2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was an adequate-looking vehicle, though it didn't quite match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors. The original ML from 1997 had a boxy, utilitarian look, and while the GLE had evolved since then, it still seemed like a rushed design. The aggressive front nose and sloping hood promised something great, but the design lost its momentum past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in BMW, Audi, Jaguar, or even Lincoln SUVs. In AMG trim, the GLE looked sportier but still couldn't compete in a staredown with a BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Audi RS Q8, or Range Rover Sport SVR.

However, Mercedes made significant improvements to the GLE's interior, especially in the redesigned GLE Coupe. The 2021 model featured a more streamlined and cohesive design. The interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures. The red and black interior of the test car was both loud and luxurious, surpassing even Porsche or Audi in opulence. The twin arching grab handles on the center console, outlined with LED lighting, were a standout feature. The interior materials, including wood, metal, leather, suede, and plastic, were delightful to touch and operate, with the exception of the flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks. Overall, the GLE exuded a sense of pampering, though it required high-end options to feel truly luxurious.

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned Audi SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also available. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, equipped with the Prestige upgrade, Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaled $74,290.

Design changes for the 2020 Q7 included updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle's 20-inch turbine-style wheels with 285/45 Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires provided a robust look. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The Virtual Cockpit panel offered various themes and configurations, while two touch-sensing screens on the center console handled infotainment functions. The Okapi Brown leather interior with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays and a black cloth headliner created an upscale and high-tech ambiance. The Prestige trim's multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing vibe at night.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, especially with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engine setup. The GLE offered five suspension configurations, with the base GLE 350 using a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort. The GLE 450 featured AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers, while the AMG Ride Control+ sport-tuned version included Roll Stabilization and the Active Curve system. The E-Active Body Control could independently adjust the spring rate, damping, and height for each wheel, even allowing the GLE to bounce like a lowrider to free itself from sand.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe tested had an electric supercharger integrated with the powertrain, ensuring instant throttle response without lag. The GLE 53 produced 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 580 had a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. The top-tier GLE 63 S boasted 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids with a 48-volt battery system providing additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality. The GLE 450 returned 21/26/23 mpg, slightly better than the GLE 350 4Matic's 19/26/22 mpg. The GLE 350 had 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 had 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to conserve fuel. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad, adjusting the drivetrain, steering, and suspension settings. The Q7 55 TFSI could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA rated it at 18 mpg combined, and it averaged 21 mpg during a road trip.

The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension with adjustable firmness and height settings. The Q7 handled well on both pavement and off-road trails, with the Allroad drive mode and Off-Road suspension settings proving effective. The mild-hybrid technology operated transparently, and the four-zone climate control ensured comfort even during extended engine shut-offs. The Q7 was agile in town, athletic on winding roads, and stable on freeways. The cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to the dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a roomy two-row SUV with an optional third-row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments, and could slide and fold for easier third-row access. The GLE Coupe seated five, with limited rear space due to the sloping roofline and large rear tires. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe offered 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls, rocker switches, and steering wheel shortcuts were easy to use, though the thumbpads on the steering wheel were fussier.

The 2020 Audi Q7 had three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity, but the third row was best suited for young children. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 14.2 cubic feet, expanding to 35.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 69.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Q7 was comfortable for a family of four, with eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and plenty of legroom and thigh support in the second row. The four-zone climate control, heated rear cushions, and panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen taking up most of the space. Second-row occupants had netted storage on the front seatbacks and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system included a touchpad, right thumbpad, and simplified interface with search bars and larger type. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew and GPS lap timing. The Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments while driving, and the car could set the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel based on the driver's height. Other features included perfume canisters, Energizing Comfort, heated armrests, and automatic bolsters. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, and the ambient lighting had 64 colors. The navigation system projected the front camera feed with overlay arrows and street names. The GLE also had Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology with a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. The user interface was intuitive, though dry fingertips sometimes made the virtual buttons unresponsive. The Prestige trim included a full-color head-up display, though it was invisible with polarized sunglasses. The test vehicle had a Bose premium sound system, replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for top scores in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side were also available, along with 360-degree cameras and other advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Audi Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though the IIHS rated them "poor" for excessive glare. The Q7 had numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available in the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Features included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the traffic-sign-recognition technology caused issues by misreading signs. Active Lane Assist was also problematic on certain roads. The IIHS gave the Q7 the highest ratings, except for the "poor" headlight assessment.