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Mercedes GLE vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (585 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (78,900 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLE or VW Passat?

Mercedes GLE vs VW Passat: Key differences

Mercedes GLE

4.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • substantially lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

GLE

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Passat is considerably cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 78,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 42,450 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes GLE with 3.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 31 km more than the Mercedes GLE.

Passat

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE offers considerably more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 313 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLE delivers substantially more torque with 750 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

GLE

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Passat is substantially lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 2,390 kg. The difference is around 817 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers only slightly more boot space – 690 L compared to 655 L. That’s a difference of about 35 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLE carries markedly more – 770 kg compared to 577 kg. That’s a difference of about 193 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
details

Frequently compared as well

VW Passat
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Mercedes GLE
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLE

The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.

details
18C0625_033
18C0625_078
18C0625_137
18C0625_003

Reviews Mercedes GLE

4.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
Andreas
7 Jun 2026, 08:43:32

Mercedes is completely superior to Volvo, which feels plasticky and noisy with poor fit and finish, a poor tactile feel in the controls and a lack of buttons.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Victor
10 Apr 2026, 07:46:13

I just love Benz cars

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
DB2019AU00685_large
DB2019AU00698_large
DB2019AU00117_large
DB2019AU00642_large

Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Mercedes GLE
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
78,900 - 115,800 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
91 - 104 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
72 - 241 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,390 - 2,815 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
485 - 655 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
2,010 - 2,018 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
495 - 770 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
309 - 585 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
227 - 430 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLE?

The Mercedes GLE is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.