BMW X5 vs Mercedes Benz GLE
When it comes to finding the right midsize SUV, you’ll want to keep certain things in mind. For instance, the vehicle should handle well on any road, provide a lot of space, and offer tons of comfortable and entertaining features.
Two vehicles that embody these characteristics are the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, you may be wondering which of these two cars would work better for your commutes around Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter.
We’ll help you out with this comprehensive BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE comparison. Keep reading to see what each SUV has to offer, and feel free to contact the team at BMW of Stratham with any questions you may have.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Luxurious Exterior Design
Both the 2021 BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE are luxury SUVs, meaning they were designed to make heads turn. While both SUVs are built strong like an Olympic athlete with their bulging muscles, they also feature supermodel good looks with their equally iconic grilles and unique wheel designs that span from a standard 19-inch wheel to an optional 21-inch wheel.
While either SUV is sure to put the spotlight on you as you commute, the most important factor in deciding which SUV is right for you is by looking at their sizes. You’ll need the Goldilocks of SUVs: not too big, not too small.
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X5 vs GLE Exterior Dimensions |
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Model |
BMW X5 |
Mercedes-Benz GLE |
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Length |
194.3 inches |
194.3 inches |
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Width |
78.9 inches |
84.9 inches |
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Height |
68.7 inches |
70.7 inches |
In terms of length, both the X5 and the GLE measure up equally. It’s the width where the X5 pulls ahead. With its smaller width, you may have an easier time squeezing into narrow parking spots and maneuvering around tight corners than you will in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
X5 vs GLE: Performance Specs
If you want an SUV with tons of power and nimble handling, the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE could easily do the trick.
The X5 offers several engines to choose from, any of which can handle any driving situation with ease. They’re as follows:
- 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine: 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder with integrated electric motor: 389 combined horsepower and 331 combined lb-ft or torque
- 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine: 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque
- 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 with M Sport transmission: 600 horsepower
While the GLE is powerful and also offers many engine configurations—five to be exact—its standard 2.0L engine with 255 horsepower can’t compete with the X5. So, if you want a hair-raising commute without upgrading to a higher trim, the BMW X5 is the way to go.
Furthermore, the X5 comes standard in all-wheel drive. Known as xDrive, this system can send power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring that you maintain control on even the slickest surfaces. Unfortunately, to get all-wheel drive in the GLE, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim level.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Interior Space & Amenities
You spend a lot of time inside your SUV. Between traveling to and from work, meeting up with friends, and running errands, some days it might feel like you spend more time inside your vehicle than you do at home. With that being said, you’ll need your vehicle’s cabin to be as comfortable as possible.
Having plenty of room to stretch out is one thing to consider when looking at interior comfort. What’s nice about these vehicles is that they come standard with seating for five but can bump up the capacity to seven with an optional third row.
So, whether you want to fit more people or items into your vehicle, you can do so easily with these SUVs.
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BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Interior Dimensions |
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Model |
X5 |
GLE |
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Headroom (front/rear) |
40.7/39.4 inches |
40.5/36.9 inches |
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Legroom (front/rear) |
39.8/37.4 inches |
40.3/40.9 inches |
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Shoulder room (front/rear) |
60/58.1 inches |
59.3/58.3 inches |
When taking into consideration the comfort of your passengers, both the 2021 X5 and the GLE offer plenty of room to stretch out. However, the X5 offers more headroom than the GLE, especially for rear-seat passengers. On the other side, the GLE offers a bit more legroom than the X5.
Although, because of its extra shoulder room, the X5 steals the win in terms of dimensions.
Still, interior space isn’t the only factor when it comes to comfort. What about the luxurious amenities that are included with each SUV? They each come standard with heated front seats and are available with features like:
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Multi-contour seats with massage
While there are many similar features, it’s the optional Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof with the X5 that adds extra comfort and style. Choose one of six colors to surround your standard panoramic glass roof to enhance your commute.
This feature isn’t offered with the GLE.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Safety
Travel with complete confidence in either the 2021 X5 or the GLE thanks to the advanced safety features offered with both SUVs. With a series of cameras and sensors positioned around each SUV, you’ll always have a second set of eyes monitoring your surroundings.
When a potential hazard is detected, you’ll receive an alert so you can make any necessary adjustments to your travels. Under some conditions, features like the Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Braking system may provide automatic intervention in an attempt to help avoid a collision.
Adding an extra layer of protection, both the X5 and the GLE offer features that step in when an unavoidable collision is detected. This system with the GLE is known as PRE-SAFE. With the X5, it’s known as the Active Protection System.
Features of this system include:
- Automatic seat belt pretensioning
- Automatic window closure
- Automatic moonroof closure
Thanks to these standard features, you can feel safe and secure inside either SUV.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Cutting-Edge Technologies
Finally, you’ll find some rather advanced technologies inside the X5 and the GLE, all of which will keep you connected and entertained throughout every drive. For instance, they both come standard with two 12.3-inch screens—one as an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and one as a display screen for their respective infotainment systems.
Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto are also standard features with both SUVs.
With the iDrive 7.0 system in the BMW X5, you’ll get extra technology features, like:
- 1-year All Access subscription to SiriusXM® with 360L
- 8 USB ports
- Connected Package Professional with Real-Time Traffic Information and On-Street Parking Information, plus more
The GLE offers similar features with its five standard USB ports and a trial to SiriusXM® All Access. However, with the GLE, you’ll only enjoy over 150 channels of music, comedy, news, and other genres for six months. With the X5, you’ll get standard access for twice as long.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is Right for You?
There’s no doubt the Mercedes-Benz GLE is an impressive automobile. However, in the end, it’s the BMW X5 that provides more power and features.
You can experience this vehicle for yourself with a test drive at BMW of Stratham. Take a seat behind the wheel to get a firsthand feel for its performance and features. Pretty soon, you’ll be driving home to Stratham, Portsmouth, or Exeter in a brand-new luxury midsize SUV. Contact us today!