Mercedes-Benz is currently occupied with big-name EV introductions and shifting the corporate EV-nomenclature plan for the coming years. However, while the automaker’s plan to be an exclusively electric concern in 2030 is still dominating media attention, it has also quietly added its GLE class 450e plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) to the U.S. mid-size SUV lineup in 2024 without much fanfare.
This isn’t the first time that GLE has attempted plugs. For a few years, it has been GLE350e and GLE350e and GLE350de diesel PHEVs, as well as the gas-powered along with small GLC PHEV, were accessible to Europeans. Certain versions of the plug-ins were scheduled to be released prior to North American debuts, but there’s a rumor that European demand was so high that they’ve remained in a waiting pattern. As a consolation prize, the regular GLE450 is equipped with a hybrid system with 48 volts from 2020. However, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic was the initial GLE model to be sold in Europe that has a plug-in hybrid engine and a substantial electric range.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic Changes
It is believed that the GLE is the second most-loved model on Mercedes’s US lineup, following the smaller GLC and2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic will join the existing GLE350, GLE450, and GLE580 models, which are powered by turbocharged six- and four-cylinder and V-8 engine powertrains, respectively. In 2024, the 48-volt hybrid assist which was standard on GLE450 and GLE580 variants will be extended to the GLE350 model as well. AWD is standard on all models. The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 as well as GLE63 S variants are on the market and we’ve looked at these models separately.
For the powertrain of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic, the fossil fuel side of the equation is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can produce 248 horsepower as well as 295 pounds-feet of torque. The electric components comprise an 134-hp synchronous motor which offers an additional 325 pound-feet of torque. It draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack that has a usable capacity of 23.3 kWh. Tag team members are certified for 381 ponies in total and 479 pound-feet. This puts it in the middle of those of the GLE350 (255 horses, and 295 pounds) as well as GLE450 (255 horses and 295 pound-feet). GLE450 (375 horses as well as 369 pounds).
Mercedes estimates the time to reach 60 mph for the GLE450e as 5.8 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds faster than the GLE350’s 7.0-second estimate for GLE350. It’s also 0.5 seconds slower than the GLE450’s 5.3-second time. It’s tempting to envision this 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e PHEV as the baby step toward the future of electric vehicles or a placeholder for people who are skeptical about the promise of EV Babylon. It’s a given that it’s both of those things.
However, this GLE450e is also a PHEV with a full-baked design that can operate with seamless accuracy regardless of the environment, while also showcasing its passengers with the same luxurious manner and features similar to the rest of the GLE lineup. It’s quiet at any speed, in large part because of the unwavering determination that the software has to favor electric power in virtually all driving situations. In the city on the highway or in the rural two-lanes that make up the Smoky Mountains The GLE450e shows remarkable restraint and only dials in assistance from the internal combustion engine when needed. My driver and I were engaged in conversation at the length of time required and we were shocked when the four-cylinder started to rev up to help the dwindling battery.
Official EPA estimates for the range and fuel economy of the GLE450e are in the process of being finalized at the moment, and Benz officials were hesitant about the determination of a definitive range for the EV only. However, when we tested it the GLE450e had an apparent 43 miles in electric power when we urban and rural driving in a distinctly typical way of driving.
The fundamental GLE driving characteristics remain it is more compact and agile than the size of its footprint suggests while the riding is comfortable. The 21-inch AMG wheels, which are an element of AMG Line’s AMG Line appearance package, ensure that any road imperfections don’t go without being noticed. The electric motor allows for quick acceleration out of a stop at the smallest throttle input. entering the PHEV from a conventional GLE will require a bit of adjustment to avoid straying away from an intersection. It’s a rock that can be driven at or over highway speeds and it, like its sibling models has an electronically controlled 130 mph top speed.
The regenerative capabilities of the GLE450e have left us wanting some more precision on the brake pedal, and some more efficiency in the area of recharging. Manufacturers have been battling the pedal’s jittery feel and unsteady brake action since hybrids have been in use and the GLE450e is not without struggles. However, the amount of reclaimed energy, or the lack of it, that is determined by the indicator for battery status in the panel leaves us thinking about it. Similar to many hybrids and PHEVs regeneration happens when you brake or coast according to the software. Two different levels of regen can be selected through the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The first level provides mild regen while the other one boosts regeneration and brings the car to a standstill–pretty routine.
It’s important to note that we were unable to push the juice meter after a nearly 3500-foot drop down the mountain to around 761 feet over sea level. A sporadic observation, certainly but receiving an item worth “nothing” is a cheap hybrid thrill we’ve grown accustomed to. We’ll examine this idea more in-depth once we have a GLE450e to test on our own.
The GLE450e has an 11.0-kW AC and an onboard DC charger that is 60 kW however there is no official U.S.-specific charging information is yet available. In a way, it is a copycat of its European counterpart, which has the same 31.2-kWh capacity battery, we believe that the GLE450e will be able to charge between 20 and 80 percent in around 20 minutes with the 60-kW DC fast charger. Anyone looking to replenish a battery that is completely depleted should plan for up to 26 hours using an ordinary 120-volt outlet in the home or under four hours with the 7.0-kW Charger Level 2. We’re expecting Mercedes-Benz to provide the necessary figure shortly, closer to the time of launch.
