The Mercedes-Benz GLE leads the luxury midsize SUV segment with a starting price of $77,900, superior interior quality, and the latest MBUX infotainment system, while the BMW X5 ($60,600) offers better performance and sportier handling, and the Audi Q7 ($80,650) provides a more spacious third row and digital cockpit innovation.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Luxury midsize SUV with AI-powered infotainment and premium craftsmanship
Performance-oriented luxury SUV with sport handling and competitive pricing
Family-focused luxury SUV with three-row seating and maximum cargo capacity
Starting Price (USD). 0-60 Acceleration (seconds). EPA Fuel Economy (combined MPG). Interior Cargo Space (cu ft). Standard Seating Capacity. Infotainment System Resolution. Warranty Coverage (years/miles)
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you prioritize interior luxury, cutting-edge infotainment technology (MBUX with AI), and want the most refined driving experience with premium materials throughout. Choose the BMW X5 if you want the best performance value with the quickest acceleration (4.6 seconds 0-60) and sportier dynamics, plus a significantly lower starting price. Choose the Audi Q7 if you need maximum third-row passenger and cargo space (96.4 cu ft) and prefer a seven-seat configuration for family road trips.
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds | BMW X5: 5.8 seconds | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft | BMW X5: 76.3 cu ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 1.2 seconds | BMW X5: 0.8 seconds | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Turbo | BMW X5: 3.0L Turbo | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,400 | BMW X5: $63,300 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 HP | BMW X5: 340 HP | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 54.8 sq in | BMW X5: 59.3 sq in | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Twin-Turbo + EQ | BMW X5: 3.5L Twin-Turbo | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 hp (AMG 580) | BMW X5: 523 hp (M60i) | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 sec (GLE 53) | BMW X5: 6.1 sec (M60i) | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $68,900 | BMW X5: $64,450 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (standard, 4K optional) | BMW X5: 12.3 inches (standard) | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,740 lbs (GLE 53) | BMW X5: 4,685 lbs (M60i) | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $77,900 | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.5 seconds | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 0 miles (gas-only) | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.7 cubic feet | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5 seats standard (7-seat optional) | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: Top Safety Pick | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 in (MBUX Hyperscreen) | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: 10.1 in (MMI Touch Response)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 383 hp | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.7 sec | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $74,900 | BMW X5: $60,650 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 28.0 cu ft | BMW X5: 28.8 cu ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,685 lbs | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 hp (AMG GLE 580) | BMW X5: 523 hp (X5 M60i) | Audi Q7: 567 hp (SQ7 TFSI)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds | BMW X5: 5.5 seconds | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg combined | BMW X5: 21 mpg combined | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 71 dB (quieter) | BMW X5: 73 dB | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $78,450 | BMW X5: $85,250 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen | BMW X5: 12.3-inch iDrive 8 touchscreen | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5 | BMW X5: BMW X5: 5 | Audi Q7: 7 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 24 MPG | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: 28 MPG
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84 cu ft | BMW X5: 86.7 cu ft | Audi Q7: 108 cu ft
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $78,550 | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: $70,995
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.8 seconds (GLE 580 AMG) | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: 3.8 seconds (SQ7)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 37.8 inches | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: 39.3 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,400 lbs | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: 4,400 lbs
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $88,550 | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years / 50,000 miles | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches + 11.6 inches | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 seconds | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 24 MPG | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers | BMW X5: 7 passengers | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 140+ years (Mercedes founded 1883) | BMW X5: N/A | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $67,500 | BMW X5: $60,900 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 516 hp | BMW X5: 523 hp | Audi Q7: N/A
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base 4.0L V8)
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21 mpg | BMW X5: 22 mpg | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 25.4 cu ft | BMW X5: 27.8 cu ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches | BMW X5: 12.3 inches | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50,000 miles | BMW X5: 4 years/50,000 miles | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: $77,900 | BMW X5: BMW X5: $60,600 | Audi Q7: $80,650 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2,999 cc (3.0L turbocharged) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 2,998 cc | Audi Q7: 2,995 cc | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 hp | BMW X5: BMW X5: 335 hp | Audi Q7: 335 hp | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds (GLE 580) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 4.6 seconds | Audi Q7: 5.9 seconds | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 24 MPG | BMW X5: BMW X5: 23 MPG | Audi Q7: 23 MPG | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft | BMW X5: BMW X5: 84.6 cu ft | Audi Q7: 96.4 cu ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX with AI) | BMW X5: BMW X5: 12.3 inches | Audi Q7: 10.1 inches | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 335 hp | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 331 lb-ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 5.3 seconds | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 22 mpg | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 36.4 cu ft | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 196.9 inches | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 38.2 feet | Audi Q7: N/A
Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A | BMW X5: 4 years/50,000 miles | Audi Q7: N/A
How to choose between Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 and Audi Q7
Compare Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7. Contains 69 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7.
Which luxury SUV has the best infotainment system in 2026?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE's MBUX system with AI integration leads the segment, featuring natural language voice commands that understand context, gesture recognition, and seamless smartphone integration. However, the BMW iDrive 8 offers more responsive touchscreen performance and gesture control, while Audi's MMI is praised for haptic feedback precision. For pure innovation, the GLE wins; for responsiveness, BMW X5 edges ahead.
Is the BMW X5 really $17,300 cheaper than the Mercedes GLE, and is it worth the savings?
Yes, the BMW X5 starts at $60,600 versus the GLE's $77,900—a 22% price difference. The BMW offers faster acceleration (4.6 vs 5.8 seconds 0-60), sportier handling, and solid iDrive technology. However, you sacrifice interior material quality, the advanced AI infotainment, and the quieter, more refined cabin experience of the Mercedes. The value depends on whether you prioritize performance and price (BMW) or luxury and technology (Mercedes).
Should I choose the Audi Q7 if I need a seven-seat SUV?
Yes, if genuine three-row seating is essential, the Audi Q7 is the only choice among these three with standard seven-passenger capacity and a third row that accommodates adults for short trips. The Q7 also offers 96.4 cubic feet of cargo space—12% more than the GLE. However, the Audi has the highest starting price ($80,650) and doesn't match the Mercedes' interior luxury or BMW's performance value, so prioritize seating/cargo needs over other factors if choosing the Q7.
Which SUV is most reliable and has the best warranty coverage?
All three offer identical basic warranty coverage: 4 years/50,000 miles. For reliability, recent data (2024-2025) shows the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 edge slightly ahead of the Mercedes GLE in owner satisfaction surveys, though the differences are minimal (all score 8.2+ out of 10 on reliability scales). The Mercedes GLE's complexity from AI systems may require more software updates, while BMW and Audi have more mature platform technology. Extended warranties are recommended for all three if keeping beyond 5 years.
What's the real-world fuel economy difference, and does it matter?
The Mercedes GLE achieves 24 MPG combined (1 MPG better than competitors) thanks to its mild-hybrid system, saving approximately $300-400 per year in fuel costs compared to the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 at 23 MPG combined. Over a five-year ownership period, this equals roughly $1,500-2,000 in cumulative savings—meaningful but not transformative given the vehicle's $60,000+ purchase price. Driving habits and terrain have far greater impact on fuel economy than the 4% efficiency advantage.
How to Choose Between Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 and Audi Q7
Starting Price (USD): Mercedes-Benz GLE has $77,900, while BMW X5 has BMW X5: $60,600 | Audi Q7: $80,650.
0-60 Acceleration (seconds): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 5.8 (GLE 580), while BMW X5 has BMW X5: 4.6 | Audi Q7: 5.9.
Consider: EPA Fuel Economy (combined MPG)
EPA Fuel Economy (combined MPG): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 24 MPG, while BMW X5 has BMW X5: 23 MPG | Audi Q7: 23 MPG.
Interior Cargo Space (cu ft): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 84.3, while BMW X5 has BMW X5: 84.6 | Audi Q7: 96.4.
Standard Seating Capacity: Mercedes-Benz GLE has 5 passengers, while BMW X5 has BMW X5: 5 passengers | Audi Q7: 7 passengers.
Consider: Infotainment System Resolution
Infotainment System Resolution: Mercedes-Benz GLE has MBUX 12.3-inch touchscreen with AI integration, while BMW X5 has BMW iDrive 8: 12.3-inch | Audi MMI: 10.1-inch.
Consider: Warranty Coverage (years/miles)
Warranty Coverage (years/miles): Mercedes-Benz GLE has 4 years / 50,000 miles, while BMW X5 has BMW X5: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Audi Q7: 4 years / 50,000 miles.