Comparison: Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5

This article compares the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 on decisive grounds and find out which one you should put your hard-earned money on.
Last updated 3 months ago
Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5
Last updated 3 months ago

The luxury SUV segment in the ballpark of Rs 1 crore sees specific buyers who know very well what they want and do not compromise on their desired standards. This is what makes the competition tough and dominant brands like Mercedes and BMW give their best to get an edge over each other. In India as well as in foreign markets, the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 have long been in a hot contest and with their recent facelifts the rivalry has become even more interesting. If you have narrowed your options down to Mercedes GLE and X5, join us as we compare the two on decisive grounds and find out which one you should put your hard-earned money on.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Dimensions

Mercedes GLE
Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE

BMW X5

Length

4,926 mm

4,922 mm

Width

2,157 mm

2,218 mm

Height

1,797 mm

1,745 mm

Wheelbase

2,995 mm

2,975 mm

Boot Space

630 litres

650 litres

There is no doubt, both these luxury SUVs are huge. To give you a perspective, these 5-seater SUVs are more spacious than mass-market 7-seater SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari, which are widely popular for their spaciousness. Circling back to this comparison, while there are some dimension differences, they are not big enough to make a big impact on the overall space on offer. Still, on paper, the X5 is 61 mm wider than the GLE and this can translate into a bit more shoulder room for the rear passengers, and its cavernous 650-litre boot is slightly more attractive than the 630-litre boot of the GLE. Meanwhile, the GLE is 52 mm taller than the X5, which can translate into a bit more headroom, while its 20 mm longer wheelbase should not make much of a difference.

BMW X5
BMW X5

As we know, cars are a lot about style-statement and this is even more prevalent when it comes to luxury cars. Both GLE and X5 are very much in line with the respective brands’ design languages. With the nice blend of clean and curved panels, the GLE is more on the sophisticated side and looks relatively calm yet elegant, while the X5 looks sportier and has a muscular air about it with the huge kidney grille, sharper front bumper, and shaper silhouette.

To sum it up, both Mercedes GLE and BMW  X5 can comfortably accommodate 5 occupants, and space should be the least of concerns when considering either.

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Engine & Transmission

Mercedes GLE

BMW X5

Engine

3-litre turbo petrol engine

3-litre turbo diesel engine

2-litre turbo diesel engine

3-litre turbo petrol engine

3-litre turbo diesel engine

Power

381 PS

367 PS

269 PS

381 PS

285 PS

Torque

500 Nm

750 Nm

550 Nm

520 Nm

650 Nm

Acceleration 0-100 km/hr in sec

5.6 seconds (3-litre turbo petrol)

5.6 seconds (3-litre turbo diesel)

6.9 seconds (2-litre turbo diesel)

5.4 seconds (3-litre turbo petrol)

6.1 seconds (3-litre turbo diesel)

Transmission

9-speed torque converter automatic transmission

8-speed torque converter automatic

Mileage

NA

12 km/l (petrol)

12 km/l (diesel)

These big burly luxurious machines are driven by powerful engines that, at the same time, do their job with minimum NVH levels to deliver a refined drive experience. Moreover, both GLE and X5 offer diesel engines while diesel engines are on the verge of extinction all around the globe, so if you are fond of diesel-powered luxury cars, this is the time to shake a leg.

Both GLE and X5 are equipped with mild-hybrid 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) as standard. This adds 20 PS and 200 Nm to GLE’s peak output, and 12 PS and 200 Nm X5’s peak output. Moreover, both these SUVs come with paddle shifters and all-wheel-drive as standard.

As the table suggests, the petrol engines of both these SUVs are similarly powerful, while the X5 does have some extra bit of torque. Meanwhile, the GLE’s 3-litre turbo diesel engine is more powerful than the 3-litre turbo diesel engine of the X5. The GLE’s 2-litre turbo diesel engine sure seems an advantage of being an extra option for buyers.

While we have already seen the power and torque figures, things are not quite the same in the real world. While the Mercedes GLE packs a lot of power, it gets delivered linearly, and the drive feels more relaxed and luxurious rather than sporty. Focused more towards comfort, the air suspension adjusts well with drive modes and the steering which despite not being as engaging as that of the BMW X5, is light and facilitates a lot of ease while turning this huge heavy SUV.

