
The 2024 Lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs
Every drive can be improved by a little bit of luxury, from an errand run around town to a cross-country road trip. Luxury vehicles offer more comfortable interiors that will keep you and your passengers happy no matter how bad traffic gets and stylish exteriors that help you make a splash anywhere you go. As your Mercedes-Benz dealer near West Chester, we want to help you get behind the wheel of a fantastic model that can elevate driving from a chore to a getaway.
These days, you don't have to limit yourself to cars in order to get a high-end vehicle. Mercedes has a lineup of SUVs that truly has something for everyone. Sizes run from subcompact to large, powertrains range from gas-powered to all-electric, and there are even off-road models that offer a unique blend of luxury and rugged capability. Whatever you're looking for, there's sure to be a 2024 Mercedes SUV that fits the bill and exceeds your expectations.
The 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System
Before we dive into specific models, let's explain one thing they all have in common: available or standard all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive generally brings fuel economy down slightly but gives you more traction, which can give you more confidence when driving in certain situations, like navigating a gravel driveway or dealing with a snowy Pennsylvania winter. If you want to know whether a particular vehicle has all-wheel drive or not, Mercedes makes it easy. Vehicles with all-wheel drive will have "4MATIC" in their name. For example, the GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 4MATIC uses all-wheel drive. The only exception is the off-road G-Class, which comes with 4WD across all trims but uses a system that is technically different from the AWD on the on-road models and doesn't use the term "4MATIC."
GLA-Class
A sleek and stylish option that looks every bit as fashionable on the outside as it is luxurious on the inside, the GLA-Class is a subcompact model that's a perfect entry-level option for drivers looking to dip their toes into the Mercedes brand. The 221-horsepower engine under the hood of the GLA 250 delivers quick acceleration while its suspension system provides a smooth ride, even when the road gets rough. Though it's the smallest option in the lineup, it still provides plenty of room for front- and back-seat passengers to stretch out and get comfortable. It also gives you up to 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space to work with, so you can bring all your luggage to the Philadelphia airport without worrying about economizing space.
GLB-Class
The GLB-Class is a step up from the GLA-Class in terms of size, providing 62 cu.ft. of cargo volume instead of 50.5, making it more practical for running errands and going on road trips up and down I-95. Since it has a higher roofline in the back, it can also offer an optional third row of seating, which is great for big families. In other ways, GLA and GLB models have a lot in common: they use the same engines and the same size touchscreen, for example, and they have similar levels of interior luxury. So, when deciding between the two, it makes sense to focus on size and style since those are the main factors that set them apart.
GLC-Class
Like the GLB-Class, the GLC-Class is a compact SUV. While it is a few inches longer and wider than the GLB-Class, it delivers a little less cargo volume because of its lower roofline, so it's not really a step up in size. Instead, it's a step up in terms of power, style, and ability to customize. The GLC-Class comes standard with an engine that produces 34 more horsepower than the one under the hood of base GLA and GLB models. That means it can accelerate more quickly, which comes in handy when getting up to speed on major East Coast highways or passing on two-lane roads in rural Pennsylvania. The same lower roofline that slightly decreases cargo volume gives the model a sleeker style, something that goes even further if you opt for the Coupe variant.
GLE-Class
Not only is the GLE-Class bigger than the models we've discussed so far, moving up to the midsize SUV category, it also offers a wider selection of powertrains. The GLE 350 4MATIC uses the same 255-horsepower 4-cylinder engine as the GLC-Class, while the GLE 450 4MATIC ups the ante with a 375-horsepower V6. For better fuel economy plus a little extra power, you can opt for the GLE 450e 4MATIC, a plug-in hybrid that delivers a combined 381 horsepower with its engine and electric motor. The GLE 580 4MATIC is even more powerful, thanks to a 510-horsepower V8. The GLE provides up to 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and it has a 7,700 lb towing capacity, so you can bring a boat up to Fernhill Lake for a relaxing day on the water or bring a camping trailer on the road for an outdoor getaway in one of the many pristine natural areas near West Chester.
GLS-Class
You don't need to settle for the appearance and amenities of a minivan just because you want three rows of seating that can comfortably fit adults. The large GLS-Class provides everyone with plenty of breathing space, even in the very back. If you aren't carrying passengers, you can fold those seats flat to unlock up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. Whether you opt for the 375-horsepower GLS 450 4MATIC or the 510-horsepower GLS 580 4MATIC, you're in for a pleasant ride and quicker acceleration than you might expect with an SUV of this size. Whether you're gliding over a well-maintained paved road or dealing with dirt paths or pothole-marked roads, you're in for a nice, smooth experience.
G-Class
The G-Class has a storied history-it's been a Rally racer, a military transporter, and even a Popemobile. While it continues to offer the rugged capability it's always had, its current incarnation is more high-class than its military roots might suggest - the 2024 G550 comes standard with three-zone climate control, heated front and rear leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system from Burmester, among other features, so it fits in perfectly in the Mercedes lineup. When it comes to cargo space, the G-Class falls between the GLB-Class and the GLE-Class. It's less fuel efficient than the SUVs we've discussed so far but also much more powerful, with a 450-horsepower V8 serving as the base engine. If you're looking to explore difficult OHV trails, that trade-off is almost certainly worth it.
All-Electric Models
If fuel economy is a top priority for you, there are, of course, plenty of options in the lineup that will serve you well, from the lightweight and efficient GLA 250 to the plug-in hybrid GLE 450e. But for the most efficiency possible, you'll want to turn to the all-electric lineup. The names of these models line up with the traditional gas-powered SUVs they're based on, which is helpful if you're familiar with the older lineup but considering going electric.
The EQB-Class is the entry-level option, delivering up to 251 miles of range, the EQE-Class is larger and more powerful, delivering up to 307 miles of range, while the largest EQS-Class offers three rows of seating and up to 339 miles of range. Each of these classes breaks down into multiple options, including single-motor options that use front- or rear-wheel drive and more powerful dual-motor options that use all-wheel drive. Ranges can vary from trim to trim, so pay close attention if you want to make sure you're able to go a certain distance between charges.
AMG Models
Nearly all of the Mercedes SUVs also offer high-performance variants (excluding the EQB-Class and EQS-Class). These models are signified by the letters AMG, and they have more powerful engines and/or motors capable of lighting-quick acceleration plus components designed to improve driving dynamics for better handling. If you're an enthusiast looking for a truly thrilling drive, you'll want to look more closely into these models. However, if you're just looking for a practical and comfortable vehicle that offers luxurious amenities, you'll probably want to stick to the regular lineup.
Whichever You Choose, You'll Get a Luxurious Experience
We've mainly focused on the size and power of these SUVs because that's what differentiates them from each other. But remember that every one of these models is a cut above the average vehicle thanks to their well-appointed interiors. With a generous range of cutting-edge tech features, plenty of standard creature comforts, and well-designed cabins that look as good as they feel, any one of these SUVs allows you to cruise around West Chester and explore beyond it in comfort and style.