Mercedes-Benz GLE W167 vs Renault Koleos KOL
Mercedes-Benz GLE
W167 · 2018 – 2026
The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.
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
M256 GLE 450 · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
367 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
500 Nm
Winner
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
5,7 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
164,2 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
220 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
9,3 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
630 L
Winner
|
458 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
2.055 L
Winner
|
1.690 L
|
| Wheelbase |
3,00 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,92 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,5 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
11,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
3.500 kg
Winner
|
2.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MHA (rear-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- 630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
- GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
- OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
- GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
- Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
Driving experience
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.
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
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 electric · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
Auto's Basile - Kuurne motors
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Navigati…
Garage Carrera Cars
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC · plug-in hybrid · Camera · CarPlay · LED
Falcomotive
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · LED
Garage Auto-Elektro Peeters