As expected of a BMW, the X5 is sportier to drive. Its immaculately engaging handling balances the SUV relatively better around the corners and the air suspensions do not let jerks filter through to the cabin. In the comfort mode, the SUV delivers cloud-like floating drives that somewhat emulate the experience of its distant relative, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

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

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Features & Comfort

Mercedes GLE interior
Mercedes GLE interior

Mercedes GLE

BMW X5

Infotainment system

12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system

14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Music system

13-speakers Burmester sound system

16-speakers Harman Kardon 3D sound system

Climate control

Four-zone automatic

Four-zone automatic

Ventilated seats

Ventilated and heated front seats

Ventilated and heated front seats

Adjustable steering

Tilt & telescopic adjust

Tilt and telescopic adjust

Drive modes

Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco, Individual

Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro

Instrument cluster

12.3-inch Digital instrument cluster

12.3-inch Digital instrument cluster

Sunroof

Panoramic sunroof

Panoramic sunroof

Adjustable seats (manual or electric)

Powered front and rear seats with memory function for the front seats.

Powered front seats with memory function for both seats.

Rear AC vents

Available

Available

60:40 rear seat split

Available

Available

Cruise control

Available

Available

Cabins are where you enjoy all that these luxury SUVs have to offer you, and surroundings which in this case are the interiors of these SUVs, affect our experience a great deal. Doubtlessly, both GLE and X5 pack top-tier luxury interiors but have a large distinction between them in terms of overall feel. 

With a suave layout of interiors, the GLE feels rich and sophisticated. The wood inlay on the bottom of the dashboard as well as on the centre console and door panels, the metallic surrounds of the AC vents, and the generous use of top-shelf materials make the cabin feel plush. What goes under the radar is a calm vibe that comes from the curved design of interiors – whether it is the AC vents or the dashboard’s outline, nothing is sharp-edged.

If you get to sit GLE and X5 back-to-back, you will find a lot of minimalism and sharpness in the X5’s cabin. The rectangular display that incorporates the touchscreen infotainment and the digital instrument cluster, is propped nicely on the dashboard and is curved from side to side. With this curved design, the screen is focused on the driver’s position and does not let any reflection hamper the view. Like the GLE, there is a wood finish on the dashboard and sharp-edged AC vents and the corners are merged with a chromed section like that of the BMW 7-series and BMW i7. Overall, the interiors of the X5 invoke a sportier feel while maintaining plushness with soft-touch materials all around.

BMW X5 interior
BMW X5 interior

On the feature front, the GLE is slightly ahead of the BMW X5. For instance, while both GLE and X5 feature powered front seats with memory function, the GLE features powered rear seats as well, adding to the comfort of the rear passengers. Moreover, unlike the X5 which features manual rear sunshades, the GLE features powered rear sunshades. Lastly, yet the most attractive feature of the GLE is the ‘Transparent Bonnet.’ With this functionality, the infotainment displays the live video feed of the ground under the bonnet on which the car is being driven and a view of the exact tyre position. This comes in extremely handy while crossing bumpy rough patches.

Neither Mercedes GLE nor BMW X5 will disappoint you in terms of comfort, but being more feature-rich, the Mercedes GLE offers more convenience, especially to the rear passengers. 

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Safety Features

Mercedes GLE

BMW X5

G-NCAP Safety Rating

Not tested

Not tested

Airbags

9

6

ABS with EBD

Yes

Yes

ESC

Yes

Yes

Traction Control

Yes

Yes

Automatic headlamps

Yes

Yes

Rain-sensing Wipers

Yes

Yes

Hill hold assist

Yes

Yes

Hill descent control

Yes

Yes

Rear sensors

Yes

Yes

Rear parking camera

360-degree

360-degree camera

ISOFIX Child seat anchor points

Yes

Yes

ADAS

Yes

Yes

Both Mercedes and BMW are famous for making rock-solid cars, therefore, as far as the body is concerned, both these SUVs are solidly built. Moreover, while both cars come with some ADAS features, these are not as expansive as we expect from a full-fledged ADAS safety suite. The GLE comes with auto high beam assist, auto emergency braking, and blind spot monitor, but misses the adaptive cruise control. The X5 features lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking and driver drowsiness detection, drive recording, and adaptive cruise control.

