2025 Audi A6 allroad vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a luxury wagon and a mid-size crossover often boils down to balancing performance aspirations against practical affordability. The 2025 Audi A6 allroad enters the fray with a significant power advantage, boasting 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, this performance comes at a cost: the Audi demands a premium of $8,650 more, starting at $70,500 compared to the GLE's $61,850 MSRP. While both require premium fuel, the Audi nudges ahead slightly in efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the GLE's 23 combined MPG. Physically, the GLE is taller at 70.7 inches versus the A6 allroad's 58.9 inches, giving it a more commanding SUV stance, though the Audi offers superior length efficiency at 194.9 inches versus the GLE's 194.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A6 allroad
The 2025 Audi A6 allroad provides better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG compared to the GLE-Class's 23 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers slightly more storage, packing 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Audi's 30 cu ft.
2025 Audi A6 allroad
The Audi A6 allroad is the clear performance leader with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class undercuts the Audi by a substantial $8,650 MSRP while still offering competitive utility.
Choose the Audi A6 allroad if...
- You prioritize outright acceleration and benefit from the extra 80 horsepower provided by the Audi's powertrain.
- You prefer the handling dynamics associated with a lower-slung wagon body (58.9 inches high) over a traditional crossover.
- You want marginally better fuel efficiency, achieving 30 highway MPG versus the GLE's 28 highway MPG.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...
- You are looking to save significant money upfront, as the Mercedes-Benz starts $8,650 cheaper.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the GLE's larger 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the commanding view of the road provided by the GLE's greater height of 70.7 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A6 allroad | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 194.3" |
| Width | 74.9" | 76.7" |
| Height | 58.9" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 115.2" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 6100 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 424.6/579.0 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | โ |
| Stereo Power | 705W | โ |
| Speaker System | 16 | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | โ | โ |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 59.8 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/45R20 | 255/50R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | โ | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | โ | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A6 allroad and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Audi A6 allroad and the GLE-Class?
The Audi A6 allroad is significantly more powerful, delivering 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the base Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making the Audi the stronger performer.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips concerning fuel stops?
The Audi A6 allroad has a slight edge for longer stretches between fill-ups, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the GLE-Class's 23 combined MPG. Both vehicles, however, require the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
Does the difference in body style affect usable cargo space?
Surprisingly, the lower wagon (car1) offers 30 cu ft of cargo space, while the taller crossover (car2) provides slightly more usable volume at 33.3 cu ft. The GLE's taller structure seems to translate into better capacity here.
How big is the price gap between these two luxury options?
There is an $8,650 difference in the starting MSRPs, with the 2025 Audi A6 allroad listed at $70,500 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starting at $61,850.
Are there major differences in their drivetrain systems?
Yes, the Audi A6 allroad comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, whereas the base GLE-Class utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup. Furthermore, the Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual, while the Mercedes employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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