2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic Review: Plug-In Parity

“I’d buy the electrified option, if only it were more affordable.”

We’ve heard it before. We’ve seen it, too: there are a lot of great EVs out there, but they tend to come with five figures’ worth of added up-front cost compared to a similarly-sized gasser. Plug-in hybrids offer a great toe-dip approach to electrification, but even they tend to have price premiums.

For 2024, Mercedes is wiping out that well-worn line of reasoning. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic rings up at exactly the same price as its gas-only* sibling. Boasting a lengthy all-electric range and swishy ride comfort, the latest electrified GLE is an impressive mid-sized SUV—but one competitor makes it a tough sell.

* The GLE 450 is a mild hybrid for 2024.

The entire GLE lineup saw a facelift for 2024, but unless your name is Dieter and you live in Stuttgart, it’s unlikely you’ll notice the differences. The obligatory LED daytime running light (DRL) changes are here, both in the headlights and taillights. A new grille treatment sees some notches in the main metal spar, and a repeating tri-point star pattern which falls on just the ride side of classy, at least to these eyes. The characteristic reverse-rake, body-color C-pillar continues to mark the GLE out, a bit of retained DNA from the original ML.

Sitting behind that redesigned grille is Merc’s near-ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder; not the silky-smooth 3.0-liter inline-six in the non-e 450. Trading the two cylinders nets buyers an electric motor assist. The e-motor makes 134 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque; the inline-four, 248 hp and 295 lb-ft. The combined figures are 381 hp and 479 lb-ft; favorable figures against the GLE 450’s 375 and 369, respectively. As the name suggests, this is an AWD affair, using Merc's common nine-speed automatic transmission.

Not so favorable: the curb weight. The 450e packs on the pounds, tipping the scales at 5,838 pounds (2,648 kilograms), or 668 lb (303 kg) chunkier than the regular 450. The dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) is thus a half-second slower, though 6.1 seconds still feels plenty quick in something this size. The reason for the weight gain is the sizable 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

That ample capacity affords the GLE 450e with serious range. Officially it’ll do 48 miles (77 kilometers) without needing to spend a drop of dino juice. In the real world the distance is even further. I couldn’t get a clean, uninterrupted EV run in, but the evidence suggested a 10-percent improvement on the official quote, and that’s in the early weeks of winter on the associated rubber.

All the while, the GLE is a wafter through and through. Don’t let the optional AMG exterior styling pack fool you: this is an SUV happiest at a cruise. While the frankly oversized rubber (315s at the rear!) does make for considerable rumble, the well-damped air suspension irons out tarmac-level irregularities. The steering is light and accurate, while the brake pedal is progressive and confidence inspiring, without the odd, inconsistent weighting of Merc’s all-electric offerings.

Since I don’t have access to a charger at home, I got to know the GLE 450e functioning essentially as a standard hybrid. It still worked well, with lots of instant-access torque and quick spurts of gasless progress. The EPA doesn’t have efficiency ratings for the 450e, but Canada’s NRCAN does: a combined 9.9 L/100 km (24 mpg), split between 10.5 and 9.1 L/100 km (22 and 26 mpg) city and highway, respectively. I wish there were a drive mode to recharge the battery some useful amount, a la BMW X5, however.

Speaking of charging, the Merc’s major advantage is the ability to use DC fast chargers. Not this tester, mind you: for reasons unknown, Merc charges an extra couple hundred to unlock the ability: the bottom portion of the plug is simply covered up. Cough up the cash and, at 60 kW of max rate, the GLE 450e can do 10-to-80-percent state of charge in 20 minutes. A Level 2 9.6-kW source will get a full charge done in 2.75 hours.

As is the case outside, the cabin changes are minimal in the GLE 450e. That’s fine: this remains a smart, classically laid out interior. Material quality is top-notch, and avoids the over-reliance on metallic-finish plastic that has infected other Merc models as of late. The cream-colored seats (sorry, Macchiato) offer a wide range of adjustments and plenty of support. There is an optional massage function, though it's absent here. Knowing its audience, Mercedes Canada did opt for the extended heating, which includes the armrests and center console. Space is good for five, though the front seats can feel tight due to the wide center console and its chunky grab handles.

There is once again a pair of 12.3-inch screens tucked inside one pane of glass atop the dashboard. It runs a newer iteration of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface, which remains a solid choice thanks to big, clear icons and quick response times. There's plenty of customization available too, including for the instrument cluster, which offers up multiple themes as well as central information options. Operating all of this, as well as the head-up display, is done through a small, touch-sensitive pad on the left wheel spoke. It's generally accurate, though I do find the occasional backtrack minorly annoying. This happens on the right pad too—for the central screen—typically manifesting by pausing a track instead of skipping.

Similarly, touch-sensitive sliders handle both volume and the cruise control. Relying on about an inch's worth of travel and a driver's digits while on the move is a recipe for mild frustration. At least there are other ways to adjust the volume...

On the safety front, Mercedes will fit just about everything it has on the GLE 450e ... but most require an extra checkbox. Standard kit includes automated emergency braking, driver attention assist, and a 360-degree camera.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e starts from $70,650 including destination (or $90,100 CAD without). As mentioned, the gas-only GLE 450 lists for the same price, and offers many of the same options. One important difference: like the BMW X5, opting for the plug means locking out the option for a third row. This Canadian-spec tester saw a restrained trip down Options Lane, ringing in at $102,630 CAD. The closest equivalent selection of options in the US ends with a final tally of $85,790.

Speaking of the Bavarian, the X5 xDrive50e is the GLE PHEV’s toughest competitor. The trim kicks off at basically the same price as the GLE, but offers up a much more powerful powertrain with nearly the same (official) electric range. Sure, the BMW is slightly thirstier, but it’s also more engaging. If you desire a bit more S in your SUV, don’t sleep on the BMW.

At your friendly neighborhood Mercedes dealer, the 2024 GLE 450e 4Matic makes one convincing argument. Even Merc’s smooth inline-six can’t match the calm of electric mobility, and for the exact same starting price, the 450e will start saving buyers money from day one. It is a great all-round package and one of the most complete models Mercedes currently makes. There are other plug-ins out there offering their own particular strengths and weaknesses; if you value electric-only range and need the ability to fast-charge from time to time, the GLE 450e deserves a long, hard look.

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