2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk trim featured sky blue exterior detailing and a matte-black hood decal, emphasizing its rugged off-road capabilities. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with an abundance of plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall design leaned more towards style than substance. The steering wheel controls were a highlight, offering ease of use, while the rest of the interior struggled with practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system added extra power when needed, contributing to a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, making the GLE feel nimble and composed in urban settings. The SUV excelled in Sport+ mode, showcasing its performance capabilities on challenging roads.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Trailhawk trim boasted a 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain technology, offering impressive off-roading capabilities. However, the plug-in hybrid's performance fell short of expectations, with an all-electric range of 34 kilometres and a fuel consumption of 14.6 L/100 km. The Trailhawk excelled off-road but struggled with drivetrain power delivery and handling during daily driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered front seats provided comfort and support, while the back seat offered ample legroom. The cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, as well as a four-zone automatic climate control system.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk struggled with practical storage and cargo space, offering 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, but comfort was lacking. The front seats were firm and flat, while the rear seats offered limited legroom. The power liftgate provided access to the cargo area, but overall space was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a range of standard features, including navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and optional upgrades like a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented video navigation.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk offered up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Uconnect 5 technology provided wireless smartphone integration and Jeep Connect services. However, the graphics and voice recognition system were average, and the optional wireless charger was not standard on all trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional systems, enhancing driver assistance and collision avoidance. The GLE's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results for the Coupe were unavailable.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe version.