Choosing between luxury SUVs can be daunting, especially when models like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer compelling features and performance. Having owned both a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and a 2023 BMW X5 sDrive 40i, I can provide a firsthand comparison to aid your decision. With 30,000 miles logged in the GLE and 3,000 in the X5, this review dives deep into the nuances of each vehicle, focusing on key aspects relevant to discerning buyers. While my GLE is the 350 model, many interior and comfort characteristics mirror the higher-spec GLE 450, making this a relevant comparison across the GLE range.
Interior and Comfort: A Matter of Style and Ergonomics
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE boast upscale and attractive interiors, yet they cater to different aesthetic preferences. The GLE immediately strikes you with its modern and sophisticated interior design. It exudes luxury with meticulously crafted details and a focus on creating a serene cabin environment.
Alt text: Sophisticated and modern interior of Mercedes GLE luxury SUV, highlighting spacious cabin and premium materials.
In contrast, the X5 presents a more driver-focused, sporty interior. While generally premium, I noticed non-premium plastic panels in areas like the door and footwell, a slight letdown in this class. However, the X5 compensates with superior ergonomics in key areas. The windshield placement in the X5, being closer to the driver, and its shallower dash depth make cleaning the inside windshield significantly easier. This design also contributes to a superior driving position with better front sight lines thanks to a lower side glass beltline, enhancing overall visibility. The GLE, with its higher hood, can impart a slightly truck-like feel from the driver’s seat.
The GLE excels in rear passenger comfort and space. Backseat room is impressive, and the seat ergonomics are well-considered for longer journeys. Even the synthetic seat coverings in the GLE feel nicer compared to the Sensafin sport seats in my X5, which feel harder and have a slightly rubbery texture. Mercedes-Benz’s MB-Tex material is known for being soft, durable, and attractive, with a pleasant sheen, representing a high-quality alternative to leather.
Dashboard and Displays: Clarity vs. Dimness
When it comes to dashboards, the GLE takes the lead in instrument clarity and legibility. The GLE’s instrument fonts are larger and more readable at a glance. Its displays consistently appear bright, contrasty, and legible in varying lighting conditions.
Alt text: BMW X5 digital dashboard display, showing navigation and vehicle information, highlighting driver-centric design.
The X5’s dash illumination, however, is a point of disappointment. It appears dimmer and exhibits a cyclic dimming/brightening issue. While removing dark window tint helped somewhat, this characteristic suggests potential software influence, possibly linked to BMW’s Dynamic Efficiency settings. The X5’s flat screen also feels more crowded, lacking the expansive real estate of the GLE’s displays, which impacts data legibility.
Lighting: Ambient Sophistication vs. Functional Shortcomings
Mercedes-Benz’s ambient lighting in the GLE is undeniably more sophisticated. It offers a wider array of colors, illuminates more areas within the cabin, and utilizes different tonalities to create a richer, more customizable atmosphere.
Alt text: Luxurious ambient lighting in Mercedes GLE interior, showcasing customizable colors and illuminated trim details.
The BMW X5’s lighting system falls short in comparison. Notably, the X5 lacks backlighting on the steering wheel controls. The cruise control and media actuators also feel small and less premium to the touch, detracting from the overall luxury experience.
Road Noise and Ride Comfort: Finding the Right Balance
The BMW X5 is generally a quiet vehicle, even when equipped with 19-inch Bridgestone run-flat tires (RFTs). However, it struggles to suppress noise on un-grooved concrete surfaces. My GLE, equipped with 19-inch Dunlop tires (non-RFTs), is quieter overall. Run-flat tires tend to become louder as they wear compared to non-run-flats. If I were to keep the X5 long-term, switching to non-run-flat tires would be a priority to improve both noise levels and ride comfort.
That said, the sport seats in the X5 contribute significantly to a less-than-optimal seat comfort. Changing tires won’t remedy the firmness of the seats. The GLE, in contrast, provides a more plush and comfortable ride, especially appreciated on longer journeys. The X5’s ride is firmer, which can be perceived as sporty but might become tiring on extended drives, especially when combined with the firm sport seats. However, one might acclimate to the firmer ride over time, and on shorter trips or smooth roads, it’s less of an issue.
Environmental Controls: Cooling Performance and Refinement
Both vehicles had initial quirks with their air conditioning systems. My certified pre-owned GLE had an AC issue that was resolved under warranty, a known part failure. The X5’s cooling was initially weak, but adjusting the digital air ventilation mixing control (set to “blue” for cold) and syncing the rear air to the front, as suggested in online forums, made a significant improvement.
