Porsche may have built its reputation on slick, high-performance sports cars, but that doesn't mean the brand can't also build a top-of-the-line luxury SUV. Case in point: the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. With incredible performance and the unmistakable design that makes a Porsche unlike any other on the road, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne is at the top when it comes to luxury SUVs.
How does it stack up against the competition? We're glad you asked because that's what we're going to show in this research comparison of the 2021 Porsche Cayenne and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. Which is faster? Which has more features? Which is safer? We've got the answers to all those questions and more, right here.
2021 Porsche Cayenne VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Exterior/Interior
You don't need to see the badge to know that the Cayenne has the DNA of a Porsche inside and out with its classic design that evokes the sports cars that made Porsche iconic. Inside, drivers will find some of the most luxurious features including standard leather seats (not standard on the 2021 GLE) and the available massage function for front seats. Whereas the 2021 GLE offers a dual-zone climate control, the 2021 Cayenne offers the available four-zone climate control so every passenger can adjust to their preferred temperature whether they're in the front or back.
2021 Porsche Cayenne VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Technology
Whether it's for entertainment or information, the 2021 Cayenne comes with some of the most advanced and intuitive technology features available today. The 2021 Cayenne comes standard with Porsche Communication Management which includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and features like Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, plus multiple conveniently-placed USB ports. One feature standard in the 2021 Cayenne that drivers have to pay extra for in the 2021 GLE 350 is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot so drivers can stay connected on the road.
2021 Porsche Cayenne VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Performance
The category that really separates the elite 2021 Cayenne from its competition is when it comes to performance. The 2021 Cayenne lives up to its Porsche heritage thanks to its standard Turbocharged V6 engine that can produce a whopping 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. With that kind of power beneath it, the 2021 Cayenne can go from 0-60 mph in a blazing 5.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package). The 2021 GLE 350 only boasts 255 horsepower and 273 lb/ft of torque and it takes over 7 seconds to hit 60 from a dead stop.
2021 Porsche Cayenne VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Safety & Driver Assist
Porsche may be best-known for high-performance and luxurious features, but that doesn't mean they've forgotten the most important thing: your safety. While both the 2021 Cayenne and the GLE 350 offer standard Park Assist to help get you in and out of tight spaces and Brake Assist to help prevent and mitigate accidents, the Cayenne boasts safety features not offered by the GLE. Four-point LED daytime running lamps make you more visible to other motorists, whether it's day or night and the available Night Vision Assist uses an infrared camera to detect otherwise invisible pedestrians and wildlife at night. With the 2021 Cayenne, you're not just paying for performance and luxury but safety as well.
2021 Porsche Cayenne VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Value
The last area that we'll cover is the value that both models bring to the table. The 2021 Cayenne offers a starting MSRP of $69,000 and when drivers consider the incredible performance, wealth of infotainment and safety features, not to mention luxurious amenities of the Cayenne, they'll see how that price is actually an exceptional value. The 2021 GLE may have a lower starting MSRP at $57,250, but drivers only get a fraction of the performance and standard features they'll find in the 2021 Cayenne.
Ready to get behind the wheel of the 2021 Cayenne for yourself? Contact our staff at Porsche Columbus in Columbus, Ohio, for more information or to schedule your own test drive today.
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne |  | 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV |
| $69,000 | Starting MSRP* | $57,250 |
| 335 HP | Standard Horsepower | 255 HP |
| 332 lb-ft | Standard Torque | 273 lb-ft |
| 5.9 Seconds | 0-60 Time (Standard Equipment) | 7.1 Seconds |
| 7,700 lbs. | Max Towing Capacity | 5,950 lbs. |
| Standard | Leather Upholstery | Available |
| Standard | Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ | Standard |
| Standard | WiFi Hotspot | Available |
| Standard | Brake Assist | Standard |
| Standard | Rear-Vision Camera | Standard |
*The Total Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown excludes taxes, title, registration, other optional or regionally required equipment, and dealer charges. The price and availability of Individually Commissioned Equipment (CXX) can be determined only after review and analysis by the manufacturer. Actual selling prices are set by dealers and may vary.
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