What's the Difference: Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Audi Q7

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE combines a well-appointed interior with precision handling for a premium ride. With ample cargo space and comfortable seating for five, the GLE is an excellent choice for families. An optional third row increases seating to seven.

There are four trims available with the GLE, plus two AMG® variations. The lineup includes:

• Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC®
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC®
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC®

If you're interested in the high-performance AMG® styling, our experts will assist you with custom ordering a Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC+® or Mercedes-AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC+®.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 offers a smooth, quiet ride and a high-end cabin. Third-row seats are standard for all Q7 models for a maximum seating capacity of up to seven passengers.

There are five trims available with the Q7:

• Audi Q7 45 Premium quattro® Tiptronic®
• Audi Q7 45 Premium Plus quattro® Tiptronic®
• Audi Q7 55 Premium TFSI® quattro®
• Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus TFSI® quattro®
• Audi Q7 55 Prestige TFSI® quattro®

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Audi Q7
Reliability and Quality

Known as a leader in luxury, Mercedes-Benz vehicles also regularly receive high scores for quality and reliability in industry reviews. The GLE is ranked #1 out of 23 in Luxury Midsize SUVs by U.S. News and World Report. The 2023 GLE scored 80 out of 100 in the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability category and ranked #4 in Upper Midsize Premium SUVs.

In contrast, the ratings for the Audi Q7 aren't as stellar. The Q7 ranks #8 out of 23 in Luxury Midsize SUVs and scores scored 68 out of 100 in the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability category, ranking #8 in Upper Midsize Premium SUVs.

Performance and Efficiency

Engines Options

A base 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the GLE 350. The GLE 450 features a 362-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive. And the GLE 580 sits on a 483-horsepower 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine with mild hybrid drive.

The Audi Q7 offers two engine options. A 261-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid electric system.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Systems

All GLE 4MATIC® models feature standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® is an agile, all-time AWD system that gives confidence and control in any road conditions.

The 4MATIC® incorporates the Mercedes-Benz Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) to maximize cornering and reinforce grip in slippery conditions. When called upon, the GLE 350 4MATIC® distributes evenly between the front and rear axles. The 4MATIC® of the GLE 450 and 580 is capable of varying torque from 0 to 100 percent.

Audi's advanced quattro® AWD system continuously adjusts and adapts to the road to optimize acceleration and handling. In normal driving conditions, quattro® evenly splits the power delivery between the front and rear axles. If slippery conditions are detected, the system redistributes torque to the axle that needs increased power. Managed by intelligent software electronic sensors, the quattro® system can monitor traction, stability control, steering angle, and wheel movement.

Handling and capability

A highly-advanced suspension system, the Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC® suspension reduces air drag through automatic adjusting and self-leveling functions. Standard on the GLE 580, the adaptive system responds and adjusts to driver-selected modes, changing road conditions, and cargo loads.

Audi's adaptive air suspension continuously adjusts to changing road conditions and automatically adapts to optimize driving dynamics and comfort. Standard on the Audi Q7 55 TFSI® Prestige.

Efficiency

Fuel economy for the Mercedes-Benz GLE class of SUVs varies by trim, engine, and drivetrain. On average, expect 20 / 25 mpg* city / highway.

Fuel economy for the Q7 varies by trim, engine, and drivetrain. On average, expect 19 / 25 mpg* city / highway.

Additional Mercedes-Benz GLE Highlights:

DYNAMIC SELECT: Drivers can fine-tune their SUV's performance using a multimode program selector on the console. Different modes allow you to adjust throttle response, shift programming, and electronic stability based on driving conditions and your mood. Four program modes include ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road.

Hybrid drive: Both the V6 engine of the GLE 450 and the V8 engine of the GLE 580 are electrified. The Integrated Starter-Generator of the mild hybrid drive generates an additional 21 horsepower electrically. The mild hybrid drive allows for gas-free coasting, generates lower emissions, and recaptures energy when you decelerate.

Additional Audi Q7 Highlights:

All-wheel steering: Enhances maneuvering capabilities and gives the Q7 a tighter turning radius at low speeds by turning the wheel at a slight angle that's opposite of the front. All-wheel steering also provides more precise steering for lateral movements (like hanging lanes) at high speeds.

Hybrid system: The Audi Q7 55 features a turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid electric system which allows for energy recuperation during braking.

Safety and Driving Assistance

To keep all passengers safe and the driver in control on the road, Mercedes-Benz goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Standard safety features for the Mercedes-Benz GLE:

• Active Brake Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST®
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Crosswind Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
• Rearview camera
• PRE-SAFE®
• PRE-SAFE Sound
• Seat belt technology
• Seven airbags
• Daytime running lights
• Adaptive braking technology
• Parking Damage Detector
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors

ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behavior continuously. Uses visual and audible warnings to alert the driver if it detects signs of drowsiness. Can also detect if a driver starts a trip while showing signs of drowsiness and communicates information to the driver through dashboard displays during the trip.

