The luxury SUV market continues to grow, offering buyers a wealth of options to choose from, each with its own unique blend of style, performance, and features. Among these options, the 2023 BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE stand out as two top contenders, both delivering an unparalleled combination of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of what sets these two luxury SUVs apart, helping you make an informed decision about which vehicle best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Exterior Design
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE sport a sleek and modern exterior design, but each has its own unique style. The BMW X5 features the brand’s iconic kidney grille and sharp, angular lines that create a strong, aggressive appearance. Its adaptive LED headlights provide excellent visibility, while the aerodynamic design enhances its performance on the road.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, on the other hand, offers a more elegant and refined look, with a large, prominent grille and sweeping curves that give it a sophisticated and luxurious feel. The GLE also comes with LED headlights and taillights, as well as an array of exterior color options, allowing you to personalize your vehicle to your taste.
Interior Design
Inside, both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE showcase their commitment to luxury and comfort. The X5’s cabin boasts high-quality materials and a minimalist design, with a modern, digital instrument cluster and a large, easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. Ambient lighting and available leather upholstery add to the overall sense of luxury.
The GLE’s interior is equally impressive, featuring plush seating and an abundance of high-quality materials. Its dashboard is dominated by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which includes dual 12.3-inch touchscreens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The GLE also offers customizable ambient lighting and an optional panoramic sunroof, creating a spacious and inviting environment.
Seating
In terms of seating, both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE can comfortably accommodate five passengers, with available third-row seating that increases capacity to seven. The X5’s seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear. The optional third row is best suited for children or shorter trips, as space can be somewhat limited.
The GLE also provides comfortable seating for passengers, with its supportive seats offering plenty of adjustments for a customized fit. The optional third-row seating is slightly more spacious than the X5’s, making it a more viable option for longer trips or larger families.
Storage
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer ample cargo space for your storage needs. The X5 provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which can be expanded to 72.3 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. The split-folding rear seats allow for versatile storage options.
The GLE offers slightly more cargo space, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. The GLE also features a power liftgate and available hands-free access, making loading and unloading even more convenient.
Performance
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer a range of powerful engine options. The X5’s base model comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims offer a 4.4-liter V8 with up to 523 horsepower, or a plug-in hybrid option that combines a 3.0-liter inline-six with an electric motor for a total output of 389 horsepower.
All X5 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice between rear-wheel drive (sDrive) and all-wheel drive (xDrive).
The GLE’s base model is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four that generates 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, there’s a 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild hybrid system producing 362 horsepower, as well as a 4.0-liter V8 option in the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S, which delivers an impressive 603 horsepower. All GLE models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC).
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many buyers, and both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer competitive fuel economy figures. The X5’s base model achieves an estimated 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while the plug-in hybrid variant offers a combined 50 MPGe and up to 30 miles of all-electric driving range.
The GLE’s base model is slightly more efficient, with an estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. However, the GLE doesn’t currently offer a plug-in hybrid option, which may be a consideration for eco-conscious buyers.
Safety
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE come with a suite of advanced safety features to help protect you and your passengers on the road. The X5 includes standard features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display.
The GLE is similarly equipped with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. Additional available safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. Both SUVs have received high safety ratings from reputable organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA.
Trim Levels
The BMW X5 is available in three main trim levels: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, and M50i, with the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid variant offering additional eco-friendly options. Each trim level offers a different engine and set of features, allowing you to choose the perfect combination of performance and amenities to suit your needs.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in four trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, AMG GLE 53, and AMG GLE 63 S. As with the X5, each trim level features a different engine and set of standard and optional features, providing a range of choices for buyers.
Pricing
The 2023 BMW X5 starts at a base price of around $60,000 for the sDrive40i, while the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i starts at approximately $62,000. The M50i and xDrive45e plug-in hybrid models have starting prices around $83,000 and $66,000, respectively.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a base price of around $55,000 for the GLE 350, with the GLE 450 starting at approximately $62,000. The AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models have starting prices around $74,000 and $115,000, respectively.
Key Differences
While the 2023 BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE share many similarities, there are some key differences between these two luxury SUVs that potential buyers should consider.
Exterior Design:
The BMW X5 features a more aggressive and bold design with its iconic kidney grille and sharp, angular lines. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers a more elegant and refined appearance, with its prominent grille and sweeping curves.
Fuel Efficiency:
The base model of the GLE is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, compared to the X5’s 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. However, the X5 offers the aforementioned plug-in hybrid option for eco-conscious buyers, while the GLE does not.
Performance:
The BMW X5 offers a wider range of engine options, including a powerful 4.4-liter V8 in the M50i trim level, which produces 523 horsepower. The GLE’s most powerful option is the 4.0-liter V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S, generating 603 horsepower. The GLE also comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the X5 offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
Final Thoughts
After examining the various aspects of the 2023 BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, it’s clear that both SUVs excel in providing a luxurious and comfortable driving experience, backed by impressive performance and advanced safety features. The choice between these two models ultimately comes down to personal preferences, such as design aesthetics, engine options, fuel efficiency, and available amenities. By considering the key differences highlighted in this comparison, you’ll be well-equipped to make a confident decision about which luxury SUV is the perfect addition to your driveway.
Features Breakdown:
2023 BMW X5
- Exterior Design:
- Iconic kidney grille
- Sharp, angular lines
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Aerodynamic design
- Interior Design:
- High-quality materials
- Minimalist design
- Digital instrument cluster
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Ambient lighting
- Available leather upholstery
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for 5, optional third-row seating for 7
- Supportive, well-cushioned seats
- Ample headroom and legroom
- Storage:
- 33.9 cubic feet behind second row, 72.3 cubic feet with second-row seats folded
- Split-folding rear seats
- Performance:
- 3.0-liter inline-six (base model): 335 hp, 331 lb-ft torque
- 4.4-liter V8 (optional): up to 523 hp
- 3.0-liter inline-six with electric motor (plug-in hybrid): 389 hp
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (sDrive) or all-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Base model: 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
- Plug-in hybrid: 50 MPGe combined, 30 miles of all-electric range
- Safety:
- Standard features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rearview camera
- Optional features: adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display
- Trim Levels:
- sDrive40i, xDrive40i, M50i, xDrive45e (plug-in hybrid)
- Pricing:
- sDrive40i: ~$60,000
- xDrive40i: ~$62,000
- M50i: ~$83,000
- xDrive45e: ~$66,000
Mercedes-Benz GLE:
- Exterior Design:
- Large, prominent grille
- Sweeping curves
- LED headlights and taillights
- Array of exterior color options
- Interior Design:
- Plush seating
- High-quality materials
- Dual 12.3-inch touchscreens (MBUX system)
- Customizable ambient lighting
- Optional panoramic sunroof
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for 5, optional third-row seating for 7
- Supportive, adjustable seats
- Ample headroom and legroom
- Storage:
- 33.3 cubic feet behind second row, 74.9 cubic feet with second-row seats folded
- Power liftgate, available hands-free access
- Performance:
- 2.0-liter inline-four (base model): 255 hp, 273 lb-ft torque
- 3.0-liter inline-six with mild hybrid system (optional): 362 hp
- 4.0-liter V8 (AMG GLE 63 S): 603 hp
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC)
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Base model: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
- Safety:
- Standard features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera
- Optional features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, surround-view camera system
- Trim Levels:
- GLE 350, GLE 450, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S
- Pricing:
- GLE 350: ~$55,000
- GLE 450: ~$62,000
- AMG GLE 53: ~$74,000
- AMG GLE 63 S: ~$115,000
