Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Renault Austral AUS

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

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…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Austral
Power	306 hp Winner	200 hp
Torque	370 Nm	—
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	175 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	128,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	108 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Austral
Boot	690 L Winner	430 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.525 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,82 m	4,51 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Austral
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	CMF-CD3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	E-Tech automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Hybrid
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

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

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

Renault Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

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

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

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.

Renault Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.