Active Brake Assist: This radar-based technology detects approaching vehicles, stationary objects, and pedestrians ahead of you. It automatically calculates the potential for a collision and helps you brake by applying a level needed to avoid the collision. The assist will also initiate automatic braking in the case the drier does not apply brakes.

Driving Assistance Plus Package: This optional package includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active emergency stop assist, active speed limit assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active lane change assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, active stop-and-go assist, route-based speed adaptation, and speed limit assist.

Standard safety features for the Audi Q7:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance
• Front and rear parking sensors
• A rearview camera
• Lane departure warning
• Audi pre sense® basic
• Audi pre sense® front (includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection)
• Audi pre sense® rear (includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Audi Side Assist
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Top View Camera System: A virtual 360 camera system that alerts you of potential obstacles and helps with parking. From the driver's seat, you can switch between 3D views of your vehicle's exterior and swipe to change viewing angles.

Remote Park Assist: An optional add-on, remote park assist automatically maneuvers your vehicle in and out of both perpendicular and parallel parking spots. You can even initiate parking while outside your vehicle via your smartphone.

Infotainment and Technology

When comparing the multimedia features of the Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE, the lists of standard features are quite similar. But there are a few make-specific differences.

Standard infotainment and technology for the Mercedes-Benz GLE include:

• A 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Console touchpad
• Steering-wheel touch controls
• Wireless charging
• Five USB C-ports
• MB Navigation
• No-charge navigation map updates for one year
• Hands-free Bluetooth®** capabilities
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)

Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): At the forefront of cockpit innovation, the MBUX intelligent voice recognition responds to "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation and learns from your natural speaking voice. The system integrates the functionalities of Bluetooth®**, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. An available Interior Assistant can even respond as you reach or gesture.

Standard infotainment and technology for the Audi Q7 include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Hands-free Bluetooth®** capabilities
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
• A 10-speaker stereo
• HD Radio
• Satellite Radio
• Navigation
• Multiple USB ports
• A Wi-Fi hot spot
• Audi's dual-screen MMI® infotainment system
• Audi Virtual Cockpit

Audi MMI® touch response: A suite of intuitive technology that's more user-friendly than a smartphone. The primary driver-centric, interactive display provides haptic feedback. The secondary touch screen allows you to adjust climate controls, plus has handwriting recognition capabilities.

Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus: Features a 12.3-inch TFT screen with sharp and detailed display graphics are exceptionally sharp and highly detailed. The display shows speed and rpm readings, navigation information, plus media and information regarding active driver assistance features. This digital instrument cluster is completely customizable.

Audi connect®: Includes a collection of fully integrated digital services and features that take your driving experience to the next level. With Alexa compatibility, you can play your favorite song. You can find out the time until a red light changes. It will also remind you to lock your car and close the sunroof. Services and features will vary by model.

Shop Mercedes-Benz GLE Near Westmont, IL

Are you in the market for a world-class luxury SUV? We invite you to stop by Mercedes-Benz of Westmont. We offer a stunning selection of Mercedes-Benz GLE SUVs in a rainbow of exclusive colors. Our new car inventory is one of the best in the Westmont and Downers Grove areas.

If you prefer to hand-pick your vehicle's specific look and feel, one of our Mercedes-Benz experts will help you with the design process. We'll custom order a Mercedes-Benz GLE to fit your unique style.

What should you expect when you visit our dealership? From our elegant showroom, knowledgeable team members, and no-pressure pledge to our emphasis on high-level customer service, you'll discover a different car-buying experience.

Once you've found or designed the perfect new car, the Mercedes-Benz of Westmont finance team will tailor a financing package to fit your needs. We'll walk you through our full menu of options from buying to leasing and help you decide which route is best for you.

Not sure if the GLE 350 or GLE 450 is the right vehicle for you? We have examples of the complete Mercedes-Benz new car lineup for you to check out. We also have an extensive inventory of high-end pre-owned sedans, coupes, and SUVs.

You may also want to consider a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle. These vehicles are hand-selected premium pre-owned vehicles that have passed a 172-point inspection. Many of our CPOs are lease returns. This means they have low mileage, have been well maintained, received regular service, and are often equipped with premium package amenities.

What are you waiting for? Give us a call or stop by to test drive any of the elegant luxury vehicles available. Located at 200 East Ogden Avenue, we're three miles southwest of Fullersburg Woods.

*Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.

**Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth SIG, INC.