2024 Mercedes GLE Plug-in Hybrid is a go for the U.S.! [Update]

Update: ‘Price & Release date’ section updated.

Four years after introducing the W167 GLE, Mercedes-Benz has given the SUV a facelift for the 2024 model year. With the mid-cycle refresh, the company has extended the availability of plug-in hybrid technology to the U.S. Here’s what we know, and what you can expect in the 2024 Mercedes GLE Plug-in Hybrid.

Design

The 2024 Mercedes GLE features new designs for the radiator grille and bumpers, varying as per the configuration. It includes Changes have been made to the design of the LED headlights & their DRLs for a more sophisticated look.

As expected, the 2024 Mercedes GLE features subtle design changes. The facelifted SUV has a new front bumper, new horizontal louvers with chrome inserts running through the radiator grille, new fins on the outer air intakes, and revised headlamps featuring four light points each.

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the simulated underride guard of the GLE and changed its tail lamp graphics with this update. Moreover, the company has introduced three new colors – Twilight Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Alpine Grey. Another new paid option is ambient lighting with an animated projection of the signature star pattern to welcome.

The 2024 GLE PHEV will be available with seven types of wheels, four of which will have a new design, in 19-, 20-, and 21-inch sizes:

1. 27R – 19″ 10-Spoke Wheels (New)
2. 30R – 20″ Twin 5-Spoke Wheels (New)
3. 60R – 20” 10-Spoke Wheels (New)
4. RZV – 20” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
5. RZW – 20” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels w/ Black Accents
6. RWA – 21” AMG Multispoke Wheels
7. RYA – 21” AMG 5-Spoke Wheels w/ Black Accents (New)

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Mercedes GLE looks mostly the same as that of the outgoing model. However, there are some changes here. Firstly, there’s a new-generation MBUX that makes the new SUV even more digital and intelligent. This is the second-gen version of Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment system, first seen in the 223-series S-Class in 2020.

Mercedes-Benz says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the GLE are now available wirelessly. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant performs is more interactive and learn-capable. Additionally, certain voice commands, like taking a phone call, for instance, don’t need the “Hey Mercedes” prompt. The second-gen MBUX system supports over-the-air software updates.

Also new in the 2024 GLE is the steering wheel with touch-control buttons. Chrome finish on the center and side air vents, Catalana Beige/Black and Bahia Brown/Black interior colorways, Brown Linden and Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines trim options, etc. are among other key interior updates for the GLE.

Mercedes-Benz has improved the GLE’s surround sensors, and as a result, the parking systems perform better. Steering Assist now stays on in towing mode, even when cornering lightly. Also new in the towing aspect is a Trailer Route Planner for the navigation system.

Note: Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal which of the aforementioned changes will be applicable to the plug-in hybrid variant. This section will be revised when the local subsidiary releases new info.

Specifications

Performance

The 2024 Mercedes GLE Plug-in Hybrid comes in a new 450 e 4MATIC gasoline-electric variant (also called 400 e 4MATIC in some markets), which is a replacement for the 350 e 4MATIC gasoline-electric variant, and a carried-over 350 de 4MATIC diesel-electric variant. Only the 450 e 4MATIC is headed to the U.S. market.

The 2024 Mercedes GLE 450 e 4MATIC combines a 2.0-liter engine, most likely the M 264 unit, with a permanently excited synchronous motor. The result of this combination is 381 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Thanks to an Off-Road drive mode, it’s possible to shut off the engine and drive quietly on off-road terrain.

Charging and range

A 23.3 kWh (net) battery pack supplies energy to the motor, and Mercedes-Benz expects it to allow an EPA-est. electric range of 40 miles. An 11 kW AC on-board charger is standard, and it’s possible to charge with direct current as well, at up to 60 kW, but optionally. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz says charging the battery pack at a DC fast-charging station takes just 20 minutes. We expect the same DC fast-charging time in the U.S.

Aspect	Mercedes GLE 450 e 4MATIC Specification
Engine Displacement	1,999 cc
Engine Power	248 hp
Engine Torque	295 lb.-ft.
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Electric Motor Power	134 hp
Electric Motor Torque	325 lb.-ft.
System Power	381 hp
System Torque	479 lb.-ft.
Battery Pack Capacity	23.3 kWh
Acceleration 0-60 mph	5.8 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph
Max. Charging Power	11 kW (AC)/60 kW (DC)
Electric Range	TBA (40 miles officially expected but pending confirmation)

Price & Release date

The 2024 Mercedes GLE mild-hybrid has started arriving at U.S. dealerships, and the media has also test driven the 2024 Mercedes GLE plug-in hybrid recently. Thus, the latter should soon reach dealer forecourts in the coming weeks. The GLE 450 e plug-in hybrid’s starting price is the same as that of the GLE 450 mild-hybrid – USD 69,500 (excl. USD 1,150 destination and delivery).

Mercedes-Benz will likely sell the 2024 GLE PHEV in Premium (Standard), Exclusive, and Pinnacle trims. It has confirmed Black, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Cirrus Silver, Emerald Green, Twilight Blue, Selenite Grey, MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Metallic, MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic, and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey as the color options.

Sales in the U.S.

The GLE, including the GLE Coupe, was the second-best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the U.S. in 2022. YoY sales fell 3.1%, from 65,074 units to 63,050 units, in what was an unpredictable year for the auto industry.

In Q1 2023, the GLE was Mercedes-Benz’s top model series in the U.S. However, with 15,910 units delivered, sales were 0.5% lower compared to the January-March 2022 period. The GLE family is manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

TopElectricSUV says

Mercedes-Benz is committed to offering customers updated vehicles, regardless of the powertrain. The launch of the refreshed Mercedes GLE alongside the Mercedes EQE SUV is part of this commitment. By offering both types of vehicles, Mercedes-Benz can remain relevant to all markets and customers irrespective of the rate of EV adoption.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been able to work on the GLE’s downside of a cramped third row with the mid-life update, but the company has made it eco-friendly in the U.S. by introducing a plug-in hybrid system with a promising pure-electric range.

Like the Mercedes GLE, the BMW X5 PHEV and Porsche Cayenne PHEV have just received a facelift, so it’ll be an interesting rivalry in the executive SUV segment in the coming months. Now, Audi’s Q7 and Volvo Cars’ XC90 remain the only European models in the segment that haven’t been refreshed or redesigned for a long time.

2024 Mercedes GLE (facelift) FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group