Porsche Cayenne vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both a standard SUV form with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, included high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips. It had a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes and tinted headlights, complemented by red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. The Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler, while the base model had smaller wheels and satin black trim, maintaining a stylish appearance.

Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trims and seat belts. Although customization could be costly, it ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin featured numerous screens, but essential controls like HVAC and volume remained mechanical. The layout was well-organized, with a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle providing additional storage space. The center console's tendency to slide with slight pressure was a minor drawback in an otherwise thoughtfully designed interior.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ten versions, with prices ranging from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 350 was the least expensive model, featuring rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. The review focused on the standard GLE body style, specifically the GLE 450 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology.

The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100, including the destination charge. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package with blacked-out trim, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa premium leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighting the GLE's egg-on-wheels styling, the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline improved the design. The interior was elegantly detailed, featuring matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-liter V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, satisfying most drivers. For more power, the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph.

The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable performance. It featured precise steering, components from the Turbo GT, and a lower center of gravity. Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension contributed to its agility. The GTS excelled in Sport and Sport Plus modes, offering responsive steering and impressive cornering capabilities. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining power for highway merging while reducing aggression.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its mild-hybrid system, generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. The GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a capacity of 7,700 pounds. It included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view for off-road terrain.

However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting city and mountain road performance. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system resisted fade during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission hesitated with downshifts. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered limited standard features, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. Higher trims added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne lacked a third-row seat, accommodating only five passengers. The second row provided ample headroom, even in the coupe body style. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and had a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. Cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 60 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE offered thoughtful storage and a power rear liftgate, revealing 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed control of navigation and media. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE used the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Mercedes Digital Extras were standard. The Exclusive Package included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne had limited standard safety features, including parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Pre-Safe Sound protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. The GLE had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick+."