2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$60,500 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the updated 2025 Audi Q7 and the revamped 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE involves balancing brand prestige with practical dimensions and utility. If maximizing cargo space is your priority, the GLE offers a staggering 33.3 cu ft compared to the Q7's tighter 14.2 cu ft, which is a huge advantage for hauling gear. Performance seekers might lean toward the Q7, as its 261 hp slightly edges out the GLE's 255 hp, though the GLE counters with better low-end pull, boasting 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft. Fuel economy is neck-and-neck, with the GLE achieving a slightly better 23 MPG combined versus the Q7's 22 MPG. Furthermore, the Q7 is nearly 2 inches longer at 199.3 inches, suggesting potentially better cabin stretch, even if the GLE sits taller at 70.7 inches versus the Audi's 68.5 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE wins for commuters due to its slightly better 23 MPG combined efficiency versus the Q7's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The GLE offers substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo space, far exceeding the Q7's 14.2 cu ft, which is crucial for family loads.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 gets the edge for enthusiasts due to its marginally higher 261 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q7

Starting at an MSRP of $60,500, the Audi Q7 is priced slightly lower than the GLE's $62,250 entry point.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

You prioritize a marginally higher base horsepower figure of 261 hp.
You want to save $1,750 initially, as the Q7 starts at $60,500 versus the GLE's $62,250.
You prefer the handling characteristics of an All-Wheel Drive system standard across the range.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

You frequently carry bulky items, as the GLE boasts 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Q7's offering.
You want the best torque delivery, as the GLE leads with 295 lb-ft versus the Q7's 273 lb-ft.
You want slightly better fuel efficiency, netting 28 highway MPG compared to the Q7's 26 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q7	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	199.3"	194.3"
Width	77.6"	76.7"
Height	68.5"	70.7"
Wheelbase	117.9"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	450.0/585.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2

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	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	59.8 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Size	255/55R H	255/50R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

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	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Is the higher cargo capacity in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE due to a longer body?

Not entirely; while the GLE is shorter in length at 194.3 inches compared to the Q7's 199.3 inches, its taller height (70.7 inches vs 68.5 inches) and different engineering likely contribute significantly to its massive 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity.

Which car requires premium fuel, and how does that affect running costs?

Both the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE require premium unleaded fuel, meaning neither offers an immediate cost saving at the pump. However, the GLE's slightly better 23 MPG combined rating might slightly offset the premium price over time compared to the Q7's 22 MPG.

How do the base engine power outputs compare between the two crossovers?

The Audi Q7 offers a slightly more powerful base engine with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with slightly less horsepower at 255 hp but higher torque at 295 lb-ft, suggesting stronger initial acceleration.

Is the 8-speed transmission in the Q7 superior to the 9-speed in the GLE?

Technically, the GLE has an extra gear with its 9-speed automatic, which often translates to smoother cruising and potentially better highway mileage. The Q7's 8-speed shiftable automatic is still very capable but uses fewer ratios overall.

Which crossover is physically larger overall?

The 2025 Audi Q7 is noticeably longer at 199.3 inches versus the GLE's 194.3 inches. However, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is taller by almost two inches, standing at 70.7 inches.