Audi Q3 F3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the Q3 for maximum interior space, a bigger boot and modern technology.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

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 Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	150 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	7,5 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	530 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software (early cars)
S tronic service (DQ200 models)
Cooling system/DPF (diesels) needs checking

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 Q3

Roomy interior & big boot
Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
Modular EA 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 Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

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 Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

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.