Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Denza B8

The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Denza B8 opens at $91,000. 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 $141,790 and $100,100 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE and Denza B8 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Denza B8 gets a 17.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

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

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 198kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The Denza B8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 425kW and 760Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 271mm shorter than the Denza B8 at 5,195mm (2,920mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 147L in the Denza B8, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 483L advantage.

For towing, the Denza B8 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 $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $475/year for the Denza B8. That is a $1,406 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.

Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $475 (Denza B8). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.