Thinking of getting 2024 GLE450e
Have a few questions
1. Is the V4 2L ICE seriously enough or is it under powered considering the additional weight of the PHEV battery
2. Are there any commonly occurring issues specific to the 450e
3. Any guesses on long term maintenance cost with the 450e

 

I've been driving my 450e now for 6 months. Prior to that I drove a AMG GLE43 for 5 years; its V6 and dual superchargers provided all the of acceleration and torque that I ever found useful or needed (primarily for passing and merging.) Prior to that I had a GL320 CDI diesel which did everything that I ever wanted it to do. All were equipped with towing packages that I seldom used or needed so I can't meaningfully report on performance under sustained towing.

All of these models including the 450e (which seamlessly uses the electrical motor on demand to supplement torque and acceleration when needed) have performed equally well for me in a variety of traffic and terrain conditions... quick and responsive. Overall, I experienced little practical, meaningful performance differences to me between the vehicles. None lacked adequate performance when needed and the accelerator was depressed.

Of the 3 power options which I've driven I much prefer the 450e all electric mode in slow, stop and go typical urban traffic. The almost instant snappy power response and the regenerative braking performance are a real plus in my opinion. It's also very quiet ride (almost peaceful).

I find the extra weight of the battery to be a plus in smoothing out the ride over less than ideal roads. The standard 450e suspension seems to be well tuned for the additional weight; it tracks well without any over or understeer compensation needed. I don't have the air suspension on my 450E but I like its overall ride and driving performance better than my two previous GLE models that did have have air suspension.

I've had no issues at all with my 450e. Other have had a few which are reported elsewhere in this forum.

My guess is that the overall maintenance cost for the 450e over 5 years will be about the same as it would be for a gasoline powered model. For a variety of reasons I think it will have more market deprecation then would a similar gasoline powered model traded at that point but if you're going to continue to drive it maybe not over its lifetime. If that's a problem my suggestion is don't just buy a Mercedes.

 

i have owned my 2024 GLE 450e for 3 months. My prev car was a 2020 GLE 450. My GLE 450e is comparable to the 2020 gas model in acceleration with very few differences. I use the electric mode most of the time and have added gas only once when on a 4hr trip. My model also does not have airmatic shocks (2020 GLE did have the air shocks). Like the 2024 ride better (coil springs)

Agree with the 2nd post on this series who compared other Mercedes models. His comparison is in line with my observations. My only issue is that there is no mode to charge the 50mile battery with the gas engine (only charges with brakes recuperation)

 

Thanks for the feedback.
Having driven an earlier GLE450 I was concerned with the tinny V4 2L engine of the 450e with the added weight etc. But you seem to be happy with it.
I think 450e is definitely for people who mostly for short trips etc as after 50 miles its totally the V4 2L engine without any support from the Battery. meanwhile the 450 has mild hybrid function and its V6 3L engine gets boost from the much smaller battery with the integrated starter generator throughout the trip.

But if you say it’s good i have no reason to disbelieve. It’s helpful while i decide between the 2024 GLE450 vs 450e

 

This is an interesting opinion. Can you please provide us more info on why you prefer the coils vs airmatic? It's not exactly an apple to apple comparison since the 450e has 700lbs more curb weight vs the 450 but interested to hear more details nonetheless.

 

comparing a 2020 GLE 450 with aromatic vs 2024 GLE450e with coli springs. Like the coil spring better-seems more solid. My 2020 with aromatic ride was good but seemed to float vice sold road feel. I think its a personal preference vice a factual

 

I agree with this observation having driven airmatic suspension models for more than 10 years. If Mercedes built a tank it would probably feel like this when cruising 😁 In my opinion the extra weight with the low center of gravity results in a very solid, stable ride that the springs handle well.