The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE stand as titans in the luxury SUV arena, each boasting a unique blend of performance, comfort, and technology. For those navigating the decision between these two exceptional vehicles, real-world owner experiences offer invaluable insights. Having lived with both a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (with characteristics mirroring the GLE 450) for 30,000 miles and a 2023 BMW X5 sDrive 40i for 3,000 miles, this detailed comparison delves into the nuances that distinguish these luxury SUVs in everyday driving.
Interior and Comfort: A Tale of Two Luxuries
Stepping inside both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE reveals interiors crafted with premium materials and an eye for upscale aesthetics. The GLE immediately impresses with its modern and sophisticated cabin, exuding contemporary luxury. In contrast, the X5, while undeniably luxurious, incorporates some non-premium plastic panels, particularly noticeable near the door and footwell areas. However, the GLE distinguishes itself with exceptionally durable door threshold materials, designed to withstand daily wear and tear.
When it comes to passenger comfort, the GLE excels, especially in the back seat, offering impressive room and comfort for rear occupants. The seat ergonomics in the GLE, coupled with its synthetic coverings, present a more premium feel compared to the X5’s sensafin sport seats. The X5’s seats, in this configuration, feel firmer and possess a slightly rubbery texture and appearance, which may not appeal to all. Mercedes-Benz’s MB-TEX, on the other hand, strikes a balance of softness, durability, and attractive sheen.
The windshield placement also contributes to the distinct interior experiences. In the GLE, the windshield is positioned further away from front occupants, and the roofline provides ample shade, creating a cocooned feeling. Conversely, the X5’s shallower dash depth makes cleaning the inside of the windshield easier and contributes to a more commanding driving position. Adding to this, the X5 offers superior front sight lines, thanks to a lower side glass beltline, enhancing overall visibility for the driver. While the GLE’s higher hood can impart a more truck-like sensation, the X5 prioritizes a driver-centric, visibility-focused design.
Dashboard and Displays: Clarity and Illumination
The dashboards of the GLE and X5 present contrasting approaches to information display. The Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritizes readability with larger instrument fonts, ensuring crucial driving data is easily discernible at a glance. Furthermore, the GLE’s displays consistently exhibit brightness and high contrast, maintaining legibility in various lighting conditions.
In comparison, the BMW X5’s dash illumination can be perceived as less impressive, appearing dimmer. Some users have noted a cyclic dimming and brightening characteristic, which can be mitigated by using more translucent window tint. This suggests BMW’s Dynamic Efficiency software might influence dashboard brightness. The X5’s flat screen design also provides less screen real estate compared to the GLE, leading to a more crowded display of information, potentially impacting legibility.
Lighting: Ambient Sophistication vs. Functional Minimalism
Ambient lighting is where the GLE truly shines, offering a more sophisticated and customizable experience. Mercedes-Benz provides a broader spectrum of colors, illuminates more areas within the cabin, and employs varying tonalities to create a richer ambiance compared to the X5. The BMW X5’s lighting scheme is more minimalist in comparison. A notable omission in the X5 is the lack of backlighting on the steering wheel controls. Additionally, the cruise control and media actuators in the X5 are described as feeling small and less premium to the touch.
Road Noise and Ride Quality: Balancing Comfort and Dynamics
Both SUVs demonstrate commendable efforts in noise reduction, but subtle differences emerge in their road manners. The BMW X5 is inherently quiet, even when equipped with 19-inch Bridgestone run-flat tires. However, it can struggle to maintain its composure on un-grooved concrete surfaces, where road noise may become more pronounced. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, in this owner’s experience with 19-inch Dunlop tires, is generally quieter overall.
Run-flat tires, as a general characteristic, tend to become louder as they wear compared to non-run-flat tires. For X5 owners prioritizing noise reduction and ride comfort, switching to non-run-flat tires could be a worthwhile consideration. However, it’s important to note that the X5’s sport seats are a significant factor in its firmer ride quality, and changing tires alone may not fully address seat comfort preferences.
The GLE exhibits larger body movements and can feel somewhat truck-like, especially in urban environments. Conversely, it transforms into a superb highway cruiser, minimizing vibration, noise, and harshness (NVH), making long journeys exceptionally comfortable. However, its size can feel cumbersome in suburban driving scenarios. Despite similar official dimensions, the X5 feels and appears smaller than the GLE, offering better maneuverability in tighter spaces and on winding roads. For extended road trips, the GLE’s superior NVH and instrument legibility give it an edge, while the X5 is more at home navigating suburbs, curvy roads, and mountainous terrains. The X5’s ride, while firm, particularly with sport seats, becomes more tolerable over time and is well-suited for shorter trips or smooth road surfaces.
Environmental Controls and Voice Assistance: Cooling and Command
Addressing climate control, the owner recounts an initial AC issue with the certified GLE, which was resolved under warranty, highlighting a known part failure. The X5 presented a cooling challenge that was effectively addressed by adjusting the digital air ventilation mixing control, as detailed in the owner’s manual, and syncing the rear air conditioning with the front. Ultimately, the GLE’s climate control system is perceived as superior, cooling faster and more evenly, with a quieter fan, and maintaining temperature without noticeable drafts.
In the realm of voice assistance, Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system demonstrates broader functionality and robust performance compared to BMW’s iDrive 7.0. MBUX controls a wider array of vehicle functions and generally operates effectively, although it occasionally activates unintentionally.
Engine, Drivetrain, and Fuel Economy: Power and Efficiency
The powertrain is a key area where the BMW X5 distinguishes itself. While the 2024 GLE 350 boasts an exceptionally smooth idle and start, suggesting similar refinement in the GLE 450, the owner’s 2020 GLE 350 with a 4-cylinder turbo engine and 50,000 miles exhibits less smoothness compared to the X5. Consistent with other reviews, the X5’s transmission is noticeably smoother than the 4-cylinder GLE’s, which occasionally exhibits a clunk, though not frequent enough to detract significantly from the driving experience. Both transmissions are generally smooth, but the BMW’s powertrain refinement is undeniable.
Impressively, the BMW X5 demonstrates superior fuel economy, achieving 32-34 MPG at 68 mph, surpassing the GLE 350 by approximately 2 MPG.
Other Considerations and Conclusion: A Matter of Priorities
Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE present a learning curve with their respective technology interfaces. The GLE’s user demographic, potentially including a larger proportion of older drivers, might contribute to perceived tech interface challenges and reliability concerns. The owner’s GLE experienced two warranty-covered repairs over 50,000 miles, suggesting reasonable reliability. The X5, in contrast, has developed a hatch rattle, a minor annoyance.
The redesigned 2024 X5 dashboard raised concerns about vent airflow restriction compared to the 2023 model, although this could not be definitively tested. Ultimately, the 2023 X5 was chosen partly due to cooling concerns and a preference for the 2023 front-end design, as well as a desire for physical switches. Cost also played a role, with the 2023 X5 being more competitively priced than a 2024 GLE 450.
The ultimate decision between the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE hinges on individual priorities. The X5 offers superior engine and transmission refinement and more engaging suburban driving dynamics, while the GLE excels in long-distance comfort and interior sophistication. Choosing between the Bmw X5 Vs Benz Gle is a nuanced decision, ultimately determined by what characteristics resonate most with the buyer’s lifestyle and driving preferences.
