Good update for Mercedes-Benz GLE 2024
It will be four years soon Mercedes Benz presented GL generation in our market, a model that remains very profitable for the manufacturer. On average, Mercedes-Benz sells more than 60,000 in Canada and the United States combined. Despite declining sales for all manufacturers in 2022, the GLE continues to sell very well overall. That’s why we’re giving it a good update for 2024 to keep it consumer-friendly, but also to better fit in with the rest of the lineup.
This is a classic mid-term update in the sense that it mainly affects the aesthetics, the cabin and the technology on board. However, the manufacturer takes the opportunity to review some technical details.
Stronger than ever thanks to hybridization
For example, if all its engines are the same, they now offer mild hybridization at 48 volts, a technology not offered in the 4-cylinder variant. Both powertrains in the non-AMG range get a slight increase in power and torque.
Therefore, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC is still powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Its output remains unchanged at 255 horsepower, but torque is up from 273 to 295 lb-ft. However, when the mild hybridization (called EQ Boost) is briefly engaged, power is 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
As for the GLE 450 4MATIC, the turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder offers 375 hp instead of 362 hp, and torque remains at 369 lb-ft. However, with the EQ Boost system temporarily engaged, this SUV increases to 395 hp and 517 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, the AMG 53 and 63 S 4MATIC+ performance variants remain in the game, but without technical changes. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder (AMG 53) still produces 429 hp (+22 hp with the addition of hybridization) and 413 lb-ft (+148 lb-ft). The AMG 63 S, meanwhile, is still powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 603 horsepower (+22 hp) and 627 lb-ft (+185 lb-ft) of torque.
These versions are always offered in coupe form. All engines of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2024 are connected to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The GLE’s maximum towing capacity is always rated at 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds).
Design update, several new features on board
If the aesthetic revisions of this new GLE seem shy, they fit in a little better with the manufacturer’s latest C, E and S sedans, not to mention its latest family of electric vehicles, the EQ. The headlight units include a new LED lighting configuration. The bumper and grille are more prominent, the back is the same story. New wheels and body paint complete the package.
Especially in terms of the MBUX multimedia interface, we see the most obvious changes in the passenger compartment. If the old GLE was among the first cars from the manufacturer to offer this very revolutionary interface at the time, it had to be modernized to keep up with the parade. However, Mercedes-Benz is updating the entire user interface as well as the multimedia system while keeping the presentation intact. In other words, we’re not yet going for the vertical shelf found in, say, the C-Class.
According to the manufacturer, the simplification of commands and the improvement of the “Hello Mercedes” voice recognition system make it easier to use the system. The integration of artificial intelligence allows this system to learn more about the owner while updating itself remotely, even installing new programs on the system according to the user’s needs. Mercedes also took the opportunity to tweak the interior design a bit to keep the product up to date with the latest trends in luxury cars. There’s also the automaker’s new steering wheel that incorporates the car’s physical configuration buttons.
According to Mercedes-Benz Canada, the 2024 GLE will arrive at dealers across the country in late spring. Its prices will be announced shortly before its commercialization. Until then, RPM will try to get a copy from us to give you our impressions.