Despite the fix for the X5, the GLE’s climate control system is superior. It cools the cabin faster and more evenly, operates with a quieter fan, and maintains a stable temperature without creating noticeable drafts. The GLE’s system feels more refined and efficient in maintaining a comfortable cabin environment.
Voice Assistance: MBUX vs. iDrive 7.0
The Mercedes-Benz MBUX voice control system is more robust and feature-rich than BMW’s iDrive 7.0. MBUX controls a wider range of vehicle functions and generally works very effectively. The only notable downside of MBUX is its tendency to activate unintentionally, without being prompted. Overall, MBUX offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly voice interaction experience compared to iDrive 7.0.
Ride Quality and Handling: Highway Cruiser vs. Suburban Agility
The GLE and X5 exhibit distinct driving dynamics. The GLE, while a superb highway cruiser with minimal vibration, noise, and harshness (NVH), feels somewhat awkward in suburban driving. It feels large and less nimble in tighter spaces.
Alt text: BMW X5 demonstrating agile handling on a winding road, emphasizing its sporty driving dynamics.
Conversely, the X5, despite having similar dimensions on paper, feels smaller and more manageable, both on the road and in the garage. The X5 excels in suburban environments, on curvy roads, and in mountainous terrain, offering a more engaging and agile driving experience. If long road trips are a priority, the GLE’s superior NVH and instrument legibility make it the better choice. However, for daily driving, navigating city streets, or enjoying spirited drives, the X5 is more rewarding. The X5’s firmer ride, while contributing to its handling prowess, can be less comfortable than the GLE on rougher surfaces.
Engine and Drivetrain: Smoothness and Fuel Efficiency
The engine and drivetrain are areas where the X5 gains ground on the GLE. While newer GLE 350 models (2024 onwards) boast undetectable idle and start smoothness, my 2020 GLE 350 with a 4-cylinder turbo engine and 50,000 miles isn’t as seamlessly smooth as the X5’s engine. The X5 transmission is also noticeably smoother than my 4-cylinder GLE’s, although the GLE’s transmission is generally smooth with occasional clunks that are infrequent enough not to detract significantly from the driving experience. Both powertrains are refined, but the BMW edges out the Mercedes-Benz in overall smoothness.
Fuel economy is another win for the X5. My X5 achieves 32-34 MPG at 68 mph, which is 2 MPG better than my GLE 350, an impressive difference considering the performance and size of both vehicles.
Other Considerations: Tech Interface, Reliability, and Value
Both vehicles have a learning curve with their technology interfaces. Older demographics, potentially more common among GLE buyers, might experience more challenges with the GLE’s tech interface, potentially contributing to some reliability perceptions. In my experience, my GLE with 50,000 miles has been reasonably reliable, with only two warranty-covered repairs. My X5, however, has a hatch rattle, a minor annoyance that I hope to resolve. The GLE has been rattle-free.
Considering the 2024 X5 redesign, the new dashboard layout appears to restrict vent airflow compared to the 2023 model. While I couldn’t thoroughly test this, cooling concerns and a preference for the 2023 X5’s front-end styling, along with a desire for physical switches, led me to choose the 2023 model.
Cost is a significant factor. The previously owned 2023 X5 was less expensive than a new 2024 GLE 450. My decision prioritized the BMW’s smoother engine and transmission, along with its superior suburban driving dynamics. I was willing to compromise slightly on long-distance comfort for these benefits.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Choice to Your Priorities
The choice between the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE ultimately boils down to personal priorities. The Mercedes-Benz GLE excels in long-distance comfort, interior sophistication, instrument clarity, and ambient lighting. It’s a superb choice for those prioritizing a luxurious and serene driving experience, especially on highways and for passengers valuing rear-seat comfort.
Alt text: Side-by-side comparison of Mercedes GLE and BMW X5, highlighting their similar size yet distinct styling.
The BMW X5 shines in driving dynamics, engine/transmission smoothness, fuel efficiency, and suburban agility. It’s ideal for drivers who enjoy a more engaging and sporty driving experience, prioritize maneuverability in urban and winding road environments, and appreciate a slightly more driver-focused cabin.
It’s a challenging decision as both SUVs are exceptional in their own right. Carefully consider what aspects are most important to you – long-haul comfort versus driving engagement, sophisticated ambiance versus driver-centric ergonomics – to make the best choice between these two compelling luxury SUVs.
