Audi Q2 GA vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

Audi Q2

GA · 2016 – 2026

The first-generation Q2 (GA), Audi’s compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the GA for the compact, city-friendly Q2 with the smooth TFSI petrols — ideally a full-history example.

Best engine: The 30/35 TFSI (petrol).

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

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	150 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	7,5 s Winner
Top speed	211 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	405 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	14,7 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	11,1 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.600 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
MMI infotainment quirks on early cars
Water-pump/thermostat housing leak on EA211 petrols

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 Q2

Compact and city-friendly
Good all-round visibility
Efficient TFSI engines

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 Q2

Firm ride
Small boot and dated early infotainment

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 Q2

Comfortable, quiet and more premium than its size suggests. The Q2 steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides firmly but acceptably, and feels planted and easy to place. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds strong traction on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI is the economical distance choice, and the 2.0 TFSI adds genuine pace. The S tronic is quick. It is a polished, techy small crossover that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than the T-Cross.

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.