The addition of a plug-in hybrid now means the entire GLE range is electrified.
New updates to the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE bring the expected cosmetic changes, but under the skin there are larger changes. A new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant joins the lineup for this midsize luxury SUV, which makes the entire GLE range electrified in one way or another. Other substantive improvements make life a little easier for owners, including improved trailering convenience features and more torque courtesy of a revised turbo for the quickest AMG versions.
Fresh Looks
The freshly sculpted GLE gets a revised grille with two new horizontal chrome inserts, along with a new horizontal chrome accent on the side air intakes. The daytime running lights have been tweaked to resemble a “flare” with two converging points in each light, and the taillights have also been redesigned into two horizontal blocks. The brush guard has been tweaked, two new alloy wheels in 19- and 20-inch sizes have been introduced, and there are two new paint shades: Twilight Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Alpine Grey.
The AMG Line exterior, which makes the GLE look more AMG without being a true AMG model, is standard on the 580 4Matic and optional on the other GLE trims. It comes with a diamond grille, an AMG-designed front clip, AMG side sills, wheel arches in body color, and a rear AMG diffuser. The AMG Line also comes with a 21-inch wheel design.
Inside, the 2024 GLE cops some details from the GLS and S-Class models, with a new steering wheel featuring new horizontal spokes with touch sensor surfaces, which control both the driver and central displays now featuring the second-generation of Mercedes’ MBUX user-interface system with over-the-air updates. The air vents get the same chrome finish from the GLS, and there are new beige over black and brown over black interior colorways to be optioned. The GLE also now gets a similar configurable interior lighting setup as that found on the S-Class.
The GLE also improves its trailering abilities, with a trailer route planner that helps you navigate a set course based on the type of trailer you are towing, as well as improved Trailer Maneuvering Assist, and Trailer Steering Assist.
Plug-In Hybrid
Along with the carry-over 48-volt mild hybrid GLE trims, the 2024 model year adds a new plug-in model dubbed the 400e 4Matic. This now means that the entire GLE range is electrified. The new 400e 4Matic is good for 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It’s unclear how many miles of EV-only range it has as of yet. Mercedes says it’ll come with an 11 kW AC on-board charger but a 60 kW DC charger is available.
AMG GLE 53 + 63
AMG models of the GLE get updates as well, including redesigned LED DRLs, new jet-inspired side intakes, and a few more tweaks that bring the AMG 53 closer to looking like the range-topping GLE 63 S models. That also includes revised taillights, and now the AMG badge on the hood of the car, which will follow on all future AMG models. Available on all but standard on the GLE 63 S is a new 22-inch 10-twin-spoke forged wheel design.
The interior gets new upholstery, either Bahia Brown over black or Macchiato Beige over black, with high-gloss brown wood or piano black trim elements. Standard equipment has expanded this year to include a panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive high beam lighting assist, a Burmester surround sound system, AMG Performance exhaust, augmented reality navigation, and the parking assist pack. Optionally, the steering wheel can be heated and had in a carbon fiber design finish.
The GLE 63 S and S Coupe are now standard with the Air Balance package, multi-contour front seats, AMG logo projector, interior voice assistant, and a head-up display. Under the hood, the 3.0-liter I-6 engine is good for 429 horsepower and max torque increases to 413 lb-ft from 384 lb-ft with the help of a new turbocharger. It can now get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds instead of 5.2, utilizing the SUV’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
The GLE 63 S features a 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine with 603 hp and the electronic rear limited-slip differential and suspension control systems have been fine tuned. Mercedes says the new AMG models will go into production by the end of this year.
