Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Renault Captur MK2

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

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 Captur

Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Captur
Power	306 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	13,0 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	178 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	87,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	115 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Captur
Boot	690 L Winner	422 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,82 m	4,24 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Renault Captur
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	CMF-B
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual
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

Renault Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

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 Captur

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

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 Captur

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

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 Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.