Audi Q6 e-tron GF vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

Audi Q6 e-tron

GF · 2024 – 2026

The first-generation Q6 e-tron (GF), on the PPE 800V platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron for 800-volt fast charging, long range and a modern digital cabin in a premium electric SUV.

Best engine: The quattro (RWD or all-wheel drive).

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

quattro · Electric vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	388 hp Winner	367 hp
Torque	855 Nm Winner	500 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,9 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	210 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	165,1 hp/t Winner	164,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	526 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.529 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,90 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,77 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	17,6 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	PPE (800-volt)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · RWD / quattro (PPE 800V)	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q6 e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery & drivetrain data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

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 Q6 e-tron

800-volt fast charging
Competitive range (larger battery)
Modern digital cockpit

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 Q6 e-tron

Limited long-term reliability data
Early software quirks

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 Q6 e-tron

Quiet, quick and far more efficient than the old e-tron. The Q6 rides comfortably, steers accurately with decent weighting, and feels more agile and lighter on its feet than the GE, helped by the newer PPE platform. Rear-drive is the base; dual-motor quattro adds pace and all-wheel traction. The 800-volt architecture charges far faster on suitable chargers, and the larger battery delivers competitive real-world range. It is a more modern, more rounded electric SUV than the e-tron, with the same hushed refinement and without the efficiency penalty of the early car.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.