2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE-Class Review, Price and Specifications

Posted on

Summary

With up to 603 horsepower, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE class takes the regular Benz-branded GLE class (reviewed separately) and lights the fire underneath. Available in both traditional and sporty coupe-like squareback body styles, the AMG-tuned GLE53 and GLE63 S bring a bevy of horsepower to an already luxurious mid-size SUV. The GLE53 gets a very refined 429-hp turbocharged inline-six, while the GLE63 S features an almighty 603-hp twin-turbo V-8. Both powertrains pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Both coupe versions sacrifice some cargo space, but they don’t take away from the GLE’s relaxed ride and tech-laden cabin. Every 2023 GLE comes with a panoramic electric sliding sunroof, heated front seats and an automatic high beam. Hidden between its blend of luxury and performance is an impressive 7700-pound towing capability, making the AMG-badged GLE class capable of hauling more than mules.

What’s New for 2024?

For 2024, the GLE53 and GLE63 S get a bit of a polish thanks to a mid-cycle refresh. The GLE53 gets a new front bumper, giving it a more GLE63 S-like appearance. Both models get revised LED daytime running lights and taillights. Mercedes also added two new paint options, Alpine Gray and Twilight Blue metallic. A new 22-inch forged wheel design is now standard on the GLE63 S coupe; it is optional on other models. Plus, Mercedes says the turbo six has more torque meant to provide faster acceleration.

Price and Which One to Buy

$80,000 (estimated)

GLE63 S

$124,000 (estimated)

We’ll save money and stick with the more conventional, boxier GLE-class SUVs. Polar Black and White is the only no-cost paint option, and we’ll be pairing more sinister colors with the AMG Night package which includes blacked-out exterior trim. The flaming three-pointed star emblem is a neat choice. An optional heated steering wheel keeps our hands warm, and the Acoustic Comfort package helps keep the cabin more isolated from outside noise. The Multicontour front seats with massage and quick warm-up functions are also a must-have. Soft-close doors and a four-zone climate system complete our selection.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The GLE53 has a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine is equipped with an electric supercharger powered by a 48-volt electrical system. Combined with the GLE53 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the SUV’s powertrain produces 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That setup helps eject early We tested the GLE53 Coupe to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 103 mph. Compare with the Benz brand We tested the 362-hp GLE450, which do the deed in 5.3 seconds and 13.9 seconds respectively at 100 mph. That GLE63 S producing 603 horses with the twin-turbo V-8. The GLE53 also features a suspension trick it consists of an air-bag system combined with an active anti-roll bar which is said to provide the ability to carve corners without compromising ride quality. The GLE53 coupe we drove felt smooth even on bumpy roads. Switching the driving mode to Sport or Sport Plus makes the suspension stiff enough to help keep the heavy family hauler steady when the pavement is circular.

Crane Capacity

The AMG-badged GLE class makes for a powerful trailering tool, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It’s right up there with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo. It’s also as much as the average mid-size pickup truck.

Real World Fuel and MPG Savings

In terms of fuel economy, the GLE53 is rated as high as 18 mpg city and 22 highway—the coupe version sees both estimates drop 1 mpg. Meanwhile, the GLE63 S is thirstier, with a city rating of 15 mpg and a highway rating of up to 20 mpg. On our 75 mph fuel-efficient route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a GLE53 coupe produces an impressive 26 mpg. We haven’t tested the GLE63 S yet. For more information on the GLE’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

Inside, two giant digital displays dominate the dashboard of every GLE class. The interior environment is sportier than that of the standard Benz model, as the AMG version comes with sports seats with red contrast stitching, a sports steering wheel, red seat belts and aluminum accents. The cabin is also spacious, even in the back seat. The third row of seats is optional with the SUV’s squareback body style. The GLE53 offers the same cargo space as the GLE450, meaning it has room for 11 hand luggage behind the second row of seats and, with rear seat storage, space for up to 26 suitcases. However, the GLE53 coupe’s sloping roofline results in a loss of 5 cubic feet of cargo space, and that area accommodates two fewer suitcases with all seats installed and five fewer with rear row storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Twin 12.3-inch infotainment screens dominate the dashboard of the GLE and, like in the smaller Benz-branded GLE class, the AMG models support the latest. MBUX software interface. The driver and front seat passengers can interact with the system via a touch screen, a controller mounted on the center console, or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes” and then giving a voice command. We’ve found the system to be a bit clunky to use, but owners will have to adjust after a few weeks behind the wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as is Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Each model offers a myriad driver assistance featuresincluding Level 2 driving assistance. For more information on GLE crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

  • Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
  • There is adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
  • Lane departure warning and lane maintenance assistance are available

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-AMG’s standard warranty policy is nothing special. Also, they don’t offer free scheduled maintenance, unlike BMW and Audiboth of which offer such advantages.

  • The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  • The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  • No free scheduled maintenance

Specification

Specification

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S

TRANSPORTATION TYPE
front engine, all wheel drive, 5 passenger carriage, 4 doors

PRICE ACCORDING TO THE TEST
$134,235 (base price: $114,945)

MACHINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Transfer
243 in33982 cm3

Power
603 hp @ 6500 rpm

torque
627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arm/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 16.0-in vented, cross-bored, grooved disc/14.6-in vented, cross-bored, grooved disc
Tires: Yokohama Advan Sport V107, F: 285/40R-22 110Y MO1 R: 325/35R-22 114Y MO1

SIZE
Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Length: 195.0 inches
Width: 79.4 inches
Height: 70.2 inches
Passenger volume: 111 feet3
Cargo volume: 33 feet3
Curb weight: 5568 lb

CD TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.4 seconds
100 mph: 8.5 seconds
130 mph: 15.0 sec
150 mph: 22.1 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4 mile: 11.9 seconds @ 117 mph
Top speed (mfr claims): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 321 ft
Roadblock, 300 ft diameter skidpad: 0.91 g

The standing-start acceleration time eliminates a 1-foot launch from 0.2 seconds.

CD FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
Driving on the highway 75 mph: 22 mpg
Highway range: 490 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMICS (CD EST)
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/20 mpg

More Features and Specifications

Leave a Reply