Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Nissan Ariya
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | Nissan Ariya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 362 | 218 | +66.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 500 | 300 | +66.7% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | Single-Speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $61,700 | $36,102 | +70.9% |
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 66% more power (362 vs 218 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: GLE450 or Ariya?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 advantages
- Engine power (+40%)
- Pulling torque (+40%)
Nissan Ariya advantages
- Affordability (+41%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Nissan Ariya if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Nissan Ariya delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Nissan Ariya: which should you choose?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 (2020 4MATIC) — petrol suv with 362 hp and 500 Nm, rated at 8.9 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $61,700 in the US market.
Nissan Ariya (2026 B6 FWD) — electric suv with 218 hp and 300 Nm, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $36,102 in the Japan market.
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Nissan Ariya: Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 66% more power (362 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is the more powerful, at 362 hp against 218 hp, with 500 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Petrol vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Nissan Ariya 5 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Nissan Ariya lists lower at about $36,102 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 better than the Nissan Ariya?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 takes the overall edge, though Nissan Ariya wins in specific areas worth weighing. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 66% more power (362 vs 218 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and the Nissan Ariya?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 66% more power (362 vs 218 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Nissan Ariya delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Nissan Ariya if you want the lower upfront cost.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.