2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a sleek, car-based crossover. This electric version borrowed styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV featured a tall hood, a distinctive front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It was notably larger, with a longer and wider stance, enhancing its SUV-like appearance.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering unique styling elements. The LT had a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS featured a blacked-out design. The interior of the RS and SS models included large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a playful touch. Despite some flimsy interior parts, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic, offering a more refined cabin experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a distinct identity within the Mercedes lineup. It combined the visual bulk of other Mercedes SUVs with a more rounded profile, reminiscent of its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's styling included squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, contrasted by sharply tapering side glass and a rakish windshield, creating unique proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models.

For 2025, the GLE offered new customization options, including four new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors with Nappa leather upholstery in three new shades. The interior featured chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating an upscale and special atmosphere. The Yacht Blue interior of the test car was particularly striking, showcasing Mercedes' commitment to offering diverse interior color options beyond the usual black, grey, and tan.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD version had 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. A front-wheel drive (FWD) option was also available, expected to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model boasted a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in under four seconds.

The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration, particularly in the AWD version, which offered better traction. It excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. The regenerative braking system, controlled by a steering-wheel paddle, allowed for adjustable levels of regen, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE 63 S, with its hand-assembled V8, provided exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive V8 soundtrack. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging, but the GLE's refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with muscle car attributes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, though headroom and legroom were similar to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience.

The interior included ample small-item storage, with a large phone parking area and a decent-sized center console. Some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment for users accustomed to physical buttons.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded, leading its class. The center console provided reasonable storage, and the GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds was impressive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system included route planning and over-the-air updates. The hands-free start sequence marked a shift towards a high-tech feel, with the vehicle starting by pressing the brake pedal.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's versatility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.