Audi Q2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Audi Q2

Audi’s compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the Q2 if you want a compact, premium-feeling SUV that is easy to park and economical — without the size of a larger Audi.

Best engine: The mid-range 1.5 TFSI petrol for the best everyday balance.

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

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	150 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	211 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	405 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,92 m
Width	1,79 m	1,95 m
Height	1,51 m	1,80 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse, shared with the VW T-Roc)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

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 Q2

Compact & manoeuvrable
Efficient engines
Modern tech

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 Q2

Relatively small boot
Rear seat tighter than larger SUVs

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 Q2

As a model line, the Q2 is a compact, easy SUV that feels agile and light in town. The steering is quick and light, and the raised driving position gives a good view out. The ride is on the firmer side, which you feel over rough surfaces but which keeps body roll in check. The TFSI petrols are smooth and economical, and the 2.0 TDI is a strong, frugal choice for higher mileage. It is happiest as a city runabout, where its compact size and light controls make it effortless to drive and park.