Audi e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Audi e-tron

Audi’s electric luxury SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron if you want a spacious, comfortable, quiet electric SUV with quattro — accepting real-world range below the best EVs.

Best engine: The 55 quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

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
Width	1,94 m	1,95 m
Height	1,63 m	1,80 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, adapted for electric drive)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Dual electric motors (quattro)	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
High-voltage system: coolant circuit and electronics need checking on early cars
Real-world range sits well below the WLTP figure

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

Big interior & roomy boot
Dual-motor all-wheel drive (quattro)
Improved range (Q8 e-tron)

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

Heavy and not especially agile for an electric SUV
Options quickly push the price up

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

As a model line, the e-tron is a smooth, quiet electric SUV that prioritises comfort. Two electric motors deliver effortless, near-silent quattro acceleration, and the air suspension irons out bumps for a calm, refined ride. It feels substantial and planted rather than agile, and it is happiest on long journeys. Regeneration is adjustable, which makes one-pedal-style driving easy in town. Real-world range trails the most efficient rivals, so it suits buyers who value comfort and space over outright efficiency.