Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Porsche Cayenne - which model is better?

The content of the article:

• Exterior
• Interior decoration
• Specifications Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Porsche Cayenne
• Ride quality
• Cost and equipment of Mercedes-Benz GLE and Porsche Cayenne

When it comes to premium crossovers, the image of the Porsche Cayenne unwittingly pops into my head, which ideally combines the capabilities of an SUV and the dynamic characteristics of a real supercar.

For a long time, the car bore the title of one of the best in the class, until in 2018 in Paris Mercedes showed the updated second generation of its premium GLE-class crossover, which risked challenging Porsche.

But whether he succeeded to surpass the Cayenne or not, you can only find out by pushing opponents with their heads.

Exterior

The third generation Porsche Cayenne has a stylish, dynamic and thoroughbred appearance that instantly recognizes the identity of the Porsche brand.

The "muzzle" of the car sports a relief hood, expressive head optics and a powerful false radiator grille. The taut profile is represented by massive wheel arches, embossed splashes of the sidewalls and a slightly sloping roofline.

The formidable stern demonstrates neat stripes of side lights, a large spoiler and a massive rear bumper with two exhaust barrels.

External dimensions of the car:

The updated Mercedes-Benz GLE is also not a miss. Its front part meets with stylish headlights of head optics, an attractive false radiator grille with a large three-beam star in the center and a neat bumper.

The profile and rear of the model show pumped up wheel arches, massive C-pillars and spectacular parking lights. Completing the look is a monumental bumper with chrome trim and two trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.

It is also worth noting the presence of plastic protection along the entire perimeter of the body. The external dimensions of the GLE-class are as follows:

The basic ground clearance is 180 mm, but with the optional air suspension it can be increased to 300 mm!

Both cars offer their customers a rich palette of body colors that can satisfy the needs of any customer. And if the preset colors are not enough for someone, you can paint the body in an exclusive color for an additional fee.

Interior decoration

The interior of the Porsche Cayenne combines traditional elements with modern design solutions. The main focus is on the 12.3-inch "tablet", which occupies most of the central part of the dashboard.

In front of the driver, there is a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a modern instrument panel, represented by an analog tachometer in the center and a pair of LCD displays on the sides, on which any information of interest to the driver can be displayed.

The quality of finishing materials, assembly and ergonomics are fully consistent with the class of the car.

Front riders are offered first-class seats with a lot of adjustments, all kinds of benefits of civilization and tenacious lateral support. The rear sofa is profiled for two riders, but it can easily take on board a third passenger.

The volume of the luggage compartment in the five-seater cabin layout is 770 liters, and by folding the backs of the rear sofa, you can increase its volume to 1710 liters. Not without a niche under the raised floor, where the manufacturer placed a compact dock and a set of necessary tools.

The interior design of the Mercedes-Benz GLE keeps pace with the times. The dominant place here is reserved for two 12.3-inch displays, one of which serves as a dashboard, and the second is responsible for managing the multimedia component and navigation. The cool three-spoke steering wheel with climate control buttons deserves special attention.

The front seats predictably provide a high level of comfort, as well as flaunt a lot of adjustments, heating, excellent lateral support and other benefits.

There is a high tunnel between the seats of the first row, on which the manufacturer has placed the gearshift selector, a wide armrest and a series of function switches.
The second row of seats easily accommodates three riders.

It is also worth noting the possibility of longitudinal movement of the extreme sections in the range of 100 mm, adjustment of the angle of inclination and the practically absent central tunnel.

The volume of the luggage compartment exceeds the opponent and is 825 liters. If necessary, it can be increased to 2055 liters by folding the backrests of the rear sofa.

As an option, the car can be equipped with a double third row, which is suitable for teenagers and children.

Specifications Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Porsche Cayenne

Photo: Porsche Cayenne gearshift lever

Under the hood, the Porsche is equipped with a 3-liter aluminum V6, equipped with a Twin-Scroll turbine, variable valve timing and recuperation. Its output is 340 "horses" and 450 Nm of rotational thrust, available at 5300-6400 and 1340-5300 rpm.

The partner of the gasoline installation is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows the car to fire from zero to hundreds in 6.2 seconds. and develop a maximum speed of 245 km / h. The declared fuel consumption in the combined mode is within the 9.2 l / 100 km mark.

The crossover is built on a modular "bogie" MLB evo, equipped with an active all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch, as well as aluminum suspension "in a circle". A double lever is installed in front, and a multi-lever is installed on the rear axis. As an option, a full-steering chassis with a rear-wheel steering system and a special anti-roll bar is offered.

The Cayenne's rack-and-pinion steering is an electromechanical power amplifier with variable characteristics, and the braking system is made up of cast-iron discs with a diameter of 350 and 330 mm on the front and rear axles, respectively.

For a surcharge, the buyer can install carbon-ceramic brakes that provide more intense and better deceleration.

Mercedes GLE-class in Russia is available with 3 power plants - two diesel engines and one gasoline engine. Diesel motors:

1. 2-liter unit, reproducing 245 "horses", which allow you to overcome the first "hundred" in 7.2 seconds. and reach the maximum 225 km / h. Average consumption is declared at around 6.4 liters per “hundred”.
2. 3-liter engine with 330 hp output. sec., allowing the car to change a hundred after 5.7 seconds. after the start and develop the maximum 245 km / h. Fuel consumption in mixed mode does not exceed 7.5 l / 100 km.

The gasoline unit is represented by a 3-liter engine with a rated power of 367 liters. with. With it, the car easily reaches a speed of 100 km / h after 5.7 seconds. and can accelerate to 250 km / h, consuming about 9.5 liters in the combined driving cycle.

Regardless of the type and power of the motor, the 9-speed automatic 9G-Tronis acts as its partner. It is also worth noting that all versions of the car are supplemented with a 48-volt motor-generator, which adds an additional 22 "horses" to the car's piggy bank.

As a standard, the car is equipped with a symmetric 4Matic system, and in more expensive modifications - an advanced all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch.

The GLE-class is built on the basis of the MNA trolley. Independent suspensions of both axles are equipped with cylinder-like springs and anti-roll bars. Two types of air suspension are available as an option.

Ride quality

Both cars have first-class driving qualities, but while the Porsche Cayenne focuses on handling, the Mercedes GLE focuses on maximum comfort.

What can we hide - in terms of comfort, the GLE-class is only slightly inferior to the flagship S-class, which, therefore, cannot yet surpass the indicator either Audi or BMW.

Cost and equipment of Mercedes-Benz GLE and Porsche Cayenne

The minimum cost of a Porsche Cayenne in the Russian Federation is $ 4.999 million.rubles, while the new Mercedes GLE-class will cost at least 4.73 million rubles. Both cars already in the base offer a huge number of advanced equipment, including:

• LED optics "in a circle";
• 19-inch "rollers";
• advanced media system;
• electric drive of seats of the first row;
• electrically adjustable heated mirrors with auto-dimming function;
• tailgate servo;
• leather interior trim;
• premium acoustics;
• digital instrument panel;
• climate and cruise control;
• a wide range of driver assistance systems;
• parking assistant and more.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that we like the Porsche Cayenne, we must admit that the Mercedes GLE is not only not worse, but also surpasses the opponent in a number of parameters.

But even despite this, we cannot name a clear winner of the confrontation, because cars follow different philosophies. So, Porsche is about handling and stability regardless of what is under the wheels, and Mercedes is about maximum technology and comfort.