New Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Audi Q7 vs Land Rover Discovery
The latest new luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz will have to play a blinder if it’s to surpass the Land Rover Discovery and bring an end to the Audi Q7’s four-year dominance...
Our verdict
If you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV, we’d still point you in the direction of the Q7 first. It no longer towers above the rest of the class like a Shire horse at a Shetland pony sanctuary – partly because its driveability has been compromised by emissions tuning, but also because rivals have been catching up over the past few years. But it’s still the comfiest, quietest and, in terms of interior quality, classiest choice. In short, it’s a brilliant all-rounder.
It’s a close call between the Discovery and the new GLE for second spot, and both also make great buys. The GLE is faster, quieter and plusher inside, but the Discovery just gets the nod because it’s the most accommodating seven-seater in this test, the most accomplished tow car and easily the most capable off road. The fact that it’s by far the cheapest car if you’re taking out a PCP finance deal, as well as the most affordable company car, seals the deal.
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1st – Audi Q7 - 5 stars
For Comfiest ride; quietest cruiser; best infotainment system; classiest interior; user-friendly infotainment
Against Gearbox slow to respond; standard safety and luxury kit
Recommended options Metallic paint (£750), Tour Pack (£1950)
Read our full Audi Q7 review
Find a great Audi Q7 deal
2nd – Land Rover Discovery - 4 stars
For Most spacious seven-seater; best tow car; cheapest option for most people; great driving position
Against Parts of the interior feel cheap; unsophisticated ride; infotainment isn’t great
Recommended options Drive Pack (£1950)
Read our full Land Rover Discovery review
Find a great Land Rover Discovery deal
3rd – Mercedes-Benz GLE - 4 stars
For Nippiest performance; best second-row leg room; interior wow factor; plenty of standard kit
Against Smallest boot; high monthly PCP costs; most cramped third row; numb steering
Recommended options Metallic paint (£685)
Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE review
Find a great Mercedes-Benz GLE deal
Specifications: Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line
- Engine size 6cyl, 2967cc, diesel
- List price £57,869
- Target Price £51,869
- Power 228bhp @ 3250-4750rpm
- Torque 369lb ft @ 1750-3250rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 7.8sec
- Top speed 142mph
- Gov't fuel economy 33.6mpg
- Test MPG 33.4mpg
- CO2 emissions 178g/km
Specifications: Land Rover Discovery SD4 SE
- Engine size 4cyl, 1999cc, diesel
- List price £54,660
- Target Price £51,889
- Power 237bhp @ 4000rpm
- Torque 317lb ft @ 1400rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 8.4sec
- Top speed 121mph
- Gov't fuel economy 33.6mpg
- Test MPG 32.4mpg
- CO2 emissions 194g/km
Specifications: Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line 7 seats
- Engine size 4cyl, 1950cc, diesel
- List price £57,705
- Target Price £53,776
- Power 241bhp @ 4200rpm
- Torque 369lb ft @ 1600-2400rpm
- Gearbox 9-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 7.7sec
- Top speed 140mph
- Gov't fuel economy 36.7mpg
- Test MPG 34.9mph
- CO2 emissions 162g/km
