I am currently driving on Alabama Highway 20 at a speed of around 70 mph, in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic, and I just realized that the engine is not running. Upon checking the consumption display on the 12.3-inch center touchscreen, it revealed that the engine had only been on twice, accounting for less than a mile of the drive. The electric motor provided 39 of the 42 miles of propulsion by the time I reached my destination at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Tuscaloosa, with the engine kicking in after the 23.3-kwh battery ran out of juice.
The 450e is a plug-in hybrid with updated technology and it allows the luxury SUV to be driven as an EV far more often than most plug-in hybrids with small motors and small batteries that provide less than 30 miles of range. However, the GLE 450e has sufficient electric power to drive the vehicle in most instances and a fairly large battery to give it enough electric range for most commutes. The motor produces 134 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and teams with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 248 hp and 295 lb-ft on its own, for a total system output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft.
Moreover, the electric power is buttery smooth and silent, which contributes to a sense of calm—a definite plus for a luxury vehicle. The GLE 450e comes with a Battery Hold mode that maintains the battery’s level of charge if you need silent or emissions-free propulsion later in the trip, and a submenu has an Off-Road Electric Driving mode to use the precision of the electric power to help creep over low-speed off-road obstacles using just the electric motor.
The GLE 450e charges in 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet and at up to 60 kw on a DC fast charger, which takes about 10 minutes to go from 20-100%.Other powertrain options include the GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580 models that sport turbo and twin-turbo engines with mild-hybrid systems to enhance their overall performance.
The exterior features a revised nose with a slightly changed chrome line that bisects the grille, new details for the outer front air intakes, and new internals for the headlights. The taillights also have new internals, and three new patterns for the standard 19-inch and available 20-inch wheels are available. Inside, the tech upgrade is more substantial with the second generation of the brand’s MBUX infotainment system that improves both its hardware and software.
The new plug-in GLE boasts a four-corner air suspension that helps it counteract body lean, adaptive dampers that smooth over bumps and help make the GLE handle better than a vehicle of this size should. Assembled from high-quality materials, the interior is comfortable for the front and rear seat occupants.
Pricing for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is yet to be confirmed, but the GLE 350 should start in the upper $50,000s, while the GLE 450e 4Matic is expected to be at, or above, the upper $60,000 price tag for the current GLE 450 4Matic. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is a great family hauler that can act like an EV more often than most of the plug-in hybrids.
I have to say that I am really enjoying my new GLE 450e. The electric motor is so smooth and silent and the overall performance of the vehicle is great. I love the fact that I can charge it in just 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet and that it has a range of up to 60 miles on a full charge. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great family hauler that can act like an EV more often than most of the plug-in hybrids.
I think the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is a great family hauler that can act like an EV more often than most of the plug-in hybrids. I like the fact that it has a large battery that gives it enough electric range for most commutes. I think the motor produces 134 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and teams with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 248 hp and 295 lb-ft on its own, for a total system output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft.
I think the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is a great car. It’s really comfortable and has a lot of features that are perfect for a family. I like the fact that it’s a plug-in hybrid and that it can be driven as an EV more often than most other hybrids. I think the price is fair for what you get.