Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.

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…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	306 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	690 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,82 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.