainment system with twin touchscreens ($1,995) proved valuable for keeping rear passengers engaged.

However, the 10-speaker Bose system failed to impress due to its relatively low speaker count and average sound quality. Competing systems from Ford's B&O and Jeep’s McIntosh offered superior audio experiences.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, many of which required additional expense. Standard blind-spot monitoring upgraded to active monitoring with an intervention option through the Driver Assistance Package Plus ($2,000). This package also included features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist, all performing effectively.

The NHTSA rated the GLE five stars for side crashes and four for rollovers, though no overall or frontal crash ratings were provided. The IIHS awarded the GLE top ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with the optional Digital Light aiding an "Acceptable" headlight rating.

For the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, the NHTSA’s overall safety rating was four-out-of-five stars. The side-crash rating achieved five stars, while frontal and rollover tests scored four and three stars, respectively.

The Suburban featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS offerings, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, park assist, and lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning. Chevy's Teen Driver feature ensured safer usage among young drivers. Higher trims offered additional ADAS, such as rear cross-traffic alert.

Notably, Chevrolet’s Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, was available on the Premier and High Country trims ($4,825 on Premier, $2,700 on High Country). Super Cruise managed speed, steering, and lane changes autonomously on over 400,000 miles of pre-mapped roads, although it required a subscription ($25/month or $250/year).