Mercedes-Benz has added the 2024 GLE450e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to its lineup, quietly slipping it in without much fanfare. This is not the GLE’s first venture into the world of plug-ins, as European markets have had access to the GLE350e and GLE350de PHEVs for a few years now. However, strong demand in Europe kept these models from being introduced in North America until now. The 2024 GLE450e is the first GLE model in the US to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a significant electric range.
The GLE450e joins the GLE350, GLE450, and GLE580 models in Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size SUV lineup. All models come with all-wheel drive, and for 2024, the 48-volt hybrid-assist system previously exclusive to the GLE450 and GLE580 is now available on the GLE350 as well. The GLE450e stands out with its powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 134-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they produce a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, making the GLE450e more powerful than the GLE350 (255 hp and 295 lb-ft) and the GLE450 (375 hp and 369 lb-ft).
In terms of performance, the GLE450e impresses with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, beating Mercedes-Benz’s own estimate. It offers a commendable electric range, covering 53 miles during a 75-mph highway range test, which is slightly better than the EPA-estimated 48 miles. In terms of driving dynamics, the GLE450e retains the agility and ride comfort of its non-hybrid counterparts. It feels smaller and more agile than its weight suggests, and the ride quality is cushy.
However, there are some areas where the GLE450e falls short. The brake-pedal feel could be improved, and the recharging capabilities leave something to be desired. While the GLE450e offers regenerative braking and two regen levels selectable via shift paddles, it required 176 feet to come to a stop from 70 mph during panic braking. Additionally, during a descent down a mountain, the GLE450e didn’t regenerate as much energy as expected, leaving us questioning its recharging efficiency.
In terms of pricing, the GLE450e starts at $70,650, making it more expensive than the base Audi Q5 Premium PHEV but offering a more polished interior. Other competitors in the PHEV SUV segment include the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Volvo XC90 Recharge, but they come with higher price tags and lower EV ranges. The closest competitor to the GLE450e is the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e, which starts at $73,495 and offers up to 40 miles of EV range.
Ultimately, the decision to go for the GLE450e or a fully electric SUV like the Mercedes-Benz EQE depends on individual needs and preferences. If daily driving distances are within the GLE450e’s electric range, it offers the best of both worlds with the ability to live the EV promise while still providing a gas-powered safety net for longer trips. However, for those who want a longer electric range and are willing to pay a bit more, the fully electric EQE SUV may be a more enticing option.