Comparison: Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5 (2025 Edition)

The luxury SUV market above Rs 1 crore is composed of discerning customers who are sure about their needs and settle for nothing else. This is why competition is hot and market stalwarts such as Mercedes and BMW give their best and compete over every inch. In India and abroad, Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 have been locked in a fierce battle for a long time, and after their recent facelifts, the competition has grown even more interesting. 

If you have narrowed down the decision between Mercedes GLE and X5, join us, and we will compare and contrast them on critical parameters and find out which among them you have to stake your hard-earned money on.

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Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Dimensions

There is no doubt that both of these luxury SUVs in India are huge. To put this into perspective, these 5-seater SUVs are larger than popular 7-seater mass-market SUVs like the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700, which are known for their spaciousness. Circling back on this comparison, however, there are some dimension differences, but not large enough to have an exaggerated influence on the overall space on offer. 

On paper, the X5 is 61 mm wider than the GLE and can translate into slightly more shoulder room for rear-side occupants, and its cavernous 650-litre boot is slightly more enticing compared to the 630-litre boot on the GLE. At the same time, the GLE is 52 mm taller than the X5, which can translate into slightly more headroom. Its 20 mm longer wheelbase should have little influence.

The GLE and X5 are very much based on their brands’ design languages. With a balanced mix of clean and curved panels, GLE is on the more elegant and sophisticated side and looks quite calm and elegant while still feeling very new and fresh. On the other hand, the X5 appears sportier and more muscular, boasting a humongous kidney grille-inspired front face and a sharper front bumper, as well as a sharper silhouette.

Finally, both Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 can easily accommodate 5 individuals very comfortably, and space won’t be any cause for concern when choosing between both.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Engine & Transmission

They are huge, muscular, and cushioned machines, and have powerful engines that, incidentally, perform their duty with minimal NVH, delivering a refined driving experience. Moreover, GLE and X5 offer diesel variants, and diesels are becoming obsolete around the world, so if you enjoy diesel luxury vehicles, this is as good a time as any to break a leg.

Both GLE and X5 come equipped with a mild-hybrid 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) as standard. This increases GLE’s maximum power by 20 PS and maximum torque by 200 Nm, and increases maximum power and maximum torque for X5 by 12 PS and 200 Nm, respectively. Moreover, both these SUVs also come equipped with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive as standard.

It can be gathered from the above table that both these SUVs get petrol engines approximately equal in power, and there’s slightly more torque from the X5. But there’s no comparison between GLE’s 3-litre turbo diesel and the 3-litre turbo diesel from the X5 because GLE’s engine is capable. GLE’s 2-litre turbo diesel engine seems like a plus as an additional alternative for consumers.

While we’ve already seen those power and torque figures, reality is just a tad different. While the Mercedes GLE in India possesses a fair amount of power, it’s delivered linearly and lacks a sporty character. With comfort taking priority, the air suspension works well, particularly with drive mode changes and steering, albeit not as spirited as the BMW X5 2025′s steering. It is light and provides a fair amount of ease while handling this heavy SUV.

Slightly predictable for a BMW, the X5 is more sporting to drive. It’s wonderfully involving, handling hauls the SUV around corners much more evenly than its stablemates, and the air suspension does not permit any jerks to be transmitted to the cabin. With the SUV set on Comfort mode, there are cloud-like, floaty drives that very much replicate the experience of its far-off relative, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

To conclude, the Mercedes GLE India is more oriented towards luxurious drives, while the BMW X5 2025 can offer the best of both worlds – a sporty drive as well as a plush ride experience.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Features & Comfort

It’s there that you get a taste of everything these luxury SUVs in India have to offer, and the surroundings—the interiors on this day—seep into your experience to a great degree. Of course, GLE and X5 have best-in-class luxury interiors, but vary tremendously in how these actually translate.

Via a smooth detailing of interiors, the Mercedes GLE India looks rich and expensive. Wood inlays on the underside of the dashboard panel, and on door panels and centre console, metal cladding on AC vent surrounds, and heavy use of top-rack materials make the cabin feel soft. What often goes unnoticed is the serene mood created by the curved detailing of the interiors—be it the AC vent or the silhouette of the dashboard, nothing is sharp-cornered.

When you have the opportunity to sit in the GLE and X5 back-to-back, you will notice a significant sense of minimalism and acuteness within the X5 cabin. The rectangular panel surrounding the touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster is securely anchored to the dashboard and curves from side to side. With such a curved configuration on its own axis, no reflection interferes with the view and is solely directed at the driver’s spot. Just like on the GLE, there is a wooden trim on the dashboard, and sharp-cut AC vented slots and corners are merged together with a chromed part, similar to the BMW 7 Series and BMW i7. Typically, cabins on the BMW X5 2025 display a sporty tone mixed with comfort through soft-touch materials on every part.

On the features front, even though neither is remarkably different from the other except on certain attributes, the GLE takes a slight lead over the BMW X5. For instance, while both the GLE and X5 feature powered front seats with a memory function, the GLE also offers powered rear seats, thereby enhancing comfort for rear passengers. Additionally, while our test model of the X5 has manual sunshades on the rear, the GLE offers powered sunshades on the rear. Lastly, and most remarkably, GLE’s best feature is that of the ‘Transparent Bonnet.’ Through this feature, the infotainment displays live feed from cameras regarding ground conditions below the bonnet and images from the very position of the tyre. This is very handy while driving over rough, bumpy patches.

Neither the Mercedes GLE India nor the upcoming BMW X5 2025 will let you down on comfort, but due to being feature-loaded more than its competitors, the Mercedes GLE provides more convenience, particularly to passengers seated at the back.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Safety Features

Mercedes and BMW are both recognized for creating rock-solid vehicles. When it comes to their bodies, both of these SUVs are solidly constructed. Additionally, although both cars have some ADAS features, these aren’t comprehensive enough as we’d expect from a full ADAS safety package. The GLE offers auto high-beam assist, auto emergency braking, and blind spot monitor but does not have adaptive cruise control. The X5 offers lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking, driver fatigue detection, drive recording, and adaptive cruise control.

One distinguishable aspect worth noting in this context is that, despite costing about a quarter of its price, the new Mahindra XUV700 offers more ADAS features. They include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Pilot Assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver fatigue detection.

While the robustness of both the Mercedes GLE India and the BMW X5 2025 is reassuring, the availability of more ADAS features, especially adaptive cruise control, makes the BMW X5 a safer car overall.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Price Comparison

Price-wise, these two SUVs aren’t very different from each other, making the choice even simpler. The X5 has four variants: xDrive40i xLine, xDrive30d xLine, xDrive40i M Sport, and xDrive30d M Sport. The GLE also has three variants: 300d 4Matic, 450 4Matic, and 450.

There is not as much difference in the prices of the Mercedes GLE India and the BMW X5 2025, and both justify their prices. The GLE offers more features, while the X5 is sportier to drive with no compromise on the ride quality.

Conclusion

With all the characteristics compared above, choosing between GLE and X5 should not be confusing.

The Mercedes GLE India is an excellent pick for those who want top-notch luxury for both front and rear passengers, plus as many high-end features as possible.

On the other hand, if you want a luxury SUV in India that is exciting to drive and serves the luxury that is commensurate with its price, then the BMW X5 2025 is your car.

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