Au- and CeO2-containing catalysts, supported on SBA-15 mesoporous molecular sieves and loaded with additives such as Cu and Zr species, were obtained and characterised. Cerium oxides are preferentially located in the bulk of SBA-15, whereas Zr species on its surface. Gold and copper loaded on supports strongly interact resulting in the electron transfer from Cu+ to metallic gold, thus enhancing redox properties. Moreover, cerium species interact with gold, increasing redox properties of the system. The presence of copper increases the gold dispersion. Ce- and Zr-containing supports contain Lewis acid sites (LAS). The number of LAS is increased by the modification with copper species, whereas gold loading diminishes the LAS content. The presence of Zr species is responsible for Bronsted acidity and directs the oxidation of methanol to dimethyl ether. Copper enhances the selectivity to methyl formate. Gold and cerium are responsible for total oxidation of methanol, which is enhanced by modification with copper. The most attractive catalyst for low temperature total oxidation of methanol is bimetallic AuCu/CeSBA-15. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.