2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

329

7,500 lbs.

80.3 cu.ft. 

18/22 MPG City/Hwy

VS

Horsepower

Towing Capacity

Cargo Capacity

Efficiency

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 4MATIC

362

7,200 lbs.

93.8 cu.ft.

17/21 MPG City/Hwy

The Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup can be a tricky one, especially with recent name changes and model introductions. If you are looking for a new Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV, do you get the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE or the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class? To pinpoint the advantages of each one, this comparison looks at power, towing capacity, cargo capacity, and overall efficiency. 

Perhaps what distinguishes the GL-Class is it is an all-new model. Contrarily, the GL-Class is in its last year of production  before it is phased out by the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The difference between the two is obvious just by looking at the outside of the car. The GL-Class is bigger, but is bigger always better? Both SUVs use the same 3.0L biturbo V6 engine, so what is the benefit to driving the larger GL-Class?

GLE Mobility

The GL is almost a foot longer than the GLE. This range in size leads to two conclusions. First, the GL-Class can hold about 10 more cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down. This is a big benefit for large families or any occasion where you may need to haul cargo. The second conclusion is that the GLE is much easier to drive both in the city and on the highway. Not only does it get better gas mileage in both areas, but it has a smaller turning radius, it weighs less, and it accelerates faster with less horsepower. Last but not least is towing capacity. If you are going to be pulling a trailer, you want to make sure your SUV is able to pull it before making the investment.  The GL-Class does have a higher towing capacity, but only by 300 pounds. This is really not enough of a difference to necessitate the purchase of the GL-Class.  

In conclusion, the GL-Class is slightly better than the GLE in terms of cargo capacity and towing capacity, but the GLE provides roughly the same specifications without the burden of low gas mileage. The GLE is faster, more efficient, and newly designed for 2016. If you have any questions about either of these SUVs, contact us today at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead for more information!