Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Peugeot 2008 A94

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Peugeot 2008

A94 · 2013 – 2019

The first 2008 (A94), a subcompact crossover on PF1.

First car

Second car

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

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 2008

Pick the A94 for an affordable early 2008 with a roomy boot for its class.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.6 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2016 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 2008
Power	306 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	205 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	10,9 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	186 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	101,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	108 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	4,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 2008
Boot	690 L Winner	410 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,54 m
Length	4,82 m	4,16 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.150 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 2008
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	PF1
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 VTi petrol · 1.4/1.5/1.6 HDi/BlueHDi diesel
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

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

Peugeot 2008

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear

Pros

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

Peugeot 2008

Raised driving position and good visibility
Affordable with a large used supply
Compact and agile

Cons

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

Peugeot 2008

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than larger SUVs

Driving experience

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.

Peugeot 2008

The A94 is a 208 on tiptoes, and it drives with the same light, easy manners. Built on the PF1 bones shared with the 208, it keeps mass down, so the front axle turns in keenly and the raised body adds visibility without making the ride busy. The high-set driving position makes it feel secure and easy to place in town, while most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with broken tarmac. The 1.2 PureTech is lively, the 1.6 BlueHDi is frugal and relaxed, and the EAT6 automatic shifts without fuss. It is a nimble, easy subcompact crossover, not a sporty one.