VS
At a Glance
Power
368kW@3750
270 engine kW
Torque
1000Nm@1750
750 Nm
Fuel
11.3
7.6 l/100km
Towing
3300
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.5
5.6 s
Engine
5934
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 368kW@3750 while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 11.3 while the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 498 000 for the Q7 and R1 974 997 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
368kW@3750
270 engine kW
Torque
1000Nm@1750
750 Nm
0-100 kph
5.5
5.6 s
Top Speed
250
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5934
2989 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
inline
Cylinders
12
6
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.3
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.8
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
100
85 l
CO2 Emissions
298
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086
4924 mm
Width
1983-2086
1999-2157 mm
Height
1772
1797 mm
Wheelbase
3002
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
205
—
Kerb Weight
2605
2350 DIN / 2425 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3300
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
2035
685 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
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
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 (R1 498 000)
Higher towing capacity (3300)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.5s)
Higher fuel consumption (11.3)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or GLE?
The Q7 uses 11.3 and the GLE uses 7.6 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 368kW@3750 and 1000Nm@1750 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 R1 498 000 and the GLE from R1 974 997. The Q7 is cheaper by R476 997 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 3300 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.