2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Audi Q7: the star of the match
May 13 2021,
Mercedes-Benz is often referred to as the brand with the silver star because of its legendary logo. Its products are also stars when measured against their competitors in all segments of the industry.
This includes the mid-size SUV segment, where the company's representative, the GLE, has all the tools to outshine every one of its rivals. As an example, let's take a look at how it differs from another interesting product in the segment, the Audi Q7.
Capabilities
With an SUV, even if it offers all the luxury you can get, you want a vehicle that guarantees you the maximum in terms of capabilities. Things are similar whether you look at the specs of the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Audi Q7. However, there is one area where the GLE is more generous than the Q7 and that is in the area of cargo space. To the Q7's 1990 liters, the GLE offers 2055 liters. That doesn't sound like much, but it's a few more items when you're on the road on vacation. Why settle for less?
One more engine
By the way, one less engine is what's on the Q7's sheet when compared to the GLE. The additional engine is a more powerful version of the inline 6-cylinder that serves the AMG 53. With 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, it offers an interesting option between the base 6-cylinder and V8-powered versions.
Otherwise, both the GLE and the Q7 offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, as well as 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinders (V6 configuration at Audi). What's noteworthy about these three engines is that they are all more powerful at Mercedes-Benz. With the GLE 350 version, the 4-cylinder delivers 255 horsepower; it puts out 248 with the 45 model at Audi. The inline 6-cylinder in the GLE 450 spits out 362 horsepower, the Audi V6 in the 55 model serves 335. Finally, with the V8, it is 603 forces for the AMG 63 S version, 500 for the SQ7. An RSQ8 version exists at Audi, but its power is also less with 591 hp.
Transmission and consumption
Even the GLE's transmission has one more gear than the Q7's, nine to eight. That translates into better fuel economy in both the four- and six-cylinder engines. The Mercedes V8 is a bit more fuel-hungry, but that's the price you pay for having over 600 horsepower; a small price to pay!
Modernity vs. traditionalism
Inside, you can compare the quality of the advanced materials, the rigorous assembly and the wealth of equipment; both companies know how to please their customers.
However, where the comparison is to the advantage of the GLE is visually. With the Q7, you get something good with a few modern touches. With the GLE, it's a trip to the future with a dashboard dominated by a massive screen whose clarity is exceptional. What's more, it hides the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, without a doubt the best and most complete in the industry today.
For all these reasons and many more, the GLE is a more complete vehicle than Audi's Q7. That's why it sells more, too, a sign that consumers recognize it too.
