The SUV segment’s explosive growth in recent years is undeniable, with automakers globally vying for a piece of this lucrative market. While electric SUVs are gaining traction, combustion-engine models, especially from established luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, continue to be highly sought after in 2024. Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury leader, boasts an extensive SUV lineup, offering everything from compact to full-size models, all brimming with advanced technology and premium materials. However, the integration of such cutting-edge tech raises questions about the long-term reliability of these sophisticated vehicles.
Every new 2024 Mercedes-Benz SUV comes with a 48-month or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, providing initial peace of mind. Yet, understanding the potential ownership costs beyond this period is crucial for informed decision-making. As experts in Mercedes-Benz vehicle maintenance at mercedesxentry.store, we’ve delved into the reliability rankings of Mercedes-Benz’s 2024 combustion-engine SUV lineup, presenting them from least to most reliable to guide your purchasing decisions.
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Image alt text: Close-up of Mercedes-Benz hood ornament at sunset, symbolizing Mercedes-Benz luxury and brand heritage.
Related Article: Every Mercedes Coupe And Sedan Ranked By Reliability
To provide you with the most accurate and current reliability assessment, we’ve synthesized data from reputable sources including J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports. Please note that the following rankings are based on the most reliable to least reliable order according to available data for 2024 models.
6. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC: Navigating Reliability Challenges
Reliability Score: 17/100
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, showcasing its mid-size SUV design.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, positioned as a premium mid-size SUV within the Mercedes range, offers versatility with both standard SUV and Coupe body styles. The base GLC SUV starts at $47,450, while the Coupe version begins at $57,000. AMG performance variants are also available, starting at $64,950 for the SUV and $68,200 for the Coupe.
Reliability Concerns
Unfortunately, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC receives the lowest reliability score among Mercedes SUVs. Consumer Reports predicts a concerningly low score of 17/100, indicating it’s expected to be less reliable than the average new car. The increasing technological complexity in modern Mercedes vehicles appears to be contributing to potential reliability issues.
The 2024 GLC has already faced two recalls. The first recall was due to potentially detaching front, rear, and fixed side windows. The second recall stemmed from an electrical system defect that could lead to sudden power loss or failure of critical safety features. Furthermore, owners can anticipate average annual maintenance costs of around $1,039 for the GLC.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,039 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,421 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Used Model Year to Avoid: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
5. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Entry-Level Luxury, Entry-Level Reliability?
Reliability Score: 23/100
Image alt text: White 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA showcasing its compact SUV proportions and updated styling.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the brand’s most compact and affordable SUV offering. A 2024 refresh brought updated technology and enhanced materials to this entry-level luxury SUV. The base model starts at $41,850, with the all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4MATIC SUV starting at $43,850. The high-performance AMG GLA 35, equipped with a potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, starts at $56,540.
Reliability Shortcomings
While the GLA shows a slight improvement in predicted reliability compared to the GLC, with a score of 23/100, it still lags behind many competitors. Software glitches within the MBUX infotainment system are cited as a contributing factor to the lower reliability score, highlighting the challenges of integrating complex technology seamlessly.
RepairPal estimates average annual maintenance costs for the Mercedes-Benz GLA at $987. Over a ten-year period, CarEdge projects maintenance costs to average $13,781, placing the GLA on the higher end of SUV ownership expenses. Common potential issues over this period include AC condenser, trans mount, and air conditioning refrigerant line replacements.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $987 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $13,781 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Used Model Year to Avoid: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
4. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Newer Model, Similar Reliability Concerns
Reliability Score: 23/100
Image alt text: Grey 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB handling shot, emphasizing its compact SUV size and maneuverability.
Stepping up from the GLA, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB is another compact SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Introduced relatively recently in 2019 and refreshed in 2023, the GLB is only available in the standard SUV body style. The 2024 GLB starts at $44,450, with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version priced from $46,450.
Reliability Data Still Emerging
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB shares the same predicted reliability score as the GLA, at 23/100. While infotainment system issues are also potential concerns for the GLB, the more common mechanical problems may differ from the GLA. These potential issues include active suspension system diagnosis, fuel level sending unit replacement, and seat heater replacement.
