Nissan Leaf vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Nissan Leaf | Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 214 | 362 | -40.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 339 | 500 | -32.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 1-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $36,900 | $61,700 | -40.2% |
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 41% more power (362 vs 214 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Verdict: Leaf or GLE450?
Nissan Leaf advantages
- Affordability (+40%)
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 advantages
- Engine power (+41%)
- Pulling torque (+32%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Nissan Leaf if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Nissan Leaf vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450: which should you choose?
Nissan Leaf (2026 SV Plus) — electric hatchback with 214 hp and 339 Nm, rated at 20.1 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $36,900 in the US market.
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 Leaf vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450: Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 41% more power (362 vs 214 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), 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 214 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 (Electric vs Petrol), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Nissan Leaf is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Nissan Leaf lists lower at about $36,900 (USD-converted from the US 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 Nissan Leaf better than the Mercedes-Benz GLE450?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 takes the overall edge, though Nissan Leaf wins in specific areas worth weighing. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 41% more power (362 vs 214 hp).
What is the main difference between the Nissan Leaf and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 41% more power (362 vs 214 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Nissan Leaf if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
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.