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 confidently secures the win for buyers in Oman prioritizing luxury, superior performance, and a truly premium driving experience, thanks to its powerful engines and rapid acceleration. However, the Ford Explorer stands out as the ideal choice for larger families and value-conscious shoppers, offering a practical 7-seat configuration and a significantly more accessible price point.
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Price Comparison
Starting at16,250 – 20,800 OMR43,995 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 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 CoolingHDMIHeated 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 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 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 SpoilerSeat 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 Luxury & Performance

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excels with its formidable engines, offering up to 585 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.2 seconds, making it the top choice for an exhilarating drive.

2

Best for Families

With its standard 7-seat capacity, the Ford Explorer is the clear winner for families needing to transport more passengers comfortably, making it a highly practical option for daily use.

3

Best Value for Money

The Ford Explorer offers exceptional value, with a starting price significantly lower than the GLE-Class, providing a spacious and capable SUV without the premium cost.

4

Best for Cargo Space

Despite its 5-seat configuration, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class boasts a larger trunk capacity of 690 L, making it superior for those who prioritize hauling luggage or gear.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price
  • Standard 7-seat passenger capacity
  • Good fuel economy for a family SUV (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
  • Robust and reliable build for family adventures

Cons

  • Lower maximum engine power compared to GLE-Class
  • Slower acceleration figures
  • Smaller trunk capacity of 515 L
  • Lower top speed

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Pros

  • Superior engine power, up to 585 hp
  • Faster acceleration, as quick as 4.2 seconds
  • Larger trunk capacity of 690 L
  • Higher top speed of 250 km/h
  • Larger fuel tank capacity for longer journeys

Cons

  • Considerably higher purchase price
  • Limited to 5-seat capacity
  • Heavier kerb weight
  • Higher fuel consumption on performance trims

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For families in Oman, the Ford Explorer is generally better due to its standard 7-seat capacity, providing ample room for larger families. While the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a luxurious option, it only offers 5 seats. If passenger capacity is a priority, the Explorer is the more practical choice.

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior performance, with engine options delivering up to 585 hp and an acceleration time as low as 4.2 seconds. The Ford Explorer, while capable, has a maximum of 400 hp and takes at least 5.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. For thrilling performance, the GLE-Class is the clear winner.

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

There is a significant price difference, with the Ford Explorer ranging from 16,250 – 20,800 OMR, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starts at 43,995 OMR. The GLE-Class is a premium luxury SUV, commanding a much higher price point, whereas the Explorer offers a more budget-friendly option.

Which 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 of 690 L, despite having fewer seats. The Ford Explorer has a trunk capacity of 515 L. If you frequently need to carry a lot of luggage or gear, the GLE-Class provides a more generous cargo area.