Engine & Specs
The route towards the manufacturing plant forms the primary section of a journey that runs from Birmingham up to Atlanta. At the manufacturing facility, the car gets around 60% of its charge. The final total is 67 miles of electric range, spread across 234 miles. Most of us don’t travel that far in a day, so 39 miles across 42 miles is closer to the average commute. The 450e is charged in 2.5 hours with the 240-volt outlet and 60 kw with the DC fast charger. It will take around 10 minutes to charge from 20 to 10 percent.
Other powertrains that do not have charging ports typically transfer, but the majority of them have an equivocal boost. GLE 350 models get the identical 2.0-liter turbo-4 that’s in the 450e model, but the engine produces 255 horsepower however it’s assisted by a mild-hybrid system of 48 volts that could generate an additional 20 horsepower. Its GLE 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, which has been upgraded this year. It has 375 horsepower, which is compared to 362 hp on 2023 models, and it also features 20 hp of power from the 48-volt mild hybrid system. GLE 580 models feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 510 horsepower.
The AMG models are also back. For instance, the GLE 53 uses a 3.0-liter turbo-6 engine that produces 429 horsepower as well and its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 found in the GLE 63 turns up the power to 603 horsepower. Both AMGs as well as those with the GLE 580 get a 21-hp increase from their mild hybrid systems. The other changes tend to be cosmetic. The GLE’s design is revamped with a slightly altered chrome line that runs across the grille, new design elements for the intakes for the front, and new headlights’ internals. The taillights are also upgraded with new internals as well and three new patterns for standard 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are offered.
Infotainment System
Inside, the technology upgrade is much more robust. It’s still got a pair of 12.3-inch screens in one glass panel and now comes with the latest version of the company’s MBUX infotainment system, which improves its hardware as well as its software. The touchscreen on the center screen is simple to use and well laid out. The digital instrument cluster comes with Sporty, Classic, and Discreet display styles The IP’s central portion can display the navigation screen and also off-road, driver assistance system, and the vehicle’s service information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless. Additionally, the new steering wheel comes with touchscreen controls that can be used on the spokes for controlling both screens.
A transparent hood view of the vehicle is offered for off-roading. a camera-based trailer maneuvering assist feature allows you to manage the steering up to 3 miles per hour to steer a trailer in either direction. It is controlled via the central screen and utilized to precisely place the trailer. The new plug-in GLE excels in all of the ways we’ve become accustomed to from this top-of-the-line SUV. Four-corner air suspensions help in reducing body lean. Additionally, adaptive dampers ease bumps and help the GLE perform better than any vehicle of this size would. The interior is made of premium materials, and it is comfortable for both rear and front passengers.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic Price & Release Date
Pricing isn’t yet available for 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic however, it’s expected to start with the $50,000s upper end in it to be priced at the same level as GLE 350. The GLE 450e 4Matic is to be priced at or higher than the $60,000 upper cost for the GLE 450 4Matic. GLE 450 4Matic. With its big battery and robust motor The Mercedes-Benz 2024 GLE 450e is an excellent family-friendly vehicle that functions as an EV a lot more often than the majority of plug-in hybrids we’ve seen thus far. It’s a great method to reduce the cost of gas at the pump as well as provide plenty of power when coupled with the gas engine if required.
The cost, too, remains unanswered at the moment. We believe that the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e will cost about $76,000, or about $8K higher than the regular GLE450. This is significantly higher than the $56,595 cost of an entry-level Audi Q5 Premium PHEV (though it didn’t reach its estimated 23 miles of EV by the EPA in testing conducted by C/D).
In addition, the Benz is more refined in terms of the materials used inside. It is also more refined in terms of materials. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is also included, but it costs close to $90K and is estimated to have an EV range of just 17 miles. Its Volvo XC90 Recharge closely follows the design of the GLE450e and comes to just under $75,000 ($81K to get it to be called the Recharge Ultimate) which comes with an estimated 36 miles of electric range (29 miles during C/D testing).
The GLE’s biggest problem is the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e (which replaces the X5 45e xDrive). The X5 Drive50e costs $73,495 and boasts up to 40 miles of EV range with its 25.7-kWh battery. It’s almost like Munich and Stuttgart had the same focus group when they were developing. Similar to the majority of PHEVs it’s an enumeration game. When you consider that Benz’s electric EQE SUV boasts 253-275 miles of range at $79,050.
Buyers can choose to skip the PHEV altogether and opt to take the full EV plunge for a modest cost on top of the GLE450e. However when their needs require just 40-plus miles travel on an average day, the PHEV gives the option to keep the promise of EV with the safety of gas for longer journeys. The GLE450e is constructed along with the rest of the GLE range at Mercedes-Benz’s plant located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Expect the GLE450e to be available in U.S. showrooms late this summer.