2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showcased subtle yet impactful design updates. The headlights and taillights were slightly sharper, and the introduction of black fender flares over the wheel arches added a touch of ruggedness. The grille received eye-catching chrome inserts, contributing to the car’s elegance. The optional AMG Line package increased the sportiness with a distinct grille, making the vehicle look more aggressive yet refined. Standard 19-inch wheels provided a solid base, but the option for 21-inch wheels added a higher level of grandeur.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, only available in the performance-oriented AMG guise, stood out for those seeking a sportier look, though it traded some interior space for a sleeker design. Inside, the cabin maintained the brand’s luxurious feel, filled with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim in our tester was stunning, but its combination with Bahia Brown seating surfaces made the interior appear outdated, akin to a 1970s rec room. Lighter leather choices could fix this aesthetic misstep.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 emerged as a rugged counterpart to the CX-5. It was notably lower, wider, and longer than its sibling, with a significant wheelbase stretch. These broad-shouldered proportions were accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents below the headlights and taillights, giving it a robust appearance. Being a newer design from 2023, it appeared fresher compared to the CX-5.

The CX-50 was available in eight different trim levels, starting with the 2.5 S Select and going up to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Base trims came with 17-inch wheels, while higher trim levels boasted 20-inch options. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition we tested embodied an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and enhanced styling elements. Additional features like a roof platform and splash guards were included in the optional Apex Package, making it comparable to rugged models like the Kia Sportage X-Pro and Subaru Forester Wilderness.

Inside, the Meridian Edition’s earthy color palette with options like Polymetal Gray Metallic and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal. The infotainment screen perched on a shelf resembled premium brands like BMW, and the general fit and finish were impressive for a non-luxury vehicle. The use of minimal piano black plastic suggested that the interior would age better than some of its competitors. However, Mazda’s effort to push into a more upscale territory was still a work in progress with materials like standard half-leatherette seats and manually adjustable front seats on base models echoing its mainstream past.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided a variety of powertrains to suit different buyer needs. The base GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine, while the mid-tier GLE 450 came with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. At the top of the range was the GLE 580 featuring a robust 4.0-liter V8, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle was the new 450e, which delivered a remarkable balance of performance and efficiency through its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 450e housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its impressive power figures, it was about a half-second slower to reach 60 mph compared to the GLE 450 due to the added weight of a 23.3-kWh battery. Mercedes claimed the battery could store enough energy for an all-electric range of 48 miles, though our test model exceeded this, showing 55 miles after charging. The GLE 450e was designed to default to all-electric mode at startup, provided the battery was charged, but could easily switch to Hybrid or Battery Hold modes. The transition from electric to gasoline power was smooth and virtually undetectable.

Despite the GLE 450e's Sport mode, it lacked the driving dynamics desired by performance enthusiasts. The light steering and noticeable body roll suggested it was more tailored for comfortable commutes rather than sporty driving, unlike the BMW X5 xDrive50e, which offered better acceleration and chassis dynamics. Charging was convenient with an 11-kW onboard charger reaching full capacity in under three hours using a Level 2 home charger, and it could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for quick recharges on the go.

In contrast, all 2024 Mazda CX-50 models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the option of turbocharging on higher trim levels. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged version offered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93-octane gasoline, or slightly less on regular fuel. The engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive present on all models. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Off-road, with a Towing mode available on turbo models, increasing the towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to a robust 3,500 pounds.

The CX-50, while sharing powertrains with the CX-5, delivered a different driving experience. The CX-5 was known for its “Zoom Zoom” sporty driving essence, whereas the CX-50 aligned more with the typical performance of its segment. It provided competent daily driving but lacked the engaging dynamics of its sibling. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added to its noise level and reduced grip on dry surfaces, though they could be beneficial in tougher conditions. The additional wind noise from the roof platform further added to the auditory distractions at highway speeds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class compensated for any sacrifices in driving dynamics through its luxurious interior features. Standard heated front seats were complemented by optional ventilation and a massage function in our test model. Heated and cooled cup holders ensured beverages stayed at the desired temperature, while customizable ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin atmosphere. The soft-close doors and the exceptional Burmester stereo system contributed to a serene driving experience, perfect for a comfortable commute.

One minor flaw was the non-extending sun visors, which could only be adjusted to block side light but were immovable along their rod, an annoying oversight in a luxury SUV. The GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for straightforward reversing of the trailer. Cargo space was ample with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet when the second row was folded, offering plenty of room for various needs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided comparable passenger space to the CX-5, with minor variations in headroom and legroom in both rows. Most rivals, such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester, offered more headroom, while the Mazda came close in terms of legroom, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 in rear-seat legroom by two inches.

The CX-50 listed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly differing from the CX-5. It had more cargo space with the seats up but less overall compared to the CX-5 when folded. Most competitors provided more cargo capacity, apart from the Subaru Forester which had less with the rear seats up. The power liftgate improved cargo area access, though it lacked additional functionality to match the Meridian Edition’s rugged exterior. Bulky or dirty items were not as welcome in the CX-50’s cargo area, and the high placement of the optional roof platform could be intimidating for shorter users.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the term “latest” might suggest cutting edge, it lacked the giant touchscreen found in models like the EQS or S-Class PHEV, settling instead for a 12.3-inch display. The menu structure was user-friendly with an optional touchpad on the center console for screen navigation. For those who preferred not to touch the screen, the “Hey, Mercedes” voice command system was a viable alternative, although steering wheel touchpads were somewhat finicky.

The GLE-Class featured an augmented reality navigation system, overlaying vital information directly onto a video feed, aiding in precise navigation. An off-road page in the MBUX system offered fascinating data on the vehicle’s status, though likely underutilized by most drivers. The transparent hood feature was particularly notable, providing a video feed of what was under the vehicle.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but our tester experienced frequent disengagement issues with Apple devices. Multiple USB-C ports provided ample opportunities for device charging, with up to 100W of power available.

Mazda's approach with the 2024 CX-50 included a 10.25-inch infotainment screen operated by a rotary controller rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto demanded a wired connection, facilitated by dual front and rear USB ports. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system.

While Mazda’s rotary controller-based system was unique, it required an adjustment period for those used to touchscreens. Despite lacking the tactile feedback of touch, it allowed for easier, eyes-free operation. The system felt dated, with simple graphics and functionalities, though it provided a less overwhelming experience for those not looking for excessive tech. For those heavily using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native system's basic appearance was less of an issue.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2024 GLE-Class with a plethora of advanced driver aids, enhancing both safety and driving ease. Blind-spot monitoring came standard, while the Driver Assistance Package Plus, adding around $2,000, included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. These features performed well, with the adaptive cruise control being particularly effective.

While the 2024 GLE hadn’t yet received overall or frontal crash ratings from the NHTSA, it earned five stars for a side crash and four stars for a rollover. The IIHS awarded it “Good” ratings for crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints. The Digital Light package improved the headlight rating to “Acceptable,” ensuring high safety standards.

Mazda’s approach for the CX-50 also impressed, earning it a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It scored “Good” in all IIHS crash tests, excelled in vehicle-to-pedestrian daytime prevention, but only received a “Basic” rating for nighttime pedestrian prevention and “Average” for standard headlights. Complete NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time, though it did receive five stars for frontal crash tests and four stars for rollover tests.

Mazda covered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist. Optional features such as rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety but were not necessary for most basic safety needs.