The 2024 GLE 450e starts at $69,500, meaning it is the exact same price as the GLE 450 with its less powerful inline-six. Of course, the GLE 450 is quicker, but it makes less power and torque, and it doesn’t have the ability to drive on electric power alone with its mild-hybrid setup. This is one of the few occasions where there is no price penalty for choosing the PHEV.
Mercedes’ closest competitor for the GLE PHEV is the BMW X5 PHEV, which starts at $72,500. It packs an inline-six under the hood with a combined 483 hp, hitting 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds (1.2 seconds quicker than the GLE PHEV). It’s range is pretty comparable, too with an EPA-rated 39 miles to a charge, though it can not DC fast-charge. With options, our tester rang out to $86,770, meaning it’s in the same general price range as the BMW.
We haven’t driven the BMW yet, but the GLE 450e makes a strong case for being the ultimate GLE and a strong PHEV. It seems like the smarter option over the GLE 450 for the same price, and if you can charge at home or at work, it’s a no brainer. This is a great stop-gap for customers who want to dip a toe into electric vehicle ownership.