Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in Oman?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Oman.

⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the definitive winner for buyers prioritizing luxury, exhilarating performance, and a premium driving experience. However, the Ford Explorer offers an unbeatable proposition for larger families, providing crucial 7-seater capacity and a significantly more accessible price point in Oman.
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Price Comparison
Starting at19,750 – 23,900 OMR46,694 – 70,912 OMR
Engine & Power
Engine2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)285 – 400 hp367 – 585 hp
Torque (Nm)353 – 563 Nm500 – 760 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.5 – 7.1 s4.2 – 5.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 – 237 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.8 – 11.7 L/100km7 – 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity67 L85 – 93 L
Gears107 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.9 / 3.0 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,970 – 2,132 kg2,160 – 2,270 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)515 L690 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats5 seats
Doors5 doors5 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 HeadlampsAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled 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 BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHybridInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportManual 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 SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun Flat TiresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTouchscreen 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 Buyers

The Ford Explorer is the undeniable choice for those seeking a capable SUV without breaking the bank, with prices starting from 19,750 OMR.

2

Best for Luxury and Performance

Opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if you desire superior power, faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), and a more opulent driving experience.

3

Best for Large Families

The Ford Explorer comfortably seats up to 7 passengers, making it the practical and spacious option for bigger families in Oman.

4

Best for Cargo Capacity

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a more generous 690 liters of trunk space, ideal for those who frequently carry substantial luggage or gear.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Significantly lower starting price (from 19,750 OMR)
  • Standard 7-seater passenger capacity
  • Efficient 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Lower kerb weight (starting 1,970 kg)
  • More compact engine options (starting 2,300 cc)

Cons

  • Less powerful engine options (max 400 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (min 5.5 seconds 0-100 km/h)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (515 L)
  • Lower top speed (max 237 km/h)

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 585 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds)
  • Larger trunk capacity (690 L)
  • Higher top speed (250 km/h)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (up to 93 L)

Cons

  • Significantly higher starting price (from 46,694 OMR)
  • Only 5-seater capacity, not ideal for large families
  • Heavier kerb weight (starting 2,160 kg)
  • Higher fuel consumption in top trims (11.8 L/100km)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class better for families in Oman?

The Ford Explorer is definitively better for families due to its standard 7-seater capacity, compared to the GLE-Class's 5 seats. For larger families requiring more passenger room and a more budget-friendly option, the Explorer is the clear winner.

Which SUV offers better performance, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior performance, with engine options delivering up to 585 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.2 seconds. The Ford Explorer, while capable, has a maximum of 400 hp and a slower acceleration of 5.5 seconds.

What is the price difference between the Ford Explorer and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in Oman?

There's a significant price difference. The Ford Explorer starts from 19,750 OMR, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class begins at 46,694 OMR. The GLE-Class is positioned as a premium luxury SUV, reflecting its higher cost.

Which has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers more cargo space, with a trunk capacity of 690 liters. The Ford Explorer has a respectable 515 liters, but if maximum luggage capacity is a priority, the GLE-Class is the better choice.

Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class more fuel-efficient?

While both have varying fuel economy across trims, the Ford Explorer's entry-level models offer a slightly better minimum fuel economy of 7.8 L/100km compared to the GLE-Class's 7 L/100km. For overall running costs, the Explorer tends to be more economical.