2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes that continued to imbue it with a sophisticated aura. Observers noted sharper headlights and taillights, paired with black fender flares over the wheel arches that added a modern edge. The grille, adorned with shiny chrome inserts, further solidified its premium look. The optional AMG Line package on the test vehicle introduced an extra layer of sportiness, set off by a distinct grille design and the option for up to 21-inch wheels.

For those desiring an even sexier look, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe offered a sultrier profile, although limited interior space due to its AMG-exclusive guise was a trade-off. Inside, the GLE-Class exuded the traditional Mercedes-Benz sophistication with high-quality leather and soft-touch materials. The Bahia Brown seating paired with open-pore walnut trim unfortunately drew mixed feelings, likened to a wood-paneled rec room from the '70s. Opting for a lighter leather color was recommended to avoid this aesthetic pitfall.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a dramatic evolution of an historic SUV nameplate. Originating from truck-based models, this version transitioned into a stylish electric vehicle retaining a few styling elements from its 2019 car-based crossover predecessor. Built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, the Blazer EV sported a tall hood and reimagined the gasoline Blazer’s aggressive front end, with boomerang-shaped taillights adding a dose of attitude.

The Blazer EV was longer and wider than rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, boosting its commanding SUV look. Trim options included the LT and RS, each with distinct aesthetics. Base LTs featured a color-coordinated fascia giving a minimalist vibe, while RS trims embraced a more aggressive blacked-out look. Standard 19-inch wheels and optional larger sizes up to 22 inches added to the visual diversity. Redesigned to shift away from GM's historically cheaper interior finishes, the EV RS and SS trims included dynamic elements like red leather upholstery and large air vents, aiming for a more vibrant and engaging cabin ambiance.

When it came to performance, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains. The entry-level GLE 350 provided 255 horsepower, while the mid-tier GLE 450 had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Top-tier choices included a 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. However, the GLE 450e was a highlight due to its new plug-in hybrid setup, producing a robust 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode—more robust than both the GLE 350 and GLE 450. Despite its power, its additional weight rendered it about half a second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450. The 450e uniquely offered up to 55 miles on electric power and allowed for seamless toggling between all-electric, hybrid, and battery hold modes. While its Sport mode and handling dynamics left some room for improvement compared to competitors like the BMW X5 xDrive50e, the GLE 450e boasted an 11-kW onboard charger supporting quick charging.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV brought a mix of single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations within its LT and RS trims. The RWD models could generate 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque with a 102-kWh battery, whereas the AWD models offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh battery. Interestingly, the RWD versions had higher horsepower than their AWD counterparts, a positioning choice by Chevy. Future models included a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD), expected to dominate sales. The high-performance Blazer EV SS would stand out with 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, claiming a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds.

Both the RWD and AWD Blazer EV RS models showcased commendable acceleration, with the AWD demonstrating superior traction and handling, albeit with a stiffer suspension that detracted from comfort on less-than-perfect roads. The regenerative braking, controlled via steering-wheel paddles, was a standout feature, offering adaptable driving dynamics reminiscent of manual downshifting in conventional vehicles.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class might not have aced driving dynamics, but it compensated with an array of interior luxuries. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded with ventilation and a massage function. Convenience was further enhanced by heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors, ensuring a tranquil cabin even on noisy highways. The top-tier Burmester stereo system elevated the in-cabin experience, though non-extending sun visors were noted as a minor overlook in such a luxurious vehicle.

The GLE-Class excelled with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and offered Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology, facilitating easier and more precise trailer navigation. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (more for non-PHEV models), expanding to 74.9 cubic feet when the second row was folded.

For the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, the SUV provided a seemingly spacious interior, although headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Its outward visibility was adequate, yet the high side sills and deep dashboard could feel restrictive. Cargo capacity stood at 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 59.1 cubic feet when folded—less than the gasoline Blazer and lacking a frunk to further enhance storage.

Nonetheless, the Blazer EV surpassed an EV6 in cargo area, with handy features like a “presence activated” liftgate. Inside, small item storage was well thought out, with a prominent mobile phone parking spot, a spacious center console, and useful door pockets. However, the repositioning of some climate and lighting controls to the touchscreen required some acclimatization.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster paired with the MBUX infotainment system, presented through a smaller 12.3-inch screen. While not as expansive as the screens found in other Mercedes models, this setup was user-friendly with multiple control options including touchpad and steering wheel buttons. The voice-activated "Hey, Mercedes" feature provided hands-free command functionality.

Standout tech included an augmented reality navigation system overlaying practical visuals like turn arrows and addresses onto a live video feed. An off-road page within the MBUX system catered to the adventurous, showcasing stats like altitude, steering angle, and tire pressure. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto faced connectivity issues, detracting from their usability.

Inside the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevy introduced a new Google-based infotainment system set to feature in future Chevy EVs. With built-in Google apps, Android users enjoyed integrated functionalities while the exclusion of standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a surprise. A large 17.7-inch touchscreen unit and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster showcased sharp graphics with an intuitive layout. The system included an innovative hands-free start sequence, enhancing the high-tech vibe.

The interface design managed screen space well, keeping essential functions accessible, though headlight and other controls being touchscreen-based presented a minor inconvenience. Over-the-air (OTA) updates promised continual enhancements, aligning the Blazer EV with current tech trends.

Mercedes continued its tradition of superior safety with the 2024 GLE-Class, incorporating many advanced driver aids. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded to active monitoring with intervention capabilities, and additional features included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE excelled in NHTSA tests with a five-star side-crash rating and good IIHS crashworthiness scores.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV was yet to be rated by NHTSA and IIHS at the time of publication. Nonetheless, it came equipped with essential safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Optional upgrades included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the advanced Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system.