2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2021 Audi Q8 – Mercedes-Benz of Hagerstown

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced its GLE Class as a three-row SUV more than 20 years ago. With several trim levels and powertrains available to choose from today, this midsize crossover continues to hold broad appeal in the 2021 model year. The GLE 450 is a mid-level trim, and it is priced in the same range as the Audi Q8. Despite sharing an auto class and a starting price range, these models differ in notable areas. Are you ready to uncover their differences with a review of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2021 Audi Q8?

Exterior – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

From your first look at the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, you will be enamored by its front-to-rear appeal. This crossover has rolling elements throughout its side accent lines, its defined hood and its roof. The sense of elegance established by these lines is underscored by powerful side haunches and practical body molding. At the rear, metallic accents across the dual exhaust pipes correspond perfectly with the modern look of the taillights. At the front, dual LED bars in the headlights have a gorgeous bend. These lights flank the stardust-style grille. In comparison, the 2021 Audi Q8 also has long lines across its sides, and the coupe-like roof creates a stretched feel across the liftgate at the rear. The front and rear lights on the Q8 have a linear, segmented style. The grille’s design has a geometric feel with square mesh, the circular Audi logo and the hexagonal outline of the grille.

Interior – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 in Hagerstown

Ongoing comparison of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2021 Audi Q8 takes you inside their cabins. The GLE 450 is a three-row SUV, and its prominent roof height ensures ample space across all rows and in the cargo area. In comparison, the sloped roof on the Q8 leaves space for only two rows in the cabin. Both of these models have high-level materials with modern styling, but their designs and some of their features differ considerably. In the GLE 450, the dashboard shows off horizontal flow rather than a vertical line up a center stack. This horizontal theme is brought to life by a 64-color ambient light system and by side-by-side digital screens for the driver’s gauges and the MBUX infotainment system. The center console angles forward slightly, and it is flanked by elevated hand grips. Equipment in the GLE 450 includes massaging and heated seats, voice recognition for the navigation system, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and more. In direct contrast, the 2021 Audi Q8 has a traditional center stack design with an embedded touch display screen at the top of the stack. A second, angled screen gives you control over the climate management technology. Heated seats, a small digital area for the driver’s gauges, a sunroof and a few other features are also in the Q8 for 2021.

Performance – Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 specs in Hagerstown

The GLE 450 is a true beast on the road. It draws 362 horsepower from a 3.0-liter, turbo I-6 engine. This engine features EQ Boost, and it is paired with a nine-speed transmission. Notably, the GLE 450 for 2021 is only available with variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the 2021 Q8 from Audi receives 335 horsepower from its TFSI 55 engine. The engine is tied to an auto transmission and quattro 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

Contact Us Today – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 dealer

The Mercedes-Benz Hagerstown team is ready to help you get more familiar with the GLE line. To make arrangements for a closer look at all of our current SUVs in stock, contact us today.