Audi Q6 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi’s electric premium SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron if you want a modern premium electric SUV with 800-volt fast charging and long range — accepting the higher price.

Best engine: The quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

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
Width	1,94 m	1,95 m
Height	1,65 m	1,80 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	PPE (Premium Platform Electric, 800-volt)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors (RWD / quattro)	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q6 e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
As a new model, long-term battery and drivetrain reliability is not yet proven
High-voltage system check recommended before buying used

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

Premium electric SUV on the dedicated PPE platform
Long range with very fast charging for long trips
Audi’s signature quality and refinement in an EV

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

Very new, so long-term reliability is not yet proven
High purchase price, especially with options

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

As a model line, the Q6 e-tron is a smooth, quiet premium electric SUV. The electric motors deliver instant, effortless acceleration, and the ride is calm and composed, filtering out poor surfaces well. It feels planted and secure rather than overtly sporty, and the cabin stays impressively quiet at speed. Regeneration is adjustable for relaxed one-pedal driving in town. With its long range and 800-volt fast charging, it is built to cover long distances with minimal fuss, prioritising comfort and refinement over driver involvement.