Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Polestar 3
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.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 1 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$199,900RRP
- with the Polestar 3's standard kit: $199,900 (nothing to add)
$116,700RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Polestar 3 the more affordable entry point by $83,200.
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 $219,890 and $128,370 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005948 · published 11 Apr 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the threaded nut securing the 48 Volt wiring harness under the driver seat may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- 26 more on the model page.
Polestar 3
- REC-006379 · published 16 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may enter the bumper wiring harness causing corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
92kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 310kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 310kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets nappa leather upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 3-zone in the Polestar 3.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Petrol producing 320kW and 560Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 245kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 24mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 33L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Polestar 3: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 65
The Polestar 3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 65), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Polestar 3 ahead by 25), fuel economy (Polestar 3 ahead by 24), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 22). If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Polestar 3?
The Polestar 3 is the cheapest at $116,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $83,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Polestar 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GLE, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 320kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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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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