2023
See Ford Explorer for saleFord Explorer
From SAR 185,438
Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in KSA?
A complete comparison of the Ford Explorer VS Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.
2023
See Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class for saleMercedes-Benz GLE-Class
From SAR 540,079
Ford Explorer VS Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: the verdict
The Ford Explorer emerges as the practical champion for most KSA families, offering substantial space and capability at a significantly more accessible price point. While the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers superior luxury, performance, and cargo volume, its premium cost places it in a different league for many buyers.
| #1 Ford Explorer#1 | #2 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 176,008 – 254,898 SAR | 540,079 – 581,983 SAR |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 285 – 400 hp | 367 – 585 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 353 – 563 Nm | 500 – 760 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 5.5 – 7.1 s | 4.2 – 5.8 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 180 – 237 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 7.8 – 11.7 L/100km | 7 – 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 – 93 L |
| Gears | 10 | 7 – 9 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m | 4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.8 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 3.0 m | 2.9 / 3.0 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,970 – 2,132 kg | 2,220 – 2,270 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 515 L | 630 – 690 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlHybridImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizeriPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Budget-Conscious Families
The Ford Explorer, with a starting price of 176,008 SAR and 7-seat capacity, provides excellent value and utility for larger families without breaking the bank.
2
Best for Luxury & Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, boasting up to 585 hp and a faster 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.2 seconds, offers a more exhilarating and premium driving experience.
3
Best for Cargo Space
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins with its generous trunk capacity of up to 690 L, providing ample room for luggage or equipment, surpassing the Explorer's 515 L.
4
Best for Longer Journeys
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class features a larger fuel tank capacity of up to 93 L, compared to the Explorer's 67 L, allowing for extended driving ranges between refills.
Pros & cons
Ford Explorer
Pros
- Significantly more affordable starting price (176,008 SAR)
- Standard 7-seat passenger capacity
- Robust build for family adventures
- Longer overall length (5.0 m)
Cons
- Lower horsepower and torque output compared to GLE-Class
- Slower acceleration (5.5 seconds at best)
- Smaller trunk capacity (515 L)
- Smaller fuel tank for less range (67 L)
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Pros
- Superior engine power (up to 585 hp)
- Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds)
- Larger maximum trunk capacity (690 L)
- Higher torque output (up to 760 Nm)
- Larger fuel tank for extended range (up to 93 L)
Cons
- Significantly higher purchase price (starting at 540,079 SAR)
- Only 5-seat capacity, less suitable for large families
- Higher kerb weight (up to 2,270 kg)
- Potentially higher maintenance costs due to luxury segment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class better for families in KSA?
The Ford Explorer is generally better for families in KSA, primarily due to its standard 7-seat configuration and significantly lower starting price of 176,008 SAR. While the GLE-Class offers luxury, its 5-seat capacity and premium cost of 540,079 SAR make the Explorer a more practical and budget-friendly choice for larger families.
Which SUV offers better performance, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior performance, with its top trims reaching up to 585 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The Ford Explorer, while capable, has a maximum of 400 hp and a best acceleration of 5.5 seconds, making the GLE-Class the clear winner for power and speed.
How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class compared to the Ford Explorer?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is significantly more expensive, with its starting price of 540,079 SAR being more than double that of the Ford Explorer, which starts at 176,008 SAR. This price difference reflects the GLE-Class's luxury positioning, higher performance, and premium features.
Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers more cargo space, with a trunk capacity ranging from 630 to 690 L. In contrast, the Ford Explorer provides a trunk capacity of 515 L. For shoppers prioritizing maximum luggage or gear storage, the GLE-Class is the better option.
Does the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have a larger fuel tank?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a larger fuel tank capacity, ranging from 85 to 93 L, which allows for greater driving range. The Ford Explorer has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 67 L. For longer journeys and fewer stops, the GLE-Class is advantageous.
