2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. Built on an EV-specific platform, the Blazer EV retained some styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but embraced a more aggressive design with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights. It was notably larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, offering a more traditional SUV appearance. The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each featuring distinct styling elements, while the forthcoming SS model promised unique mechanical features and a sportier look. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a more engaging cabin with optional red leather upholstery and large round air vents, although some interior components felt less robust.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, presented a unique blend of visual bulk and rounded profile, reminiscent of its M-Class predecessor. While its styling might not have been the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, it adhered closely to the brand's design language. The GLE's interior stood out with its Yacht Blue option and upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting. The cabin exuded a sense of luxury and specialness, enhanced by the optional Burmester audio system. Despite its size, the GLE's interior felt refined, though it drove larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces a bit challenging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In contrast, the AWD models produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in under four seconds. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration and precise steering, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort on rough roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The GLE's powertrains impressed with their performance, but the SUV's size made it feel less nimble, even with AMG enhancements.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving experience. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, falling short of the gasoline Blazer but surpassing the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE provided competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more space for second-row passengers compared to rivals. Cargo space was generous, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's centre console offered reasonable storage, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured practicality. Despite its size, the GLE's interior felt luxurious and well-appointed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The Blazer EV also boasted a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience. While the user experience was mostly positive, some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. The GLE's voice recognition system was effective, and AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities, while air suspension provided adjustable ride height for rough terrain.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS models. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and more. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.