Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Renault Koleos KOL
Mercedes-Benz GLE
W166 · 2011 – 2019
The ML-Class / first GLE generation.
Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
306 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
370 Nm
Winner
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
235 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
142,3 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
185 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
7,9 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
690 L
Winner
|
458 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
2.010 L
Winner
|
1.690 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,92 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,82 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
21,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
3.500 kg
Winner
|
2.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | M-Class rear-wheel-drive base | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-TRONIC | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- 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
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- 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
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz GLE
29 for sale · from € 29.950
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