2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that was easy to overlook, even for seasoned observers. The front grille featured a clever design with Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior, though the colour and wheels tempted a higher rating. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered ten interior colour choices and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing automotive icon, maintained its massive presence on the road. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was a vehicle for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. The Suburban came in six trims, with features improving as you moved up the ladder. The base LS trim had 18-inch alloy wheels, while the top-tier High Country rode on 22-inch alloys. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, even in the top-spec High Country trim. Leather upholstery was standard on all but the LS trim, and the Premier and High Country offered luxurious brown leather options. The test vehicle included a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and supportive seats, though not as comfortable for long trips.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size, and the AMG model offered even quicker reflexes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, offered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, provided better fuel economy and was available at no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its steering and brakes. The height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well, though drivers should expect some body roll due to its weight.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, and visibility was excellent. Behind the second row, there was 630 litres of cargo space, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE 450e test vehicle included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, and massaging front seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it a top choice for those needing maximum carrying capacity. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups. The interior offered comfort for road trips, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly, though it required some learning. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base LS trim. The system featured Google Built-in, allowing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided good sound quality but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver feature. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.