
What's the Difference: BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE near Dallas, TX
In the world of luxury SUV rivalries, the BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE debate is top-of-mind for Dallas families looking to put a well-rounded, luxury SUV in their garage.Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer a wide variety of powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid models and fire-breathing performance models with supercar levels of performance. Inside is a spacious interior with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front seats and the rear seats. Each can be optioned to carry up to seven people thanks to an optional third-row seat, which makes bringing the whole family out for a day at Six Flags Over Texas a breeze. Cargo capacity is also commodious in either of these SUVs, with the BMW X5 offering 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Let's dig more into how these luxury SUVs compare, so you can decide which one of these German luxury SUVs belongs in your driveway.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
Features | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
---|---|---|
Fuel Economy | 21 MPG City - 23 MPG Highway | 20 MPG City - 22 MPG Highway |
Engine |
|
|
Drivetrain | AWD (X5 SDrive40i - RWD) | AWD (GLE 350 - RWD) |
Cargo Space | 72.3 cu ft | 74.9 cu ft |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability and Quality
According to J.D. Power, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X5 both have a similar reliability score compared to other vehicles in their class and each other. To help support owners, both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer excellent factory warranties on every new vehicle. BMW's Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes:
- Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty: four years / 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage
- High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Limited Warranty: eight years / 80,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: four years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz offers an almost identical warranty on the GLE:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: four years / 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Emissions Warranty: eight years / 80,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: four years / 50,000 miles
In addition to the comprehensive warranty offerings, both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer no-cost scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
Performance and Efficiency
While both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE have punchy performance, each goes about its mission in a different way.BMW's legendary powerful and smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque has 80 more horsepower than the base engine in the GLE. This powertrain also employs 48V mild-hybrid technology. Power is routed to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive on base models, but BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also optional. In addition to the powerful base engine, BMW offers an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain that cranks out a combined 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque thanks to a powerful electric motor (45e). Drivers who opt for the hybrid powertrain can expect up to 30 miles of all-electric range and a combined rating of 50 MPGe.** There is no plug-in hybrid currently available on the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Those who love to drive will want to get behind the wheel of a BMW X5 M50i or X5 M model. M50i models offer a TwinPower Turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while X5 M models crank the performance up with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. X5 M models can storm to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. Across the lineup, handling ranges from sporty and well-balanced for daily driving on the 40i or 45e, all the way to track-ready performance with M models. Properly equipped, the BMW X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds, which is plenty to haul a small trailer or boat out to Lewisville Lake.
Mercedes-Benz GLE models offer a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque as the starter engine, which is much less than the BMW X5. This combo delivers mpg estimates of 20 city / 25 highway.** Drivers looking for more performance can upgrade to the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and a 48V mild-hybrid system on GLE 450 models. A 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, and a 4MATIC® all-wheel drive drivetrain is optional on GLE 350 models and standard on other trims. GLE models also offer Dynamic Select, which allows drivers to change drive modes at the flick of a switch for more efficiency or more performance.
Drivers looking to scratch that performance itch will want to take a look at the GLE 580 4MATIC®, which packs in a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Two AMG® models are also available, the AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC+® with 429 horsepower and the AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC+® with a 603 horsepower AMG® biturbo V-8 that rockets this luxury SUV to 60 miles per hour in only 3.7 seconds.
Safety and Driving Assistance
Thanks to the latest active driver safety technology, both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer advanced driving assistance technology to keep drivers and passengers safe during the Dallas commute.BMW offers a standard suite of technology known as the Active Driving Assistant which includes:
- Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) system with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system
- Active Blind Spot Detection system with rear cross-traffic alert
A must-have upgrade on the BMW X5 is the available Driving Assistance Professional Package, which includes Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) and Front Cross-Traffic Alert, with evasive steering assistance and pedestrian detection. In addition, BMW's Traffic Jam Assistance offers semi-autonomous driving assistance by combining adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability and active lane centering. In real-world use, this system is not only incredibly smooth and smart, but easy to use. It's among the best in the business.
Mercedes-Benz offers a similar level of equipment. Standard features include forward collision warning (FCW) with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection, a blind spot warning system that rolls in rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assistance to help exit the GLE safely on busy streets. The ATTENTION ASSIST® system monitors 70 different parameters to ensure that drivers are paying attention.
In addition to the standard features, a Driver Assistance Plus package adds semi-autonomous driving with stop-and-go capabilities, lane-keeping assistance with evasive maneuver assistance, and lane change assistance. In addition to the blind spot warning system, the GLE will perform evasive maneuvers if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
Infotainment and Technology
Technology is a high point when comparing the BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE, and each model offers a bevy of massive screens for both driving and infotainment functionality along with advanced connected technology.
Every BMW X5 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs iDrive 7 which offers features like BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a fully customizable interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are both standard on every trim level. Live Cockpit Professional replaces standard gauges with a fully customizable screen that shows everything from navigation directions to which advanced safety features are currently active. A handy heads-up display is also available to help drivers make sure their eyes are on the road.
BMW ConnectedDrive combines your smartphone, your BMW, and your home all together into one interface. Everything from remotely starting your BMW using Amazon Alexa at home to getting concierge help while on the road is available with the BMW ConnectedDrive program. At the center of the BMW ConnectedDrive experience is the My BMW app, which connects with your BMW no matter where you are and provides status updates, tire pressure, locations and so much more. You can even schedule maintenance appointments for your BMW right from the My BMW app.
Mercedez-Benz also offers advanced technology thanks to a 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system that comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Unlike the X5, you must still use a cable to connect your phone. MBUX also rolls in high levels of customization and personalization along with voice recognition technology. All you have to do is say, "Hey Mercedes" and the GLE will respond. Mercedes-Benz also offers no-charge map updates for the first year.
Shop BMW X5 near Dallas, TX
BMW of Dallas is your BMW dealership of choice near Dallas, Irving, Rockwall, Mesquite, Arlington, and Garland. Our team of BMW experts is ready to help with everything from buying a new BMW X5 to keeping your BMW X5 properly maintained in our advanced service center. We stock one of the largest selections of new cars and Certified Pre-Owned BMW vehicles in the Dallas area, with everything from M models to advanced plug-in hybrid SUVs ready to go.Once you test drive the BMW X5, we know you'll fall in love. If you're looking to upgrade to a new BMW X5, our dealership accepts BMW lease returns and makes the process incredibly simple. Once vehicles come back to us, we run them through a thorough 125-point inspection and put the best of the best right on our lot as Certified Pre-Owned BMWs. If you're looking to lease or finance a new X5, our in-house finance center will make the process quick and easy.
No matter what your BMW needs may be, BMW of Dallas has you covered.
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**Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors.