When you look at an Audi Q7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE comparison, you see the better luxurious driving experience right away. These two midsize SUVs offer dozens of comforts and several engines designed to make your drive feel superior. However, if you want a high-end two- or three-row SUV with the space to satisfy your whole family during long drives and the engine strength to make every ride memorable, the GLE is the model for you.
We at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South are proud to offer the Mercedes-Benz GLE and showcase its performance compared to a competitor like the Q7. Learn more about these luxury sport-utes below.
Engine: | 4.0L V-8 biturbo w/ mild hybrid drive |
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Drivetrain: | 4MATIC® fully variable all-wheel drive |
Horsepower: | 510 |
Torque: | 538 lb-ft |
0-60 Acceleration Time: | 4.3 sec |
Seating Capacity: | – 5 – 7 (optional) |
Maximum Towing Capacity: | 7,700 lbs1 |
Maximum Cargo Capacity: | 74.9 cu ft |
EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb): | 15 / 20 / 17 MPG3 |
Engine: | 3.0L 6-cyl |
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Drivetrain: | quattro® all-wheel drive |
Horsepower: | 335 |
Torque: | 369 lb-ft |
0-60 Acceleration Time: | 5.5 sec |
Seating Capacity: | 7 |
Maximum Towing Capacity: | 7,700 lbs2 |
Maximum Cargo Capacity: | 69.6 cu ft |
EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb): | 18 / 23 / 20 MPG4 |
The chart above provides a glimpse into these midsize SUVs’ specs, but let’s take a look at their available trims before we delve deeper. As you climb the GLE trim ladder, you can access different engine options. The new Mercedes-Benz GLE for sale comes in the following four trims and engine pairings:
Each model utilizes Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® all-wheel drive to give you extra traction on the road while providing meaningful performance and luxury upgrades at every tier.
The Audi Q7 offers one more configuration than the GLE, but only comes with two engine options. The trims are as follows:
The first two models in the list come with the 45 TFSI 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque – the remaining three trims come with the stronger 55 TFSI 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
When comparing the Audi Q7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE for performance, the GLE 580 dominates. A total of 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque leaves the 55 TFSI engine of the Audi Q7 in the dust, reaching 60 mph more than a second sooner than the top-tier Q7. The only part of the engine where the Q7 has the advantage is EPA-estimated MPG, which is reasonable considering the strength of the GLE – the 450e compensates with plug-in power, though.
For standard engines, the 45 TFSI does beat out the GLE 350 engine, with 261 horsepower vs. the GLE standard 255 horsepower. It is a minor win for the Q7, especially since the 375 horsepower of the second-level GLE 450 beats out both Q7 powertrains.
Some of this strength is thanks to transmission differences. The Audi Q7 45 Premium quattro® Tiptronic is an eight-speed system, while the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed transmission of the GLE provides an extra gear ratio.
These engines carry two similarly sized vehicles. The Audi Q7 is the larger of the two options, with a total length of 199.3 inches5 vs. the 194.3-inch length of the GLE. That’s the difference between Q5 and Q7 models: The Q7 is the larger SUV from Audi manufacturers. However, that extra size disappears when you climb inside. Sit in the second row of a GLE and stretch out with up to 40.9 inches of legroom. Second-row passengers of the Q7 get 38.8 inches5 instead, a full two inches less.
The interior space still favors the Mercedes-Benz SUV when we consider cargo space. The GLE can hold up to 74.9 cubic feet of cargo, while the Q7 can only hold 69.6 cubic feet. Seating is another win for the GLE. While the Q7 comes standard with a third row and seven seats, the GLE comes standard with two rows and five seats. However, most trims offer two extra seats in a third-row package, meaning you can choose the configuration that suits your needs.
Take a seat in either cabin and experience two different worlds of luxury. The Audi Q7 offers leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and safety features like Audi drive select, Audi pre sense® front, and Parking Sensors by default. You can upgrade your Q7 to include dual-pane acoustic glass windows, a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated rear seats, a Bang & Olufsen® Premium sound system, and a Head-Up Display.
The GLE comes with standard equipment that rivals that of the Q7, including heated front seats and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist. However, it delivers tech you won’t find at any level of the competitor’s model, such as biometric authentication, a touchpad controller, and PRESAFE®. You can use the standard 12.3-inch display to control your media and climate settings – the Q7 splits app and climate access into a more convoluted setup with two smaller screens.
While you can upgrade either model for more available creature comforts, the Mercedes-Benz GLE prides itself on customizability for any trim. For example, the Exclusive Trim Package adds front ventilated seats, a Burmester® audio system, and more, while the Pinnacle Trim Package will net you massage seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, and Head-Up Display – on any trim! The Driver Assistance Package comes with 13 additional programs, Evasive Steering Assist.
Now that you’ve compared the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. Audi Q7, it’s time to take the winner for a test drive. You can also see how the GLE compares to other models in its segment with our Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. Lexus RX guide. If you find yourself in the Atlanta area, visit Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South for an in-person look.
The Audi Q7 is slightly larger than the GLE, with a total length of 199.3 inches5 vs. the 194.3 inches of the GLE. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers more maximum cargo space than the Audi Q7, having 74.9 cubic feet of space when all seats are folded compared to 69.6 cubic feet, giving you room for all of your gear.
The EPA-estimated MPG for the GLE 350 is 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3, while the MPG for the standard engine of the Audi Q7, the 45 TFSI, is estimated at 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).6 Higher-level GLE engines are less fuel efficient than the 55 TFSI for the Q7, but offer much more power.
The GLE has five seats by default, with an optional upgrade package to seven, while the Audi Q7 comes standard with seven seats. The GLE offers excellent space in the second row, with 40.9 inches of legroom, while the Audi Q7 provides only 38.8 inches.5 Both model’s third rows are better suited for children or young teens.
1With optional trailer hitch. Read Operator’s Manual before towing. In some states, aftermarket trailer brakes are required. See dealer for details.
2When properly equipped.
3EPA-estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated MPG to the estimated MPG of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
418 city/23 highway/20 combined city/hwy/comb MPG (2025 Audi Q7 55 Prestige quattro®). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/q7/specs
620 city/26 highway/22 combined city/hwy/comb MPG (2025 Audi Q7 45 Premium quattro® ). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
Burmester is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany