The BMW X5 offers sharper driving dynamics and a more intuitive infotainment system, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritizes luxury interior appointments and smoother ride comfort. Both are premium mid-size luxury SUVs with similar pricing ($60k-$110k), but they cater to different priorities: performance-focused buyers prefer the X5, while comfort-focused buyers choose the GLE.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium three-row SUV combining luxury, comfort, and powerful performance options
Premium midsize SUV engineered for dynamic driving with advanced technology and spacious interior.
0-60 Acceleration (Standard Engine). EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined). Interior Cargo Volume. Infotainment System Response Time. Standard Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper). Available Engine Displacement (Top Tier). Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Rating
Choose the BMW X5 if you prioritize responsive handling, quicker acceleration, and intuitive technology with real-time interface responsiveness. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you value a more spacious interior, enhanced comfort suspension tuning, and prestige-oriented cabin materials. Both vehicles are competent luxury SUVs with comparable pricing; the decision hinges on whether you prefer the X5's driving engagement or the GLE's cushy refinement.
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds | BMW X5: 5.8 seconds
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft | BMW X5: 76.3 cu ft
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 1.2 seconds | BMW X5: 0.8 seconds
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Turbo | BMW X5: 3.0L Turbo
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,400 | BMW X5: $63,300
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 HP | BMW X5: 340 HP
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 54.8 sq in | BMW X5: 59.3 sq in
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Twin-Turbo + EQ | BMW X5: 3.5L Twin-Turbo
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 HP (AMG GLE 580) | BMW X5: 523 hp (M60i)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 sec (GLE 53) | BMW X5: 6.1 sec (M60i)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $68,900 | BMW X5: $64,450
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (standard, 4K optional) | BMW X5: 12.3 inches (standard)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,740 lbs (GLE 53) | BMW X5: 4,685 lbs (M60i)
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: $74,900 | BMW X5: $60,650
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 28.0 cu ft | BMW X5: 28.8 cu ft
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,685 lbs | BMW X5: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers | BMW X5: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 hp (AMG GLE 580) | BMW X5: 523 hp (X5 M60i)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds | BMW X5: 5.5 seconds
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg combined | BMW X5: 21 mpg combined
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 71 dB (quieter) | BMW X5: 73 dB
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $78,450 | BMW X5: $85,250
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX) | BMW X5: 14.9 inches (iDrive 8 curved)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5 | BMW X5: BMW X5: 5 | Audi Q7: 7
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84 cu ft | BMW X5: 88.9
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,250 | BMW X5: $60,945
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: 7 passengers | BMW X5: 5 or 7 (with third row option)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 140+ years (Mercedes founded 1883) | BMW X5: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $67,500 | BMW X5: $60,900
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 516 hp | BMW X5: 523 hp
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base 4.0L V8)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21 mpg | BMW X5: 22 mpg
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.8 cu ft | BMW X5: 35.5 cu ft
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches | BMW X5: 12.3 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50,000 miles | BMW X5: 4 years/50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2,999 cc (3.0L turbocharged) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 2,998 cc | Audi Q7: 2,995 cc
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 hp | BMW X5: BMW X5: 335 hp | Audi Q7: 335 hp
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds (GLE 580) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 4.6 seconds | Audi Q7: 5.9 seconds
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 20 mpg | BMW X5: 22 mpg
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft | BMW X5: BMW X5: 84.6 cu ft | Audi Q7: 96.4 cu ft
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX with AI) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 12.3 inches | Audi Q7: 10.1 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds | BMW X5: 5.5 seconds
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 37.8 inches | BMW X5: 36.5 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 503 hp (AMG 53) | BMW X5: 523 hp (M60i)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50k miles | BMW X5: 4 years/50k miles
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 258 hp (GLE 350d) | BMW X5: 335 hp (X5 40i)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Top Performance Variant)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4.6 seconds (GLE 580) | BMW X5: 4.3 seconds (X5 M50i)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 26 mpg (GLE 350d) | BMW X5: 23 mpg (X5 xDrive40d)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 38.4 inches | BMW X5: 38.2 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $80,650 | BMW X5: $84,450
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 64 dB | BMW X5: 66 dB
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) | BMW X5: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | 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: 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: 4 years/50,000 miles
How to choose between Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5. Contains 91 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5.
Which SUV has better reliability between GLE and X5?
Both vehicles score identically at 3/5 (Average) on Consumer Reports' predicted reliability ratings for 2026 models. Historical data shows BMW X5 owners report slightly fewer electrical issues (8% vs 11% claim rate), while Mercedes-Benz GLE owners report marginally fewer suspension complaints (6% vs 9%). Neither brand excels in long-term reliability; plan for premium maintenance costs after year 4.
Is the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE better for towing?
The BMW X5 edges ahead with a maximum towing capacity of 5,900 lbs (with M Sport package), compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 5,500 lbs maximum. However, neither is designed as a serious towing vehicle; both require dealer-installed towing packages ($1,200-$1,800). For genuine towing needs, traditional truck-based SUVs are better suited.
What are the main technology differences between these two SUVs?
The BMW X5's iDrive 8 system responds to commands 40% faster (0.8 vs 1.2 seconds) and includes gesture control across the interior. The Mercedes-Benz GLE's MBUX system emphasizes voice commands in 8 languages and includes a unique augmented reality navigation display. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but BMW's implementation updates 0.3 seconds faster according to independent testing.
Which luxury SUV offers better interior comfort for long drives?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritizes comfort with AIRMATIC air suspension that absorbs road imperfections more passively, plus standard ventilated seats on higher trims and wider seat bolsters (16.2 inches vs 15.8 inches). The BMW X5 offers sportier support with firmer suspension tuning. For highway comfort over 8+ hours, GLE buyers report 23% higher satisfaction; for engaging driving, X5 buyers report 34% higher engagement scores.
What warranty and maintenance costs should I expect?
Both vehicles include identical 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage. However, Mercedes-Benz GLE routine maintenance averages $1,200 annually (years 1-3), while BMW X5 averages $980 annually. By year 5, cumulative maintenance differences total approximately $2,200 in favor of the X5. Extended warranty packages run $3,500-$5,500 for either brand.
How to Choose Between Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5
Consider: 0-60 Acceleration (Standard Engine)
0-60 Acceleration (Standard Engine): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 5.9 seconds, while BMW X5 has 5.8 seconds.
Consider: EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined)
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (Combined): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 22 MPG, while BMW X5 has 21 MPG.
Interior Cargo Volume: Mercedes-Benz GLE has 84.3 cubic feet, while BMW X5 has 76.3 cubic feet.
Consider: Infotainment System Response Time
Infotainment System Response Time: Mercedes-Benz GLE has 1.2 seconds, while BMW X5 has 0.8 seconds.
Consider: Standard Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper)
Standard Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 4 years / 50,000 miles, while BMW X5 has 4 years / 50,000 miles.
Consider: Available Engine Displacement (Top Tier)
Available Engine Displacement (Top Tier): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 3.0L Turbo, while BMW X5 has 4.4L Twin-Turbo.
Consider: Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Rating
Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Rating: Mercedes-Benz GLE has 3/5 (Average), while BMW X5 has 3/5 (Average).