Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi Q7
From $102,296
SUV
4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging
185kW
9.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
740L
Mercedes-Benz GLE
From $128,900
SUV
Diesel
195kW
7.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
630L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q7 starts from $102,296 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Audi Q7 the more affordable entry point by $26,604.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $112,526 and $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Audi Q7 and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q7 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q7 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q7 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q7 stands out with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with wireless charging and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q7 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging producing 185kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 195kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 195kW vs 185kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q7 measures 5,052mm long on a 2,994mm wheelbase, 128mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 740L in the Audi Q7 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Audi Q7 a 110L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,622/year for the Audi Q7 and $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,622 (Audi Q7) vs $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q7 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Audi Q7 is the cheapest at $102,296 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $26,604.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q7 has the largest boot at 740L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 195kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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