Mercedes-Benz GLE W167 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

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 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (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

M256 GLE 450 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	367 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	164,2 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	220 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	9,3 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	630 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	2.055 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	3,00 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,92 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	20,5 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLE

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)

Volkswagen T-Cross

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

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLE

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

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

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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.

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.