VS
At a Glance
Power
270 engine kW
544 kW
Torque
750 Nm
950 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Towing
2700 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.7 s
3.7 s
Engine
2989 cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLE delivers 270 engine kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 544 kW. On fuel, the GLE returns 7.5 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 395 267 for the GLE and R3 851 000 for the Cayenne. 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
270 engine kW
544 kW
Torque
750 Nm
950 Nm
0-100 kph
5.7 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
295 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2989 cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
Optional
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
194 g/km
57 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4939 mm
4930 mm
Width
1947-2157 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1730 mm
1664 mm
Wheelbase
2935 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
198-243 mm
Kerb Weight
2295 Kg
2595 DIN / 2670 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
655-1790 l
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2700 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
745 l
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 20000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
GLE
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Lower starting price (R2 395 267)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 544 kW)
Porsche Cayenne
More powerful engine (544 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLE or Cayenne?
The GLE uses 7.5 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cayenne 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 GLE or Cayenne?
The GLE produces 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 544 kW and 950 Nm of torque. The Cayenne is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLE and Cayenne?
The GLE starts from R2 395 267 and the Cayenne from R3 851 000. The GLE is cheaper by R1 455 733 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLE or Cayenne?
The GLE has a braked towing capacity of 2700 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLE or the Cayenne?
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.