Subaru BRZ vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Subaru BRZ | Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 235 | 362 | -35.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 250 | 500 | -50.0% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 11.7 | 8.9 | +31.5% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (JNCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 6AT | 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $23,760 | $61,700 | -61.5% |
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 35% more power (362 vs 235 hp).
- Subaru BRZ is the more economical, at 11.7 km/L against 8.9.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Japan and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: BRZ or GLE450?
Subaru BRZ advantages
- Fuel economy (+24%)
- Affordability (+61%)
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 advantages
- Engine power (+35%)
- Pulling torque (+50%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Subaru BRZ if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Subaru BRZ if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Subaru BRZ delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Subaru BRZ vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450: which should you choose?
Subaru BRZ (2026 S 6AT) — petrol coupe with 235 hp and 250 Nm, rated at 11.7 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $23,760 in the Japan 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.
Subaru BRZ vs Mercedes-Benz GLE450: Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 35% more power (362 vs 235 hp). Subaru BRZ is the more economical, at 11.7 km/L against 8.9.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is the more powerful, at 362 hp against 235 hp, with 500 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Subaru BRZ is more economical at 11.7 km/L against 8.9 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Subaru BRZ is rated 5 stars by JNCAP 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 Subaru BRZ lists lower at about $23,760 (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 Subaru BRZ better than the Mercedes-Benz GLE450?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 35% more power (362 vs 235 hp).
What is the main difference between the Subaru BRZ and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 35% more power (362 vs 235 hp). Subaru BRZ is the more economical, at 11.7 km/L against 8.9.
Which is better value?
Subaru BRZ delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Subaru BRZ if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter. 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.