Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD vs BMW X5 xDRIVE 45e Hybrid vs Volvo XC90 Recharge vs Audi Q7 3.0TFSI

Buying Guides

Adam Aubrey | September 04, 2021 05:04 pm

The luxury-SUV segment continues to evolve and grow into something all this while. European SUVs are one of the best cars around, but which one is the right one for you?

European SUVs. They seem to have all the corners covered, in turn attracting buyers who are smitten by upmarket SUVs. They are comfortable, practical, capable, packed with the latest technology and lets the world know that you have arrived and you're somewhat of a success - if choice of vehicle is a yardstick.

Mercedes-Benz GLE450, BMW X5 45e, Volvo XC90 Recharge, Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI

But which one should you choose? The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD? BMW's kind of new X5 xDRIVE 45E? Volvo's not so new XC90 Recharge? or Audi's market shy Q7 3.0TFSI?

To help you decide, we've put them head to head on an easy to digest spreadsheet.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD VS BMW X5 xDRIVE 45e Hybrid VS

Volvo XC90 Recharge VS Audi Q7 3.0TFSI
Index	Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD	BMW X5 xDRIVE 45e Hybrid	Volvo XC90 Recharge	Audi Q7 3.0TFSI
MSRP	RM 475,501	RM440,745	RM391,150	RM599,900
Engine	3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder petrol aided by EQ Boost mild hybrid system	3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder petrol with eDrive hybrid system	2.0-litre turbo+supercharged four-cylinder petrol with rear axle hybrid electric motor	3.0-litre supercharged V6, petrol
Transmission	9-speed 9G-Tronic	8-speed Steptronic	8-speed gearbox	8-speed Tiptronic
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy	9.3L/100km (combined)	9.1L/100km (combined)	9L/100km (combined)	9.7L/100km (combined)
Horsepower	362hp + 22hp EQ Boost	394hp	407hp	333hp
Torque	500 + 250 Nm EQ Boost	600Nm	640Nm	440Nm
0-100km/h	5.7 Seconds	5.6 Seconds	5.8 Seconds	6.3 Seconds
Seating Capacity	7	5	7	7
Wheels	21" AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels	20" M light-alloy wheels in Star-Spoke	20" 10-Spoke Black Diamond-cut Alloy wheel	20" Audi Sport cast alloy wheels 10-Y spoke
Suspension	AIRMATIC adaptive suspension	2-Axle air suspension	Four-corner air suspension	Adaptive air suspension
Airbags	7	6	7	6
Driving Assitance System	Active Distance Distronic, Lane Tracking, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a 360-degree camera for all-round visibility	Active Cruise Control, Lane departure warning and lane change warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear cross-traffic collision alert and prevention, Heads-up Display, Surround view camera, Parking Assist Plus With Reverse Assistant	Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving function, adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, oncoming vehicle and large animal detection, evasive steering assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind spot monitoring with Steering assist, Rear cross-traffic alert with braking	Hold assist, Audi drive select, Parking aid plus with surround-view cameras

As you can see, they are all pretty much evenly matched. Ok, the Audi is expensive considering that it is down on horsepower and driving assistance systems when compared to the rest but let's also bear in mind that it's a CBU. The BMW X5 45e does seem to be a good package but for those looking for a couple more seats at the rear, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD would be the better buy.

Of course, the best bang for buck it seems is the Volvo XC90 Recharge. It has power, seven seats, many driving assistance systems and looks good. It's really hard to fault it actually, especially when the XC90 only commands road tax in triple-digit numbers (RM440) unlike the rest of the pack RM1,640).

But not everyone buys an SUV based on the best value proposition. If you want a sporty drive the BMW is probably your best bet. If you want a smooth operator with great interior space then the Benz should be considered.

Whatever it is, they are all mighty machines, but which one suits your needs depends on you!

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