The BMW X5 offers sharper handling and better value starting at $60,945, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE emphasizes luxury interior appointments and advanced tech, starting at $65,250. Both are premium mid-size luxury SUVs with similar performance, but differ in driving dynamics and interior refinement priorities.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium midsize SUV engineered for dynamic driving with advanced technology and spacious interior.
Premium three-row SUV combining luxury, comfort, and powerful performance options
Starting Price (2025 Model Year). 0-60 mph Acceleration (Standard Engine). EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard). Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seat). Infotainment Display Size. Maximum Engine Power (Top Tier). Interior Material Quality Rating
Choose the BMW X5 if you prioritize sporty handling, better fuel efficiency, more cargo space, and superior value for money. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you want the most luxurious interior atmosphere, advanced MBUX technology integration, and prefer a more comfort-oriented driving experience. Both are excellent choices—the X5 appeals to drivers seeking performance, while the GLE attracts buyers wanting maximum prestige and luxury.
BMW X5: 5.8 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds
BMW X5: 76.3 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft
BMW X5: 0.8 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 1.2 seconds
BMW X5: 3.0L Turbo | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Turbo
BMW X5: $63,300 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,400
BMW X5: 340 HP | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 HP
BMW X5: 59.3 sq in | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 54.8 sq in
BMW X5: 3.5L Twin-Turbo | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Twin-Turbo + EQ
BMW X5: 523 hp (M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 HP (AMG GLE 580)
BMW X5: 6.1 sec (M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 sec (GLE 53)
BMW X5: $64,450 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $68,900
BMW X5: 22 mpg | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 20 mpg
BMW X5: 28.8 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 28.0 cu ft
BMW X5: 12.3 inches (standard) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (standard, 4K optional)
BMW X5: 4,685 lbs (M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,740 lbs (GLE 53)
BMW X5: 523 hp (X5 M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 hp (AMG GLE 580)
BMW X5: 5.5 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds
BMW X5: 21 mpg combined | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg combined
BMW X5: 73 dB | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 71 dB (quieter)
BMW X5: $85,250 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $78,450
BMW X5: 14.9 inches (iDrive 8 curved) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
BMW X5: BMW X5: 5 | Audi Q7: 7 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5
BMW X5: 4.5 (X5 M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 22 (X5 40i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 0.3 (iDrive 8) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: $83,400 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 331 lb-ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 5.3 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 5 or 7 (with third row option) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers
BMW X5: 88.9 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84 cu ft
BMW X5: 36.4 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 196.9 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: 38.2 feet | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: $60,650 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $74,900
BMW X5: 12.3 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches
BMW X5: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
BMW X5: $60,900 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $67,500
BMW X5: 523 hp | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 516 hp
BMW X5: BMW X5: 4.6 seconds | Audi Q7: 5.9 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds (GLE 580)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base 4.0L V8)
BMW X5: 22 mpg | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21 mpg
BMW X5: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50,000 miles
BMW X5: BMW X5: 2,998 cc | Audi Q7: 2,995 cc | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2,999 cc (3.0L turbocharged)
BMW X5: BMW X5: 335 hp | Audi Q7: 335 hp | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 hp
BMW X5: BMW X5: 84.6 cu ft | Audi Q7: 96.4 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft
BMW X5: BMW X5: 12.3 inches | Audi Q7: 10.1 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX with AI)
BMW X5: $60,945 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,250
BMW X5: 5.5 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds
BMW X5: 35.5 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.8 cu ft
BMW X5: 36.5 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 37.8 inches
BMW X5: 523 hp (M60i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 503 hp (AMG 53)
BMW X5: 4 years/50k miles | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50k miles
BMW X5: 335 hp (X5 40i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 258 hp (GLE 350d)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Top Performance Variant)
BMW X5: 4.3 seconds (X5 M50i) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4.6 seconds (GLE 580)
BMW X5: 23 mpg (X5 xDrive40d) | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 26 mpg (GLE 350d)
BMW X5: 38.2 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 38.4 inches
BMW X5: $84,450 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $80,650
BMW X5: 66 dB | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 64 dB
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $77,900
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.5 seconds
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 0 miles (gas-only)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.7 cubic feet
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5 seats standard (7-seat optional)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: Top Safety Pick
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 in (MBUX Hyperscreen)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.9 seconds (GLE 350d)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,685 lbs
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.8 seconds (GLE 580 AMG)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 37.8 inches
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,400 lbs
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $88,550
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches + 11.6 inches
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 seconds
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 140+ years (Mercedes founded 1883)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 23.4 MPG (GLE 350d diesel)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX Touchscreen)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7,700 lbs (AMG models)
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 76.6 cu ft
BMW X5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 seats (optional 4-seat)
How to choose between BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE. Contains 91 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Which SUV has better handling and driving dynamics?
The BMW X5 has significantly sharper handling with more responsive steering and a firmer suspension tuned for sportier driving. The Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritizes comfort and smoothness, resulting in a more leisurely, floating sensation. BMW owners report 34% higher satisfaction with driving engagement according to Car and Driver testing, while GLE buyers prefer the refined, less demanding ride.
What's the real-world fuel cost difference between these SUVs?
Assuming 12,000 miles annually at current gas prices (~$3.50/gallon), the BMW X5 at 22 mpg costs approximately $1,909 per year in fuel, while the GLE at 20 mpg costs $2,100—a difference of about $191 annually or $955 over 5 years. The X5's efficiency advantage compounds over the ownership period.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features more luxurious materials standard, including Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim, creating a more prestigious ambiance. The BMW X5 uses premium leather and aluminum accents that feel modern but less warm. GLE interiors typically rate higher in luxury magazine reviews (8.2/10 vs 7.9/10 for BMW), though this is subjective based on aesthetic preference.
How much more cargo space does the X5 actually provide?
The BMW X5 offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, compared to the GLE's 21.8 cubic feet—a difference of 13.7 cubic feet or 63% more capacity. This translates to practical advantages like fitting large strollers, golf bags, or luggage for family trips without folding seats, making the X5 notably more practical for active families.
Are repair and maintenance costs significantly different?
BMW typically costs 10-15% more annually in maintenance than Mercedes-Benz according to YourMechanic data, averaging $650-750 for X5 versus $600-700 for GLE. Both brands are more expensive than mainstream luxury competitors. Extended warranty coverage is recommended for both to avoid shock repair bills, particularly after year 4.
How to Choose Between BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
Consider: Starting Price (2025 Model Year)
Starting Price (2025 Model Year): BMW X5 has $60,945, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has $65,250.
Consider: 0-60 mph Acceleration (Standard Engine)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Standard Engine): BMW X5 has 5.5 seconds (xDrive40i), while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 5.9 seconds (GLE 450).
Consider: EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard): BMW X5 has 22 mpg, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 20 mpg.
Consider: Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seat)
Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seat): BMW X5 has 35.5 cubic feet, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 21.8 cubic feet.
Infotainment Display Size: BMW X5 has 12.3 inches (standard iDrive 8), while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 12.3 inches (standard MBUX).
Consider: Maximum Engine Power (Top Tier)
Maximum Engine Power (Top Tier): BMW X5 has 523 hp (M60i xDrive), while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 503 hp (AMG GLE 53).
Consider: Interior Material Quality Rating
Interior Material Quality Rating: BMW X5 has Premium leather/aluminum, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has Nappa leather/wood trim.