Audi Q5 FY vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 for refinement, a big boot and quattro traction in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 40 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

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	245 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	370 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	7,5 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	235 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	7,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	550 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,66 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	20,0 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 Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	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 Q5

S tronic (DSG) needs maintenance on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

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 Q5

Refined, composed ride (quattro)
Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
High-grade interior

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 Q5

Firm ride on S line / big wheels
Pricier than most rivals

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 Q5

Refined, effortless and supremely polished. Steering is light and accurate rather than talkative, the ride is supple and isolating, and the Q5 settles into a calm, confident lope. quattro ultra shuffles torque seamlessly for all-weather security, though it favours safe, neutral grip over playful engagement. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed and hushed on rough roads. The 40/45 TFSI petrols are smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and smooth; the V6 8-speed tiptronic even more so. Overall a quiet, tech-rich SUV that puts long-distance comfort and easy confidence ahead of outright 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.