2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic Coupe review

It’s easy to become a little confused over Mercedes models, and a good example is the differences between the two GLE 450s.

The SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has a ‘d’ suffix, and makes 270kW and 750Nm. A diesel then. Meantime, the Coupe version of the GLE 450 Coupe has no suffix after the 450 and the 280kW and 500Nm output strongly suggest petrol motivation.

The former is marginally more expensive, as diesels tend to be. Our GLE has gone up in price since launch of the facelift, and is now $174,500.

The GLE 450 is actually the entry point for the Coupe range, whereas you can buy a smaller diesel (198kW/550Nm) as an entry point to the SUV range.

And in both you can go larger too, in the form of the GLE 53 and Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S. Regardless of body style, these AMG variants have the same petrol powertrains and cost $209k-$265k, the Coupes being slightly more expensive in both cases.

And for 2024, each of these is updated. The changes mainly relate to the design, the infotainment system, drive systems and equipment.

Externally, the front and rear styling of both GLE SUV and Coupe are refreshed for a more modern look.

The outline still reminds of an Ankylosaur to me – remember those kids? – with the armour of the running boards, but my vision ain’t what it used to be. At the rear the tailpipes are faux, as is the fashion.

Inside, the multimedia system and multifunction steering wheel are upgraded to the latest generation of MBUX. And it clearly must work, the latter.

Because it is one of the few vehicles we’ve driven up north where the favourite radio stations don’t fade away once you pass over the Dome Valley summit.

Sure, there are a few times when the volume drops as the signal diminishes but overall you can listen to your favourite Auckland-based stations 100km north of there quite happily.

Odd, isn’t it, that in modern times radio waves can’t be beamed satisfactorily to any vehicle anywhere on the planet. While some cars have DAB radio, no-one (of note) broadcasts on that here.

Someone previously had set the Burmester Sound System with bass and treble on 10 with the midrange on zero. That makes even a high-end system like this come across as manky.

Most of any music is in the midrange, including voice. So turning the midrange right up and bass and treble right down made a vast improvement.

Then you can nudge up the bass and treble to how you like them, say three or four. And wow, what a system, even radio sounds fabulous.

The standard kit you get on the GLE 450 is higher now, and includes AMG Line (both exterior and interior), Night Package (blackened everything), Multibeam LED, self parking, MBUX, panoramic sunroof, head-up display and aluminium running boards.

The engine is a 3.0L twin-turbo IL6, so sounds smooth mainly. Anything’s better than diesel though. Its output is enhanced by a 15kW/200Nm 48v mild hybrid ISG system.

That gives it nice stop and go ability, the motor firing instantly, seamlessly from a standstill. M-B reckons on mean fuel use of around 9.5L/100km, and 11.0 in town, which seems on the money (right car 10.6L/100km).

There’s no EV capability here, but on motorway hotmix at 100km/h on cruise control we saw figures in the sevens during flat running. Reckon on 12s in town.

Despite its 2.24 tonne kerb weight, this can rattle its dags, managing an overtake in 3.7sec. But the weight is telling, its best stopping distance requiring over 38m from 100km/h.

So it’s surprising this elevated heffalump can handle as well as it does. The Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping helps.

Even on the everyday Comfort mode it can deal to tricky roads with a reasonable amount of poise, the huge tyre complement and AWD helping.

But the steering heft is ever present. It’s not a vehicle for the shy and retiring type. At 4780mm it’s somewhat shorter than suspected but it is a towering 1815mm high.

And you notice that when you have to step on up into the cabin. Hence the standard running boards for lesser individuals. Taller folk must watch they don’t scone their heads on the way in.

The heavily bolstered seats don’t make entry any easier. Its AMG wheels are impressive at 22 inches and are some of the easier to polish up. But they’re a bugger to clean because of their multispoke design.

Roomy this very much is, especially in the rear. There’s generous room for three, while activating the powered tailgate reveals a cavernous luggage bay capable of swallowing 650L of gear, or 1790L with the rear seats out of action.

And it’s no slouch on the towing front either, with figures of 750kg unbraked, 3500kg braked.

So, some glee here. If shopping for this you owe it to yourself to check out the similarly priced BMW X5 xDrive50e and likewise Audi Q8 60 TFSI e, both PHEVs.

This article first appeared in the October 2024 issue of NZ Autocar Magazine.