2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Audi Q7
May 13 2021,
The Mercedes-Benz GLE was the first SUV of its kind in the world of luxury vehicles when it was introduced in 1997 (ML). That's almost 25 years of experience that the oldest German manufacturer is offering with the current generation of the GLE.
That's why, when compared to Audi's Q7, the GLE still seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve. That's why it's more complete. It's because Mercedes-Benz is not afraid to innovate at a faster pace. The following items will prove it.
More powertrains
With a product like this, it's important to give buyers what they need and want. So it's no surprise that both Mercedes and Audi have rich offerings. However, Benz is doing a little more with an extra engine. In addition to the 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 3-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder (inline at Benz, V6 at Audi) and 4-liter turbocharged V8 found in both vehicles, the GLE offers a second version of its 6-cylinder engine. And everywhere else, the power is higher at Mercedes-Benz; 255 vs. 248 horsepower for the 4-cylinder, 362 vs. 335 horsepower for the 6-cylinder, and 603 vs. 500 horsepower for the V8 (591 for the RSQ8). As for the additional block, it's good for 429 horsepower.
We even win with the automatic transmissions; nine gears with the GLE, eight with the Q7. As a bonus, the GLE's 4- and 6-cylinder engines are more frugal at the pump. With the V8, Audi has a slight advantage, but you get more power with the GLE.
More modern interior
Audi has been building quality interiors for decades. However, conservatism dictates how they do it. At Mercedes-Benz, innovation is a working philosophy. As a result, we have two fundamentally different worlds; one focused on the present, the other on the future.
A simple glance at the dashboards is enough to understand. The traditional look of the Q7 is replaced by a spectacular approach dominated by a massive screen at Mercedes-Benz. What's more, the company's multimedia system, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), is an industry benchmark, offering highly advanced interaction between man and machine.
More space
Finally, let's not forget that we are dealing with two utility vehicles here. So a look at the cargo space is essential. Once again, this element of comparison allows us to see that the advantage goes to the GLE with 2,055 liters versus 1,090 liters of volume when the seats are folded down.
The examples are numerous; the GLE is a more complete vehicle than the Q7. Consumers are talking, too; the GLE (regular and coupe versions) sells more than the Q7 and Q8 combined.
