Spec comparison: Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift vs BMW X5 facelift vs Audi Q7 vs Land Rover Defender

Mercedes-Benz India recently introduced the all-new AMG C 43 4Matic alongside the updated GLE. The refreshed SUV is now available in three trims: 300d 4Matic, 450d 4Matic, and 450 4Matic. The German automaker has said that the deliveries of the 300d and 450 will begin this month, whereas the 450d deliveries will commence in the Q1 of 2024. It gets more than a fresh look, especially when it comes to the powertrain and feature-list. Here, we compare the new GLE facelift with the X5 facelift, Defender 110, and Q7.

Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift vs BMW X5 facelift vs Land Rover Defender vs Audi Q7: Powertrain

All the new GLE trims now get electrification across the board in the form of the 48V mild-hybrid system and integrated starter generator. The GLE range starts with the 300d's 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 269PS and 550Nm of torque. Then, there is a 450 with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine generating 381PS and 500Nm, and a 450d with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 367PS and 750Nm. Mercedes offers a nine-speed automatic transmission for all three engines.

The BMW X5 facelift gets upgraded engines. There is a new turbocharged 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder, petrol engine that delivers 381PS and 520Nm of torque (produces 47PS and 70Nm more than the previous one), which can be boosted up to 540Nm with 48V mild hybrid functionality. BMW has even reworked the 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder, twin turbocharged diesel motor, featuring new components. Like the petrol unit, it also gets mild hybrid assistance. This diesel engine makes 286PS and 650Nm of torque. Both units come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Defender 110 comes with a variety of trim and engine options, including D300 with 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel producing 300PS/650Nm, P300 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that makes 300PS/400Nm, P400e with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 404PS/640Nm, P400 with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol unit generating 400PS/550Nm, and last but not least the top-rung P525 gets a 5.0-litre V8 petrol good for 525PS and 625Nm of torque. All engines come with an automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The facelifted Audi Q7 is available in only single-powertrain choice - a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol with 48V mild-hybrid functionality. It produces 340PS and 500Nm of torque. This motor is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Land Rover Defender vs Audi Q7: Features and Specifications

The key highlights of the GLE facelift are a Burmester surround sound system, a 12.3-inch driver display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Type-C fast charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear window sunblinds, powered rear seats, four-zone temperature control, air purifier, transparent bonnet function, active parking assistance, keyless go package, nine airbags, pre-safe, blind spot monitoring, air balance package, heated and cooled front seats, airmatic air suspension, a heads-up display, and adaptive multibeam LED headlights.

On the other hand, the refreshed X5 features an illuminated signature kidney grille, matrix LED headlights with blue inserts and selective beam, a 12.3-inch driver display, 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon sound system, an updated BMW iDrive system, front seats with active ventilation and fully electric adjustability, a four-zone temperature control, a panoramic sunroof, comfort access system, new travel and comfort system, cruise control, BMW Digital Key Plus, attentiveness assistant, new parking assistant professional, 360-degree camera, multiple airbags, drive recorder, reversing assistant, and remote parking via smartphone.

Coming to the legendary Defender, the SUV comes equipped with matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch driver display, an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, 14-speaker, 700-watt, Meridian sound system, driver condition monitor, driver assist pack, digital IRVM, electronic air suspension with adaptive dynamics, electric active differential, terrain response 2, all terrain progress control, powered front seats with ventilation and heating functions, wireless phone charging, air purifier, advanced tow assist, hill hold and descent controls, heated windscreen, wade sensing with 900mm wading capacity, three-zone temperature control, heated washer jets, heated mirrors, and ADAS, among others.

Audi has bestowed the Q7 with matrix LED headlamps, three distinctive screens: a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen system, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for temperature control; a Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker, 730-watt surround sound system; adaptive air suspension, an air purifier, multi-colour ambient lighting, powered front seats with memory function for the driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone temperature control, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera setup, and eight airbags.

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Land Rover Defender vs Audi Q7: Pricing

The Mercedes-Benz GLE prices start from Rs 96.4 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 300d. The 450d is priced at Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom), while the 450 costs Rs 1.15 crore (ex-showroom). BMW's X5 xDrive40i xLine and xDrive30d xLine are priced at Rs 95.20 lakh and Rs 97.20 lakh (both ex-showroom), respectively. Whereas, the xDrive40i M Sport and xDrive30d M Sport come with a price tag of Rs 1.06 crore and Rs 1.08 crore (both ex-showroom), respectively.

The prices of the Defender 110 start at Rs 93.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 2.30 crore (ex-showroom). The Audi Q7 is available in two trims: Premium Plus 55 TFSI and Technology 55 TFSI. The former costs Rs 84.70 lakh (ex-showroom), while the latter is priced at Rs 92.30 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new GLE offers a range of new features but with a considerable price hike compared to the previous model. In fact, the recently launched X5 facelift also witnessed an increment in its price after introductory price offer ended. The Q7 offers the lowest starting price among its rivals, while the Defender 110 is the only most expensive SUV topping at Rs 2.30 crore (ex-showroom). Hence, it comes with plenty of features and electronic aids. The GLE facelift and X5 facelift provide more or less have similar features. The Q7 also gets up to the snuff features.

Interestingly, the Defender, apart from its petrol and diesel engine options, can also be opted with a hybrid powertrain as well as a mighty supercharged V8 mill. On the other hand, the Q7 comes with only a petrol engine. Both GLE and X5 provide options of various trims across petrol and diesel engines.

Also read:

2023 BMW X5 road test review

Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift launched; prices start at Rs 96.4 lakh