2021 Porsche Cayenne vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450: Your Shiny SUV Breakdown
Not all SUVs are fit for luxury labeling. Think about the VW Tiguan, for instance—it’s family friendly and right on trend, but it’s by no means opulent. However, look at rides like the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and you’ll find a whole different story.
How do the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 stack up in price?
The latest Porsche Cayenne is a 2021 model year that starts at a base price of $68,850. For now, Mercedes-Benz is sticking with a 2020 model year for the GLE450—it has an MSRP of $61,150.
While the Benz is a few grand cheaper on the low end, but rides rack up the dollars as you climb up trims and pick out packages. Needless to say, both of these esteemed SUVs are courting the same type of consumer: wealthy enough.
From headlights to tail lamps: Porsche and Benz vie for style
The Porsche Cayenne is undoubtedly a looker. All the while, adaptive LED headlights ensure a safe, seamless evening cruise.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 retains a tough exterior. It does this with flared fenders that ooze power, as well as huge tires that help the vehicle stand up for itself.
The Benz’s matrix-LED headlights make driving at night way simpler. Check it out here:
It’s what’s inside that counts…right?
Both the Cayenne and the GLE450 feature all-touchscreen infotainment systems. A lot of manufacturers are moving in this direction, but I firmly believe that a few buttons here and there improves ergonomics by a landslide (not too many, but just enough so you can find that familiar knob without having to take your eyes off the road).
Drivers can totally customize the Cayenne by selecting everything from stitch color to seat belt type. Heated front and rear seats, massaging seats, four-zone climate control and more are all available to upgrade your cabin.
For the GLE450, a 64-color ambient lighting system accompanies other add-ons like an inductive charging pad and a 13-speaker luxury sound system.
Power and performance pros and cons
The GLE450 earns some points because of the available trailer hitch, which makes it easy to tow an excess of 3.5 tons. This is a huge win, particularly now that traveling is likely to become a more DIY venture even after the pandemic ends.
Plus, this Benz SUV is part of a new generation which includes available E-Active Body Control suspension. It’s pricey, but it’s smooth. Riders aren’t likely to have complaints about the SUV’s straight-six engine.
For 2021, Porsche has brought back a GTS model in the Cayenne lineup. The GTS is especially powerful. It brings 460 horses via a twin-turbo V8 engine. Lowered suspension smooths turns while turbo variants speed up even quicker.
Both rides come standard with their own all-wheel drive variants.
Both the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 feature plug-in hybrid and coupe versions
The Cayenne E-Hybrid and Cayenne Coupe enhance the Porsche lineup even further, but they’re not the only ones playing that game.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-class hybrids are a world all their own. And the coupe version expands the offering for varied tastes.
All in all, the Porsche Cayenne is much sportier than the Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The Benz prioritizes luxury above all else, which may make it the perfect option for someone looking for class in every corner. However, I don’t think you can deny the holistic awesomeness of the latest Porsche Cayenne. That makes it a winner in my book.
What is your reaction?
The Cayenne is definitely a “looker!” But I did like the performance on the GLE450’s night time lights. If there is a video, best believe I am clicking on it. I liked being able to see the Benz in action. Yet the Porsche is just so smooth looking. Too bad I am not “wealthy enough” for either. Lol
I was a Cayenne fan, but after reading and watching this, I’m leaning towards the GLE.
No Mercedes owner is going off-roading with their vehicle LOL