Due to its relatively recent introduction, comprehensive reliability data for the GLB is still developing. RepairPal currently lacks sufficient data to provide an average yearly maintenance cost, and CarEdge cannot yet estimate ten-year maintenance costs. However, the GLB is expected to have similar reliability performance to other Mercedes-Benz models, which average around $15,986 for maintenance over ten years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 0
- Used Model Year to Avoid: Data not yet available
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Image alt text: 2024 Chevrolet Suburban driving on a city road, representing large luxury SUVs and their reliability.
Related Article: Best Large Luxury SUVs Of 2024 Ranked By Reliability
3. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Mid-Size Luxury with Moderate Reliability
Reliability Score: 36/100
Image alt text: Front three-quarter exterior view of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, showcasing its updated mid-size luxury SUV design.
Similar to the GLC, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered in both standard SUV and Coupe variants. The GLE, a relatively newer addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup introduced in 2015, has evolved into a popular mid-size luxury SUV. The 2024 GLE SUV starts at $62,650, while the GLE Coupe, with its sloping roofline and performance focus, starts significantly higher at $89,900, largely due to its available 4.0-liter V-8 engine option.
Reliability Improvement, But Still Room For Growth
The 2024 GLE demonstrates a notable improvement in reliability compared to the GLC, GLA, and GLB, earning a score of 36/100 from Consumer Reports. Despite this progress, the GLE still trails behind rivals like the BMW X5, which boasts a significantly higher reliability score of 83/100. However, the GLE closely matches the 2024 Volvo XC90, which received a reliability score of 39/100.
Reliability data for the GLE is more readily available. RepairPal estimates average yearly maintenance costs at $1,194. CarEdge projects ten-year maintenance costs to average $14,738, keeping the GLE in the higher maintenance cost category for luxury SUVs. Common potential issues include AC condenser, sunroof motor, and door lock actuator replacements.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,194 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,738 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Used Model Year to Avoid: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Luxury and Size with Decent Reliability
Reliability Score: 36/100
Image alt text: Front three-quarter studio shot of a 2023 Mercedes GLS, highlighting its large luxury SUV size and premium features.
Moving into the full-size luxury SUV segment, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the largest SUV offered by Mercedes-Benz. This seven-seater comfortably accommodates up to six adults with ample space. All GLS trims come standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLS 3.0-liter V-6 starts at $87,000, while the top-tier 4.0-liter V-8 model escalates the price to $112,000.
Respectable Reliability for a Large Luxury SUV
Surprisingly, the second most expensive Mercedes-Benz SUV ties for the best reliability score in the lineup, also receiving a 36/100 from Consumer Reports. While sharing the top reliability score, the GLS, like other models, still falls short of some competitors due to technological complexity and potential common mechanical issues.
Comprehensive annual maintenance cost data for the GLS is not yet available. However, CarEdge estimates ten-year maintenance and repair costs at $15,726. Potential problems owners might encounter include ABS control module, heater core, and fuel tank replacements.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $15,726 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: Data not yet available
- Used Model Year to Avoid: Data not yet available
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Image alt text: Collage image representing best midsize luxury SUVs ranked by reliability, showcasing diverse models in the segment.
Related Article: Best Midsize Luxury SUVs Ranked By Reliability
1. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Unrated Reliability, Proven Durability
Reliability Score: Not Yet Rated
Image alt text: White 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, iconic boxy design, symbolizing ruggedness and off-road capability.
While the GLS is the largest Mercedes-Benz SUV, the G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon, holds the title of the most expensive. Starting at a substantial $143,000, the 2024 G-Class comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The AMG variant boasts an even more powerful 4.0-liter V-8, starting at $183,000.
Reliability Unknown, but Reputation Strong
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class currently lacks a predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports. However, RepairPal estimates average annual maintenance costs at $1,461. Common potential issues include failing door lock actuators, brake light switch failures, and crankshaft position sensor failures. Despite the higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance, the G-Class is renowned for its exceptional off-road capability and robust build quality.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,461 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $16,561 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Used Model Years to Avoid: 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Conclusion:
Navigating the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup reveals a spectrum of reliability ratings. While models like the GLC and GLA face significant reliability challenges potentially due to complex technology integration, the larger GLE and GLS demonstrate moderate reliability scores. The G-Class, though unrated, carries a strong reputation for durability. As a Mercedes-Benz owner or prospective buyer, understanding these reliability nuances is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your ownership expectations and budget. For expert maintenance and repair services to keep your Mercedes-Benz SUV running smoothly, visit us at mercedesxentry.store.