An important aspect to note here is that the Mahindra XUV700 which priced almost one-fourth of the prices of these luxury SUVs, is equipped with comparatively more ADAS features. The XUV700 features Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Brakes, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, smart pilot assist, traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness detection.

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

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Price comparison

Mercedes GLE

BMW X5

Base variants (Ex-Showroom)

Mid variants (Ex-Showroom)

Rs 96.40 lakh

Upper mid variants (Ex-Showroom)

Rs. 1.10 Cr

Rs. 95.20 – 97.20 lakh

Top variant

Rs. 1.15 Cr

Rs. 1.06 – 1.08 Cr

Price-wise, both these SUVs do not differ as much, making the choice simpler. The X5 is available in four variants: xDrive40i xLine, xDrive30d xLine, xDrive40i M Sport, xDrive30d M Sport, and the GLE is available in three variants: 300d 4Matic, 450 4Matic, and 450d 4Matic.

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

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Summary

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

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

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

Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: FAQs

  1. Q. Among the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5, which one is bigger?

    The Mercedes GLE is 4,926 mm long, 2,157 mm wide, 1,797 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. The BMW X5 is 4,922 mm long, 2,218 mm wide, 1,745 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,975 mm. Therefore, the GLE is 4 mm longer, 52 mm taller, and has a 20 mm longer wheelbase as compared to the X5, while the X5 is 61 mm wider than the GLE. Moreover, the X5 has a boot space of 650 litres while the GLE has a boot space of 630 litres.

  2. Q. How powerful are the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5?

    The 3-litre turbo petrol engine and 3-litre turbo diesel engine of the BMW X5 make 381 PS and 285 PS of power respectively. On the other hand, the GLE is powered by a 3-litre turbo petrol engine, a 3-litre turbo diesel engine, and a 2-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 381 PS, 367 PS, and 269 PS respectively. Moreover, both GLE and X5 are equipped with mild-hybrid 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) as standard. This adds 20 PS and 200 Nm to GLE’s peak output, and 12 PS and 200 Nm X5’s peak output.

  3. Q. What are the key features of the Mercedes GLE?

    The key features of the Mercedes GLE are multibeam LED headlights, powered heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, powered steering adjust, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, 13-speaker Burmester sound system, 64 colour ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, 4-zone climate control, air purifier with perfume function, powered rear seats, powered rear sunshades, and air suspension.

  4. Q. Which ADAS features does the BMW X5 offer?

    The ADAS features that BMW X5 offers are lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking and driver drowsiness detection, drive recording, and adaptive cruise control.

  5. Q. Which variants of the BMW X5 get air suspension?

    The M Sport variants of the BMW X5 offer an air suspension.

Share

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comparison: Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5

Cars You'll Love, Guaranteed

20,000+ certified pre-owned cars | 5-day money back guarantee | Free 1-yr warranty

Cars You'll Love, Guaranteed

20,000+ certified pre-owned cars. Free 1-yr warranty.

Comparison: Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5
New Honda Amaze with segment-first ADAS launched at Rs. 7.99 lakh
Mahindra XEV 9e launched at Rs 21.90 lakh
Mahindra BE 6e launched at Rs. 18.90 lakh
October 2024: Top Selling Kia Cars

A-Z Glossary

Every car part & feature, explained

News

The latest from the automotive world

Best Cars

The crème de la crème of cars

Rules & Regulations

Every law & regulation, explained

Car Ownership

Everyday car-care tips & advice

Buying a car

Make the right buying decision

Selling a car

Make the right selling decision

Miscellaneous

Cars & eveything in-between

5,000,000+ Readers

We’re ❤️ne big family!

Follow us for accurate, impartial & up-to-date information around everything related to cars – Latest news & developments, best options for every budget & lifestyle, ownership tips, buying & selling advice and a lot more on Spinny Magazine.

Unbiased
4.5/5
Reliable
4.5/5
Helpful
4.5/5

Trusted by 1,00,000+ customers

Buy, sell or upgrade your car with Spinny

Read honest, impartial & up-to date information about everything cars – latest news, car reviews, buying & selling advice, car-care tips & more at Spinny Post.

Get Social With Us

Scroll to Top

Want to Sell your Car?

Choose your brand below to get started: