Audi e-tron GE vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

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

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

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 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	408 hp Winner	367 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	500 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s	5,7 s
Top speed	200 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	660 L Winner	630 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,93 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,90 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
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

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

Audi e-tron

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

Mercedes-Benz GLE

630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance

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

Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.