Mercedes-Benz GLE versus BMW X5 — Ultimate SUV Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 are two spacious SUVs offering a range of powerful engine options and advanced technology. They belong to the luxury vehicle class, making them ideal for families who prefer to travel in style. You may need some help in comparing how these two German-made cars line up against each other and determining which one is right for you. Our crossover experts here at Mercedes-Benz of Southampton have taken a closer look at the X5 and GLE to compare some of their most important features for you.

Pricing and Value

Mercedes Benz GLE 300D 4Matic 2024 vs by RL GNZLZ licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

Both vehicles are available in four trims with similar price tags, although the X5 has a slightly higher starting price than the GLE for the 2025 model year. The base X5 starts at $67,475, while the GLE starts at $63,000. The range-topping Mercedes-Benz 580 4Matic, which features the lineup's most powerful engine option, has a price tag of around $ 89,000. The BMW M60i, which also features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, starts at $92,025.

Performance and Efficiency

The BMW X5 has a stronger base engine than the GLE, but you'll have to pay the higher price mentioned above to get it. The X5's engine is a turbocharged inline-six capable of producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque and a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. By contrast, the GLE's starting engine is a smaller but still powerful turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It takes about 7 seconds for the GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic (an all-wheel-drive version of the base trim) to reach 60 mph.

Higher Mercedes-Benz GLE trim levels feature a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is comparable to the BMW's base engine. Both SUVs also offer twin-turbocharged V-8 options, with the BMW producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE delivers 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. These engines provide the BMW and Mercedes-Benz with 0-to-60 mph times of 4.2 and 4.3 seconds, respectively. Regarding towing, the Mercedes-Benz has a slight advantage, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds compared to the BMW's 7,200 pounds.
 

​Interior and Comfort

Both SUVs feature an upscale cabin that can accommodate up to five people. However, you can add an optional third row in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which boosts your passenger capacity to seven. Both vehicles come standard with synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Other luxuries, such as real leather seats and ventilated front seats, are included with higher trim levels. These SUVs also share similar interior dimensions, with just over 30 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and between 70 cubic feet and 75 cubic feet of space when the rear rows are folded down.

The infotainment and tech features on offer are also great. The Mercedes-Benz comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen and a similarly sized gauge cluster display. In the BMW, the infotainment screen has a 14.9-inch display. Other features available in both vehicles include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and a navigation system to help you reach your next destination. Optional upgrades include features such as premium stereos, with the BMW offering a 16-speaker unit, and multizone automatic climate controls, ensuring all passengers stay relaxed during the journey.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance technology, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, is designed to enhance your driving experience. The GLE's base model includes a surround-view parking camera, a driver attention monitor, and front and rear parking sensors. The BMW has many similar features, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The BMW boasts the Active Protection system, which tightens seatbelts, closes windows, and activates the brakes if it detects an imminent collision.

Which SUV Suits You Better — BMW or Mercedes-Benz?

Both of these crossovers are excellent vehicles, so neither is a bad choice. But each option brings certain advantages that may appeal to your driving habits. The Mercedes-Benz offers more flexibility, thanks to the optional third row and diverse engine options. It also boasts a lower price tag for the standard trim, which could be an incentive, depending on your budget.

If your priority is raw power, the BMW has a slight edge, both with its standard engine and when comparing the two vehicles with their most powerful V-8 options. The X5 can reach 60 mph a tenth of a second quicker than the GLE. However, the drawback here is that you lose the option of a third row. Reviews generally acknowledge that the GLE has a suspension system that's better at coping with rough pavements and terrain than the X5's, which has a more performance-oriented setup.

Test-Drive a GLE Today at Mercedes-Benz of Southampton

Now that you know how these two vehicles compare, the next step is to explore what it feels like to get behind the wheel of a GLE crossover. Here at Mercedes-Benz of Southampton, our team would be delighted to arrange a test-drive for you. This won't just allow you to see how the GLE performs on the road before you commit to a purchase. It will also give you the opportunity to ask our Mercedes-Benz experts any questions you may have about the vehicle's performance or equipment. Feel free to contact us today to get the process started.