Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Audi Sq6 E-Tron
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

$149,969 - $165,400

2026 price

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Audi Sq6 E-Tron

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2025 price

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Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450

2025 Audi Sq6 E-Tron

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

598 km

Energy consumption

18.5 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

94.90 kWh

Seating

Likes

Practical and spacious
Comfortable ride
Easy power delivery

Gorgeous design inside and out
Powerful and dynamic on-road handling
Quick charging and long drive range

Dislikes

Almost unjustifiably expensive
Some will find interior outdated
Servicing costs

Not super fun for an S badge
A couple of tech gremlins
Significant price jump from other grades

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 Summary

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space.

Though it lags well behind the BMW X5 in terms of sales, by about half in fact, the GLE still aims to exude status and luxury, helped by a facelift in 2023.

In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus.

Despite the facelift, the category is moving on with big screens and more tech, where the GLE still has to rely on some traditional charm to win over wallets - especially in our big diesel ‘450d’ guise.

A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.

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2025 Audi Sq6 E-Tron Summary

Sharing the same Volkswagen Group PPE platform as its main rival, the Porsche Macan 4S, the newly launched Audi SQ6 e-tron has promised both efficiency and performance.

Is it a combination that can be achieved in real life? My family of three have been testing it out this week to find out for you.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 2025 Audi Sq6 E-Tron

Verdict

If you can get past the relatively steep asking price, the design appeals to you, and its slightly last-gen ergonomics work for you, then there’s a lot to like about the GLE. It’s a big, capable and comfortable cruiser, but given there are cheaper and more efficient options around, it would be a decision of the heart rather than the head.

Verdict

When it comes to a performance electric SUV, the Audi SQ6 e-tron is a fine example and showcases a masterclass in design. It drives and handles beautifully, even if it’s not as fun as I expected.

The technology looks amazing and I'm sure the little bumps we experienced will be ironed out with a software update.

The SQ6 will suit a smaller family best but the decent driving range and fast charging capabilities means regional families might like it too.

Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Audi Sq6 E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Audi Sq6 E-Tron
What's the difference?