Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), 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 Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M276 GLE 350 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	306 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,5 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	142,3 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	185 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,9 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	690 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.010 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,92 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,82 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	21,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen Taigo
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 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
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 Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) 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 Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

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 Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

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 Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.