VS
At a Glance
Power
373 kW
320 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
560 Nm
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.1 s
5.0 s
Engine
3996 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Audi SQ7 and the Mercedes-AMG GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi SQ7 delivers 373 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLE produces 320 engine kW. On fuel, the SQ7 returns 11.9 l/100km while the GLE uses 10.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 540 500 for the SQ7 and R2 455 737 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
373 kW
320 engine kW
Torque
770 Nm
560 Nm
0-100 kph
4.1 s
5.0 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.9 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
85 l
CO2 Emissions
272 g/km
231 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5006 mm
4937 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1999-2157 mm
Height
1708 mm
1782 mm
Wheelbase
2996 mm
2995 mm
Kerb Weight
—
2300 DIN / 2375 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 7)
5 (opt 7)
Load Volume
—
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
675 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG GLE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
SQ7
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
GLE
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi SQ7
More powerful engine (373 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.1 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG GLE
Better fuel economy (10.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 455 737)
Less power than rival (320 engine kW vs 373 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SQ7 or GLE?
The SQ7 uses 11.9 l/100km and the GLE uses 10.3 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 SQ7 or GLE?
The SQ7 produces 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque while the GLE delivers 320 engine kW and 560 Nm of torque. The SQ7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SQ7 and GLE?
The SQ7 starts from R2 540 500 and the GLE from R2 455 737. The GLE is cheaper by R84 763 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SQ7 or GLE?
The SQ7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLE can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SQ7 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.