2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$60,500 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q7 offers sophisticated, everyday luxury headlined by its capable 261 hp V6, presenting an approachable entry point to premium three-row utility starting at $60,500. Contrast this with the stunning 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, which screams performance coupe styling and boasts a formidable 375 hp, demanding a $16,750 premium over the Audi. While the Audi provides a slightly better combined 22 MPG fuel economy rating versus the GLE Coupe’s 21 MPG, the Mercedes compensates with a staggering 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Q7’s 14.2 cu ft, despite being 4.8 inches shorter in overall length. Both vehicles require the same premium unleaded fuel to harness their respective power outputs, but the GLE Coupe delivers 96 lb-ft more torque for spirited driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 is the sensible choice for daily driving, offering a slightly better 20/26 MPG split compared to the thirstier GLE Coupe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Despite the Q7 potentially offering a third row (not specified but implied by size/class), the GLE Coupe offers superior dedicated cargo space at 31.6 cu ft versus 14.2 cu ft for critical family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the clear enthusiast pick, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Q7’s 261 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 wins on value due to its significantly lower MSRP of $60,500, saving buyers $16,750 compared to the Mercedes offering.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the $60,500 MSRP versus the $77,250 of the competitor.
You prioritize marginal fuel efficiency, as the Q7 achieves 22 MPG combined versus 21 MPG.
You prefer the tried-and-true SUV silhouette over a sloping coupe design.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

Maximum on-road performance is mandatory, thanks to its dominant 375 hp engine.
You need substantially more dedicated cargo space, as 31.6 cu ft greatly exceeds the Q7's capacity.
You want the smoother shifting experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission over the Q7’s 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q7	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	199.3"	194.5"
Width	77.6"	79.3"
Height	68.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	117.9"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	450.0/585.0 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Size	255/55R H	275/50R20
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	20 x 9.0 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 Coupe.

What is the performance gap between the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe?

The performance gap is significant; the GLE Coupe commands a massive advantage with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Audi Q7 is rated at 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

How much more does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe cost than the 2025 Audi Q7?

The GLE Coupe has a substantially higher MSRP of $77,250, which is $16,750 more expensive than the Audi Q7's starting price of $60,500.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance driving regarding efficiency?

The 2025 Audi Q7 holds a slight edge, achieving 26 MPG on the highway compared to the GLE Coupe's 25 MPG highway rating, leading to a combined 22 MPG versus 21 MPG.

Is the handling compromised by the GLE Coupe's styling compared to the Q7?

While the Q7 is a traditional crossover, the GLE Coupe sacrifices utility for style; however, its superior power output suggests a sharper driving dynamic despite the styling change.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two luxury crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers 31.6 cu ft of cargo room, more than double the 14.2 cu ft available in the 2025 Audi Q7.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to maximize their respective engine performances.