Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Audi Q7

The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q7 opens at $108,815. That makes the Audi Q7 the more affordable entry point by $20,085.

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 $141,790 and $119,697 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 92% for the Audi Q7.

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 7 in the Audi Q7.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q7 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with wireless charging and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 counters with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The Audi Q7 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 185kW and 370Nm, 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.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 128mm shorter than the Audi Q7 at 5,052mm (2,994mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 740L in the Audi Q7, giving the Audi Q7 a 110L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q7 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 $2,708/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,622/year for the Audi Q7. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q7.

Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,622 (Audi Q7). The Audi Q7 saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7). Both match on warranty length.