Porsche Cayenne vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of our review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. Tinted headlights and red brake calipers added to its aggressive look, while 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray completed the exterior. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the vibrant Carmine Red interior to various trim and seat belt choices. Although the pricing could escalate with options like a custom paint job, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, assembled in Alabama, offered nine versions in Canada, ranging from the GLE 350 with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe with a hand-built twin-turbo V8. Our review focused on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450 featured the Exclusive Trim Package, which included exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim. Despite its egg-on-wheels styling, the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline improved its design. Inside, the GLE 450 boasted a luxurious cabin with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were wisely separated from the centre touchscreen, and the steering wheel featured touch-sensing controls. However, the touch slider for stereo volume proved challenging, though a volume thumbwheel on the centre console provided a practical alternative.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for those seeking peak performance. Our GTS-trim tester delivered 493 hp from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with 486 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed transmission distributed power to all four wheels, allowing the Cayenne to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The Cayenne's agility was enhanced by Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension system. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, though they required some adjustment. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, offering a versatile driving experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the wheels, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 excelled in off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system resisted fade during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission hesitated to downshift. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing buyers to choose from various materials and features. However, the Cayenne lacked a third row, accommodating only five passengers. The second row provided ample headroom, even in the coupe body style. The Cayenne's towing capacity matched that of a mid-size pickup truck, but its cargo space was smaller than competitors. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with the seats folded. The coupe version had 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. Plug-in hybrid models sacrificed some cargo space due to the battery.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with "energizing seat kinetics" and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and genuine leather options. The back seat was roomy but positioned low relative to the windowsills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE offered thoughtful storage solutions and a power rear liftgate, revealing 943 litres of cargo space behind the back seat. With the 40/20/40-split back seat folded, maximum cargo volume reached 2,120 litres. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne also offered night-vision assist and HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard features.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE utilized the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The digital voice assistant performed well, though it struggled with urgent requests. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Mercedes Digital Extras were standard. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne's standard safety features included parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not available for testing. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Pre-Safe Sound protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centring assist, evasive steering assist, and more. Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. The GLE's driver aids worked well, though the route-based speed-adjustment feature and automated lane-change assist function had issues. The GLE had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025.