2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille featured chrome inserts, adding a touch of elegance. The optional AMG Line package enhanced the sportiness of the exterior, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered similar features with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, though the Bahia Brown seating surfaces in the tester gave it a dated look. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive appearance, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta. The mid-cycle refresh brought mild revisions to the lower front fascia, while maintaining the “Parametric Pixel” headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a “digital camouflage” pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were available for the XRT, while the overall color palette expanded with Atlas White Matte and Ecotronic Gray Matte. New wheel designs were introduced, with 19-inch wheels standard on SE and SEL trims, and 20-inch wheels on the Limited. The XRT featured 18-inch wheels with a rally-inspired design. The interior saw minor changes, maintaining an open and modern feel. The center console was revised for functionality, and the XRT trim leaned towards a rugged aesthetic with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new 450e plug-in hybrid variant combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an all-electric range of 48 miles, though testing showed 55 miles. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The transition from electric to gas power was seamless. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger, charging to 100% in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with regenerative braking minimizing the need for traditional braking. The Ioniq 5 was available in AWD for the XRT, while the base SE Standard Range was RWD. The Ioniq 5 received higher battery capacity for 2025, with most trims achieving a 318-mile range in RWD configuration. AWD reduced range to 290 miles for SE and SEL, 269 for Limited, and 259 for XRT. Power output varied, with RWD models producing 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with the standard-range battery, or 225hp and 258 lb-ft with the long-range battery. AWD models featured dual motors, delivering 320hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats, and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The Burmester stereo system provided a premium audio experience. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a notable omission. The GLE-Class could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The movable center console featured fore-and-aft cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and controls for seat and steering wheel heating. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the SEL trim. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver’s seat memory. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with headroom ranging from 39.1-39.8 inches in the front and 37.5-38.7 inches in the rear. Legroom was generous, with 41.7 inches in the front and 39.4 inches in the back. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and included a Combined Charging System adapter.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, though with a smaller 12.3-inch screen compared to other Mercedes models. The menu structure was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via “Hey, Mercedes.” The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays on the MBUX screen. An off-road page in the MBUX system offered information like altitude, heading, and tire temperature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. Multiple USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its pair of 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT and Limited trims, while SE and SEL trims had a six-speaker system. Standard features included navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. Five USB-C ports were available, with a central port offering customizable functionality. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver’s aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist for an additional cost. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an “Acceptable” headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The XRT and Limited trims featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.