Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 Porsche CAYENNE VS 2016 Mercedes GLE-Class Near Phoenix, AZ

The Cayenne has a standard Multi-collision Brake System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GLE-Class doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Cayenne. But it costs extra on the GLE-Class.

Both the Cayenne and the GLE-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, front parking sensors, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The Cayenne’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the GLE-Class’ (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cayenne third among midsize premium SUVs in their 2015 Initial Quality Study. The GLE-Class isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 31 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

The Cayenne has more powerful engines than the GLE-Class:

The Cayenne’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 39 more horsepower (240 vs. 201) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the GLE-Class’ 2.1 turbo diesel.

On the EPA test cycle the Cayenne S E-Hybrid with a full charge gets better fuel mileage than the GLE300d (48 city/46 hwy MPGe vs. 22 city/29 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the Cayenne gets better fuel mileage than the GLE-Class:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the Cayenne’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Mercedes only offers a regenerative brake system on the GLE-Class Hybrid.

The Cayenne’s standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLE-Class (26.4 vs. 24.6 gallons).

The Cayenne offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The GLE-Class doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the Cayenne’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GLE-Class (295/35R21 vs. 265/45R20).

The Cayenne’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLE-Class’ optional 40 series tires.

The Cayenne offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mercedes doesn’t offer an active suspension on the GLE-Class.

For greater off-road capability the Cayenne has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GLE-Class (8.5 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Cayenne to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Cayenne Turbo’s minimum ground clearance is .7 inch higher than on the GLE-Class AIRMATIC (10.7 vs. 10 inches).

The front grille of the Cayenne uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The GLE-Class doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Cayenne has .7 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more rear headroom than the GLE-Class.

The Cayenne’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The GLE-Class’ rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GLE-Class, the Cayenne offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Cayenne’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GLE-Class does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Optional air conditioned front and rear seats keep the Cayenne’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The GLE-Class doesn’t offer air conditioned seats in the rear.

The Porsche Cayenne has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

Motor Trend selected the Cayenne as their 2011 Sport Utility of the Year. The GLE-Class has never been chosen.