Denza B8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Denza B8 the more affordable entry point by $37,900.

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 $100,100 and $141,790 respectively.

The Denza B8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B8 by roughly $7,030 in fuel alone.

Both the Denza B8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLE packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B8.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz GLE adds a 360-degree camera that the Denza B8 misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Denza B8 features a 17.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Denza B8 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Denza B8 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza B8 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 198kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 198kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 271mm 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 147L in the Denza B8 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 483L 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.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $475/year for the Denza B8 and $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $1,406 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.

Estimated annual total: $475 (Denza B8) vs $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Denza B8 saves you roughly $1,406 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.