Audi e-tron GE vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for a big cabin, smooth all-wheel drive and zero-emission driving in a premium SUV.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	408 hp Winner	306 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	370 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	7,5 s
Top speed	200 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	142,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	660 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,92 m
Length	4,90 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

Mercedes-Benz GLE

690 L boot growing to ~2,010 L — roomy for a large SUV
OM651 2.1 diesel (GLE 250 d: 204 hp / 500 Nm) for pulling power
V6/V8 options (GLE 350 / GLE 500) for smooth performance

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651/OM642 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.