VS
At a Glance
Power
257kW@6800
270 engine kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
750 Nm
Fuel
13.6
7.5 l/100km
Towing
3500
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.4
5.7 s
Engine
4163
2989 cc
Choosing between the AUDI Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI Q7 delivers 257kW@6800 while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 13.6 while the GLE uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R750 500 for the Q7 and R2 395 267 for the GLE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
257kW@6800
270 engine kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
750 Nm
0-100 kph
7.4
5.7 s
Top Speed
244
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4163
2989 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.6
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
10.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
100
80 l
CO2 Emissions
317
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086
4939 mm
Width
1983-2086
1947-2157 mm
Height
1737
1730 mm
Wheelbase
3002
2935 mm
Ground Clearance
205
—
Kerb Weight
2240
2295 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
655-1790 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
2035
745 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLE
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
Q7
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
AUDI Q7
Lower starting price (R750 500)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (13.6)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or GLE?
The Q7 uses 13.6 and the GLE uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q7 or GLE?
The Q7 produces 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque while the GLE delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and GLE?
The Q7 starts from R750 500 and the GLE from R2 395 267. The Q7 is cheaper by R1 644 767 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q7 or GLE?
The Q7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 and the GLE can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q7 or the GLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.