Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Peugeot 5008 T87

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Peugeot 5008

T87 · 2009 – 2017

The first 5008 (T87), a seven-seat MPV/crossover on PF2.

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 T87 for an affordable seven-seat MPV with a generous boot.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol) — post-2013 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 155 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 5008
Power	306 hp Winner	155 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	9,5 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	190 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	103,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	155 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	6,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 5008
Boot	690 L Winner	680 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.754 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,82 m	4,53 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Peugeot 5008
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	PF2
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.6 VTi/THP · 1.2 PureTech petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel · HYbrid4
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
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

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
HYbrid4: more complex and costly to maintain

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
Generous boot
Affordable used

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

MPV looks (less SUV)
1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk

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 T87 is the seven-seat MPV that shares its bones with the 3008, and it drives with the same easy, stable manners. Built on the PF2 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and settled on the motorway. The raised driving position and big glass make it feel solid and easy to place, while most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts without fuss. The HYbrid4 adds electric drive but is more complex. It is a comfortable, easy people-carrier, not a sporty one.