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2024 BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: What To Choose?
The BMW X5, while not as thrilling as the Porsche Cayenne or as seamlessly refined as the Genesis GV80. Successfully blends elements from both, creating a pleasantly luxurious middle ground. With a diverse lineup of powertrains, including a smooth inline-six, a powerful twin-turbo V8, and an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid, the X5 appeals to a broad audience. Its premium cabin, adorned with high-quality materials and sophisticated technology like a sleek curved digital display across the dashboard, makes for a well-rounded luxury SUV. In contrast, the Mercedes GLE-class SUV caters to its loyal customer base with familiar styles and features. In the competitive mid-size segment, the GLE stands out with its handsome design, tech-forward attributes, and a versatile range of powertrains. Notably, it offers superior off-road capability, especially with an optional air suspension that enhances ground clearance, making it adept in challenging terrains like sand or mud.
| BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | |
| Dimensions | 194.3 in x 78.9 in x 68.7 in | 194.3 in x 76.7 in x 70.7 in |
| Engine | 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 | 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 + AC motor |
| Horsepower | 523 hp | 362 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 sec | 5.3 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 11.9 sec | 13.9 sec |
| Top-Speed | 127 mph | 129 mph |
BMW X5
Engine & Performance
The X5 comes with three different power setups, each linked to a specific model. X5s with the sDrive40i or xDrive40i labels get a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six engine. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combines a turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor for 483 hp. Lastly, the M60i packs a powerful punch with its 523-hp twin-turbo V8, standing out as the leader. All three powertrains work with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring drivers have more than enough power for any driving situation.
Price & Mileage
The BMW X5 has a starting price of $66,195 for the sDrive40i and can go up to $90,295 for the xDrive M60i. The fuel economy estimates for the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e are not available from the EPA yet, but for the sDrive40i with RWD and the xDrive40i with AWD, they are rated at 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V8-powered M60i model is expected to get around 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
The xDrive40i with 335 hp manages a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph. The M60i, with its robust 523-hp twin-turbo V8, impressively accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. On a test track, the xDrive50e, the plug-in hybrid, sprinted to 60 mph in the same quick time of 3.9 seconds. Stepping into the X5’s cabin reveals a curved display wall spanning two-thirds of the dashboard. A 12.3-inch screen is a gauge display, while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface. Users can control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class
Engine & Performance
The GLE350 models are equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing 255 hp. They come in both RWD & AWD versions, complemented by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the GLE450 upgrades you to a turbocharged inline-six powertrain with 362 hp and standard AWD. Both the GLE350 and GLE450 utilize 48-volt hybrid systems for enhanced efficiency. The GLE450e offers a plug-in hybrid option, combining a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Resulting in a robust 381 hp. At the top of the non-AMG lineup sits the impressive Benz-branded GLE580. It boasts a 48-volt system paired with a twin-turbo 4.0L V8. Generating up to 504 hp, making it the most powerful and luxurious choice in the range.
Price & Mileage
Having explored the available powertrains, we highly recommend opting for the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Despite being the least powerful, it delivers sufficient performance to meet the needs of most drivers and boasts the best fuel efficiency. The GLE starts at a reasonable $63,800. Interestingly, the six-cylinder GLE450 with AWD has the same fuel economy estimate as the RWD and four-cylinder GLE350. Both achieved EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the V8-powered GLE580 consumes more fuel. With estimated ratings of 16 mpg city, 21 highway, and 18 combined.
Acceleration & Features
The GLE350 demonstrated a 60 mph acceleration time of 6.6 seconds, while the six-cylinder GLE450 achieved an impressive 5.3-second time. The interior is equipped with dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays that extend along the dashboard, providing multiple ways to interact with the system, including the convenient MBUX voice recognition system. Similar to popular virtual assistants like Siri or Google, MBUX responds to various commands. Allowing drivers to adjust settings like temperature, activate ventilated seats, or select a radio station without taking their hands off the wheel. Moreover, the centre console features a touchpad for easy and tactile control of the infotainment system. While the screen itself is touch-sensitive, adding to the overall user-friendly experience.