Mercedes-Benz GLE400 vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

$53,990 - $89,800

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

$56,880 - $128,880

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

By Matt Campbell

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Stunning interior
Superb space
Comprehensive safety kit

Uber-cool design
Practicality
Value

Dislikes

Unpleasant ride
Four-cylinder diesel performance
Challenging styling

Some wind noise
No spare wheel
So-so steering feel

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 Summary

This is the first real Mercedes-Benz GLE. It's the second version of the SUV, but the last one was really just a big update of the old ML, and it never really soared to the heights it could have as a result of that.

But this new version - the 2020 GLE - is exactly that. It's new.

The exterior is new. The engines are new. The underpinnings are new. The interior - yep, you guessed it - new.

The big question is, though, is the GLE a competitor now? Can it stand up against the BMW X5, Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90 and even the VW Touareg?

Let's find out.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Summary

You might call it six degrees of Kombi separation. Somewhere, somehow just about all of us have a VW bus lurking in our family and friends' back story. And this is the latest version of that familiar box on wheels to hit the Aussie market.

It’s the premium, sportier, AWD GTX version of the pure-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz.

This one-box wonder hits the retro-futurist ball out of the park and we attended its local launch to explore whether what’s under the skin supports the promise of its stunning exterior.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Verdict

All told, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020 model is an improvement in many ways over its predecessor. It's safer, more high-tech, considerably more luxurious and practical inside, and offers better value, too.

But, in 300d guise at least, it's let down by a slightly underdone engine, and suspension that just doesn't do a good enough job on rougher roads. It's close, but not close enough to be best in class.

Maybe that'll be a different case for the higher-grade versions with the most high-tech engines and the tricky optional suspension... we'll have to wait and see.

Verdict

The only way to make this car cooler would be to add a split fold-out windscreen and a tube steel luggage rack on the roof.

It’s fast, super practical, comfortable and guaranteed to put a smile on the face of premium family buyers ready to go for something different. And that smile will extend to just about everyone who lays eyes on it. I love it.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mercedes-Benz GLE400 vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLE400 vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz
What's the difference?