2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Overview | |
MSRP$53,700 | MSRP$34,000 |
Listings867 | Listings321 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews SummaryMercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily. | |
2021 Audi Q3 Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury SUV. Small crossovers and SUVs are seemingly taking over the automotive world, and even among this extremely crowded field, the Q3 is a standout. Despite having “SUV” in the name, the expectation with these vehicles is that they drive as comfortably and are as efficiently as a sedan. The Q3 delivers on this with a refined ride and standard driver assistance features, as well as helpful-in car tech. The Q3 first entered the North American market for the 2013 model year. The redesigned second-generation model arrived for 2019 and is still on sale today. For the 2021 model year, the Q3 gains additional high tech safety features and loses its top-tier Prestige trim. You can now get the features from this trim as options packages. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower184 hp @ 4800 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower184 hp @ 4800 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space33.3 cu ft | Cargo Space23.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight4608 lbs | Curb Weight3902 lbs |
Height70.7 in | Height62.9 in |
Length194.3 in | Length176.6 in |
Width84.9 in | Width79.7 in |
Wheelbase117.9 in | Wheelbase105.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1091 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5950 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity4400 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $53,700 | $34,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Mercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily. | The 2021 Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury SUV. Small crossovers and SUVs are seemingly taking over the automotive world, and even among this extremely crowded field, the Q3 is a standout. Despite having “SUV” in the name, the expectation with these vehicles is that they drive as comfortably and are as efficiently as a sedan. The Q3 delivers on this with a refined ride and standard driver assistance features, as well as helpful-in car tech. The Q3 first entered the North American market for the 2013 model year. The redesigned second-generation model arrived for 2019 and is still on sale today. For the 2021 model year, the Q3 gains additional high tech safety features and loses its top-tier Prestige trim. You can now get the features from this trim as options packages. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 184 hp @ 4800 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 184 hp @ 4800 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 33.3 cu ft | 23.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4608 lbs | 3902 lbs |
Height | 70.7 in | 62.9 in |
Length | 194.3 in | 176.6 in |
Width | 84.9 in | 79.7 in |
Wheelbase | 117.9 in | 105.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1091 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5950 lbs | 4400 lbs |









CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Audi Q3 scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings–and keeping in mind these are not direct rivals, the 2021 Audi Q3 emerges as the more highly rated option, offering a compelling combination of safety, technology, and cost effectiveness in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2021 Audi Q3 if:
- You seek a subcompact luxury SUV with a comfortable and passenger-friendly interior.
- You value advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option in the luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE if:
- You prioritize a spacious and luxurious interior with advanced technology features.
- You are willing to invest in optional packages to enhance the driving experience.
- You are looking for a midsize SUV with a smooth and powerful driving performance.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Audi Q3 scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings–and keeping in mind these are not direct rivals, the 2021 Audi Q3 emerges as the more highly rated option, offering a compelling combination of safety, technology, and cost effectiveness in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2021 Audi Q3 if:
Shop Now- You seek a subcompact luxury SUV with a comfortable and passenger-friendly interior.
- You value advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option in the luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and luxurious interior with advanced technology features.
- You are willing to invest in optional packages to enhance the driving experience.
- You are looking for a midsize SUV with a smooth and powerful driving performance.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.







































