2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

In Canada, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup offered five trim levels, starting with the base model and moving up to the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $72,395, with the Summit Reserve reaching $91,490 before options. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group III, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to approximately $85,000, including destination charges. Despite its high cost, the Grand Cherokee 4xe did not qualify for Canada's EV sales incentives. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery were commendable, the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance, with controls that were difficult to read and access.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, on the other hand, exuded a soft sensuality in its design, which, while bordering on boring, aged well. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and lustrous paint. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a Bahia Brown over Black interior colour scheme with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, Acoustic Comfort Package, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather covering the dashboard and door panels. The second-row captain’s chairs were a no-charge option, and the GLS 450 started at $116,100 in Canada.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission with an integrated 100-kilowatt electric motor. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The Trailhawk came with a standard four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension. Despite its impressive off-roading capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe fell short in terms of fuel economy, with an estimated 42 kilometres of all-electric range and 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. During testing, the vehicle only managed 34 kilometres of electric range and averaged 14.6 L/100 km in Auto mode. The Trailhawk excelled off-road but struggled with unrefined engine sounds, uneven power delivery, and body lean during daily driving.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offered a smooth and powerful driving experience with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 450 accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, aided by a mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator. A nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provided seamless power delivery. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and an official fuel economy rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it consumed 11.8 L/100 km. The GLS 450 offered a sublime driving experience, with adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributing to its athleticism. The brakes performed admirably, and the Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view of the terrain.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space due to its off-roading hardware and upscale interior design. The Trailhawk featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the front seats were firm and flat, and the second-row seat cushions were low and lacked support. Rear legroom was tight, and the cargo space was limited, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,004 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more comfortable and spacious interior. The test vehicle's front seats were perfectly comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The GLS featured expansive second-row legroom, a standard panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats with four-zone automatic climate control. However, accessing the third-row seat was a hassle, and the space was snug for adults. Interior storage was decent, and cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Trailhawk's infotainment system used Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Jeep Connect services. However, the graphics were low-contrast, making the display hard to read. The voice recognition system was average, and the wireless smartphone charger was optional.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics, intuitive touchscreen operation, and outstanding natural voice recognition technology. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and centre console caused unwanted changes to the displays. Despite this, MBUX was a sensational technology, with impressive augmented reality for the navigation system and a standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. The Advanced ProTech Group II added intersection collision assist, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, 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 apply to the 4xe version.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with over 20 significant safety technologies. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were adjustable through MBUX, allowing drivers to customize their sensitivity and alerts. The GLS's ADAS performed exceptionally well, with smooth and subtle steering inputs and speed adjustments. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems were effective without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems handled various driving conditions with ease.