2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe vs 2026 Acura MDX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe (car1) and the 2026 Acura MDX (car2) is the $24,600 MSRP gap, starting at $76,400 versus $51,800. This price accounts for a substantial performance disparity: car1 delivers 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, whereas car2 offers 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. While the Mercedes Coupe is shorter at 194.5 inches compared to the MDX's 198.4 inches, the Acura provides notably less utility, yielding only 18.1 cu ft of cargo space against car1's 31.6 cu ft. Fuel economy is remarkably similar, with the GLE Coupe achieving 21 combined MPG (19/25 city/highway) and the MDX reaching 22 combined MPG (19/26 city/highway), though car1 mandates premium fuel while car2 only recommends it.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Acura MDX
The 2026 Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its lower $51,800 MSRP and slightly better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers significantly superior utility with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Acura's 18.1 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
The GLE Coupe provides an 85 hp advantage, generating 375 hp versus the MDX's 290 hp.
2026 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX presents a much lower entry price point at $51,800 compared to the GLE Coupe's $76,400.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe if...
- You prioritize performance, leveraging the 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque output.
- Maximum cargo capacity is essential, as car1 offers 31.6 cu ft versus car2's 18.1 cu ft.
- A more assertive vehicle presence is desired, reflected in its 79.3-inch width.
Choose the Acura MDX if...
- The budget is a primary constraint, requiring the substantially lower $51,800 MSRP.
- Fuel running costs are a concern, as car2 only recommends premium fuel, unlike car1 which requires it.
- A longer wheelbase is preferred, with car2 measuring 198.4 inches in length compared to car1's 194.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe | Acura MDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.5" | 198.4" |
| Width | 79.3" | 78.7" |
| Height | 68.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 115.6" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front 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 |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | 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 |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power 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 |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 427.5/562.5 mi. | 351.5/481.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control 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 |
| Automatic Parking Assist | 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 |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | 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 | 6 months | โ |
| Speaker System | โ | 11 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.3 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 60.8 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.3 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.8 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 9.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 275/50R20 | 255/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | โ |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe and 2026 Acura MDX.
How does the fuel requirement impact long-term ownership costs between the two crossovers?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe (car1) requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the standard grade. Conversely, the Acura MDX (car2) only recommends premium, meaning owners can use regular fuel to save money, despite both vehicles offering similar MPG ratings (21 vs 22 combined).
Which vehicle offers more actual usable space for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe provides significantly more cargo volume at 31.6 cubic feet. The 2026 Acura MDX is restricted to only 18.1 cubic feet, making the Mercedes the clear choice for substantial storage needs.
Is the Acura MDX's front-wheel-drive configuration a disadvantage against the Mercedes AWD?
Yes, the Mercedes GLE Coupe features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Acura MDX utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) for its base configuration. For maximizing traction in adverse conditions, the AWD system in car1 is technically superior.
What is the true performance difference reflected by the horsepower and torque figures?
The Mercedes GLE Coupe possesses 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it an 85 hp and 102 lb-ft advantage over the Acura MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.
Given the exterior dimensions, which car is larger overall?
The Acura MDX is longer at 198.4 inches compared to the GLE Coupe's 194.5 inches, though the Mercedes is slightly wider at 79.3 inches versus 78.7 inches.
Does the price difference justify the performance gap for the enthusiast driver?
For an enthusiast, the $24,600 price increase for the Mercedes buys access to 85 more horsepower and standard AWD. If maximizing acceleration and handling is the priority, the performance return outweighs the entry cost difference.
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