Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Peugeot 3008 P84

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Peugeot 3008

P84 · 2016 – 2023

The second 3008 (P84), 2017 European Car of the Year on EMP2.

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 3008

Pick the P84 for the best all-round 3008: stylish, roomy and comfortable, with a strong diesel or PHEV choice.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2020.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 3008
Power	306 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	98,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	5,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 3008
Boot	690 L Winner	520 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.480 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,82 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,7 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 3008
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/Hybrid4 PHEV
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · EAT6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
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 3008

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt (until ~2021)
BlueHDi: AdBlue/SCR and DPF
1.5 BlueHDi: timing chain on early units

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 3008

Slick i-Cockpit and quality interior
Roomy boot (520 litres)
Strong diesels and efficient PHEVs

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 3008

1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2021
Rear bench tight for three adults

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 3008

The P84 drives more like a raised hatchback than a tall SUV. It sits on the same EMP2 bones as the 308, so it stays light on its feet, and the high-set i-Cockpit gives a commanding view without dulling the steering. The small wheel and raised dials take a short acclimatisation, then the front end feels quick and accurate while body roll stays contained. Most versions use a comfort-tuned torsion-beam rear that soaks up broken tarmac cleanly; big wheels and firmer GT damping add a touch of fidget. The 1.2 PureTech is eager, the 2.0 BlueHDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is an easy, comfortable family crossover, not a sharp one.