Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Peugeot 5008 P87

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Peugeot 5008

P87 · 2017 – 2024

The second 5008 (P87), a seven-seat SUV 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 5008

Pick the P87 for the modern seven-seat 5008 with a big cabin and strong diesels.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech/Hybrid (petrol) or 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 5008
Power	306 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	188 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	89,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	125 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 5008
Boot	690 L	780 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.940 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,84 m
Length	4,82 m	4,64 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 5008
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi diesel
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · EAT8
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 5008

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

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 5008

Seven seats and a big boot
Modern i-Cockpit interior
Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel

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 5008

Third row tight for adults
1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt

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 5008

The P87 is a stretched 3008, and it drives with the same easy, car-like manners for a seven-seat box. Built on the EMP2 bones shared with the 3008, it stays light on its feet, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it stable and settled on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised digital dials need a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels accurate and the body stays composed through corners. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac, though big wheels and firmer specs add some fidget. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the 2.0 BlueHDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without fuss. It is an easy, practical seven-seater, not a sporty one.