Porsche Cayenne vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Porsche Cayenne, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Porsche Cayenne

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 97 configurations

24mpg combined (best)
All Porsche Cayenne specs

2016–2026

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 92 configurations

25mpg combined (best)
All Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricPorsche CayenneMercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Best combined MPG24 mpg25 mpg
Best city MPG21 mpg23 mpg
Best highway MPG29 mpg29 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$3,300$3,150
Lowest CO2 output174 g/mi99 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI, SIDI; PHEV, 4.0, 3.0SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8), Automatic (AM8)Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium and Electricity, Premium Gas or ElectricityPremium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20262016–2026
Configurations on record9792

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Cayenne vs GLE-Class: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Porsche Cayenne or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Porsche Cayenne, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class runs about $3,150 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,300 for the Porsche Cayenne — a difference of roughly $150 per year.

What engines do the Cayenne and GLE-Class offer?

Porsche Cayenne: SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, 4.0, 3.0. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Porsche Cayenne and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

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Comparison id: porsche-cayenne-vs-mercedes-benz-gle-class