Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe expanded its lineup with the introduction of the 30th Anniversary edition, bringing the total to six trim levels. These included the base trim, 30th Anniversary, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $61,660, with the Summit Reserve reaching $80,320 before additional options. Our test vehicle, a Trailhawk, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group II, and Advanced ProTech Group II, raising its MSRP to $72,630. A federal income tax credit of $3,750 could reduce the cost to $68,880. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle aesthetic changes, including sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch to the exterior. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options. The GLE coupe, available only in the Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sportier look with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was beautiful, though paired with Bahia Brown seating, it resembled a 1970s wood-paneled rec room. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The Trailhawk boasted a standard 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension, providing 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite impressive off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less refined. The gas engine sounded unrefined, and the regenerative braking system made smooth stops challenging. The EPA estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode, but real-world testing showed a lower electric range and 19.3 mpg in Auto mode.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered various engine options, including the entry-level GLE 350, mid-line GLE 450, and top-tier GLE 580. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e could travel up to 48 miles on all-electric power, with a real-world range of 55 miles. The transition from electric to gas power was seamless, and the 450e included an 11-kW onboard charger and a 60-kW DC fast charge capability. While the GLE's Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, it provided a comfortable commute. The 450e's charging capabilities made it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space due to its off-roading hardware. The Trailhawk featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front seats were firm and flat, and rear legroom was tight. The Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin remained quiet, and the Burmester stereo system provided an excellent audio experience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space measured 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen. The Trailhawk's infotainment system featured Uconnect 5 technology with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Jeep Connect services. However, the low-contrast graphics made the display hard to read. The voice recognition system was average, and the wireless smartphone charger was optional.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than other Mercedes models, the menu structure was easy to learn. The augmented reality navigation system was helpful, and the off-road page provided detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but connectivity issues were noted. The GLE featured multiple USB-C ports for charging.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Trailhawk added active blind-spot monitoring and an intersection assist system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.