2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Audi Q7
There's one thing we all seem to agree on: luxury SUVs are fantastic. They've dominated sales charts for years, and every manufacturer now has one in its lineup. Two of the most popular options in this segment are from legendary brands Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Check out the 2025 GLE and 2025 Q7 before visiting James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz in Lexington, KY to find the perfect vehicle for your family. Browse our inventory online to start picturing yourself in a life of luxury.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Audi Q7
While you can't go wrong with either of these legendary machines, the two brands that make them take different approaches when it comes to overall feel and drivability. While Audi is known to build solid machines that perform well but can feel a bit spartan on the inside, Mercedes-Benz has been known for almost a century as the pinnacle of luxury and comfort.
Performance
While the 2025 Audi Q7 limits buyers to just two available powertrains, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE gives buyers a choice of 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines to suit a much wider swath of buyers.
The base 2025 GLE350 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower. Buyers looking for more power can step up to the GLE450, which packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 362 horsepower and lays down a 0 mph to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. Those with an insatiable "need for speed" can get even more power by opting for the GLE580, which has a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine that puts out a stomach-churning 504 horsepower that rockets this family SUV from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, sports sedan territory.
The standard engine in the 2025 Audi Q7 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 261 horsepower. The only way to get more is the available 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 335 horsepower, significantly less than the GLE450's 362. What's more, all the GLEs carry the adaptability and smoothness of a 9-speed automatic transmission, which makes the Audi's 8-speed unit feel a bit old-hat.
Safety Features
When buying an SUV with room for the family, the old adage "safety first" is all that counts. For more than a decade, Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with build quality, structural integrity, and technology. The GLE does not disappoint with loads of standard crash mitigation features like a surround-view camera system, crosswind assist, active brake assist, and active park assist to help urban drivers maneuver into tight spaces. It's no surprise, then, that the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a coveted 5/5 star rating in the NHTSA crash test.
While the 2025 Audi Q7 can be equipped with the safety tech listed above, it requires a higher trim package and added cost just to get what Mercedes-Benz already includes as standard equipment.
Interior
Sliding into the cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is like stepping into your home after a long, hard day at the office. High-quality materials abound with available nappa leather seating and hand-finished wood trim on the dash and steering wheel are the pinnacle of tasteful opulence. Luxury at the highest level is demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz's signature Automatic Seat Adjustment system, which uses the driver's height to automatically adjust to an ergonomically optimized seating position. Dial in your perfect ambiance with standard 64-color ambient lighting and attach it to your unique driver profile so it's at your beck and call the minute you enter your Mercedes-Benz. Pump up all 1550 watts of the available 25-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System and sit back, relax, and enjoy your commute.
The 2025 Audi Q7, on the other hand, has a cockpit that's a bit more Spartan. The interior materials have a premium feel, but cannot match what you get with Mercedes-Benz. The dual touchscreens, which handle all major controls, get extremely dirty and are impossible to see in direct sunlight. While Audi does offer a lot of the same luxury features as the GLE, buyers will have to opt for the top-spec Prestige trim, which comes with an eye-watering price tag.
Bottom Line
The Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is the clear winner when it comes to all-around value, drivability, and luxury. It manages to be a more complete package than the Audi Q7 while costing less. In our "treat yourself" world, it's the perfect match for someone who wants to reward themselves for their hard work without giving up space and practicality.
Take the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 for a test drive!
Experience the superiority firsthand with a test drive at James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz in Lexington, KY. Call our dedicated sales staff today to learn more about this incredible SUV and how you can schedule a test drive. View our new inventory online to see what is currently available in your area.
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