When you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, the names BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE inevitably come up. Often, we hear people refer to the GLE almost as an “X5 Benz,” highlighting the BMW X5’s established position as a benchmark in the segment. While both offer premium features and performance, a closer look reveals why the BMW X5 consistently leads the pack and why it might be the superior choice over what some might call the “x5 benz” equivalent. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison, focusing on reliability, performance, safety, and technology, to understand why the BMW X5 remains the gold standard.
Reliability and Warranty: Peace of Mind on Every Drive
Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE aim to provide a dependable driving experience. According to J.D. Power, both SUVs achieve comparable reliability scores within their class. This is reassuring, but the ownership experience extends beyond just reliability ratings. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer robust factory warranties, demonstrating their confidence in vehicle quality.
BMW stands behind the X5 with a comprehensive Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty:
- Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Limited Warranty (for hybrid models): 8 years or 80,000 miles.
- Roadside Assistance: 4 years or 50,000 miles for those unexpected moments.
Mercedes-Benz offers a very similar warranty package on the GLE, which some might consider the “x5 benz” competitor:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- Emissions Warranty: 8 years or 80,000 miles.
- Roadside Assistance: 4 years or 50,000 miles.
Adding to the value proposition, both BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE include no-cost scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. This commitment to service further enhances the ownership experience and mitigates potential early ownership costs.
Performance and Efficiency: Where BMW X5 Takes the Lead
When it comes to performance, the BMW X5 truly distinguishes itself from the “x5 benz” alternative. BMW’s engine offerings are designed for driving enthusiasts, starting with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. This base engine in the X5 significantly outperforms the GLE’s base engine in terms of power. BMW’s powertrain also incorporates 48V mild-hybrid technology for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive in standard configuration, with BMW’s renowned xDrive all-wheel-drive system available as an option.
For those seeking even greater efficiency without compromising power, the BMW X5 offers a plug-in hybrid variant (45e) that delivers a combined 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a robust electric motor. Hybrid X5 drivers can enjoy up to 30 miles of all-electric range and a combined fuel economy rating of 50 MPGe.** Currently, a plug-in hybrid option is not available for the Mercedes-Benz GLE, placing the BMW X5 ahead in powertrain versatility.
For driving purists, the BMW X5 M50i and X5 M models elevate performance to exhilarating levels. The M50i features a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M takes it a step further, unleashing 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in under four seconds – making it one of the quickest SUVs available. The handling across the X5 range varies from sporty and balanced in standard models to track-ready precision in the M variants. Furthermore, the BMW X5 boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, often compared to the “x5 benz”, starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This base engine is notably less powerful than the BMW X5’s base engine. Fuel economy for this configuration is estimated at 20 city / 25 highway mpg.** For more power in the GLE, drivers can upgrade to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, also equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system in GLE 450 models. A 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive is optional on GLE 350 and standard on higher trims. GLE models include Dynamic Select, allowing drivers to adjust driving modes for efficiency or performance.
For high-performance GLE variants, the GLE 580 4MATIC® features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. AMG® models include the AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC+® with 429 horsepower and the top-tier AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC+® with a 603 horsepower AMG® biturbo V-8, matching the X5 M’s 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds.
Safety and Driving Assistance: Advanced Systems for Confident Driving
Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritize safety, incorporating advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance driver and passenger security. BMW equips every X5 with the Active Driving Assistant suite, which includes:
- Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) with pedestrian and cyclist detection: Alerts drivers to potential front-end collisions.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies brakes to mitigate or avoid collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns drivers when drifting out of lane.
- Active Blind Spot Detection with rear cross-traffic alert: Monitors blind spots and warns of vehicles.
An optional upgrade for the BMW X5 is the Driving Assistance Professional Package, adding features like Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), Front Cross-Traffic Alert, evasive steering assistance, and enhanced pedestrian detection. BMW’s Traffic Jam Assistance provides semi-autonomous driving in traffic by combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and active lane centering – a system praised for its smoothness and ease of use, considered among the best in the industry.
Mercedes-Benz, in their GLE – often seen as the “x5 benz” competitor – also offers a comparable level of safety technology. Standard features include forward collision warning (FCW) with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assistance. The ATTENTION ASSIST® system monitors 70 parameters to detect driver fatigue.
The Driver Assistance Plus package for the GLE adds semi-autonomous driving capabilities with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assistance with evasive maneuver support, and lane change assistance. The GLE’s blind spot system also includes evasive steering assist.
Infotainment and Technology: Cutting-Edge Connectivity
Technology is a key battleground in the luxury SUV segment, and both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer impressive infotainment and connectivity features. Each model boasts large screens for infotainment and driver information, along with advanced connected services.
Every BMW X5 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen running iDrive 7, featuring BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a customizable interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard across all trims. The Live Cockpit Professional replaces traditional gauges with a fully digital, customizable display showing navigation, safety system status, and more. A heads-up display is also available.
BMW ConnectedDrive integrates smartphones, the BMW, and smart home devices. Features range from remote vehicle start via Amazon Alexa to concierge services. The My BMW app is central to this, providing vehicle status, tire pressure monitoring, location services, and even service appointment scheduling.
Mercedes-Benz GLE, the “x5 benz” rival, also features advanced technology with a 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system, standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. However, unlike the X5, wired connections are still required for smartphone integration. MBUX offers extensive customization, personalization, and voice recognition activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” Mercedes-Benz provides complimentary map updates for the first year.
Shop BMW X5 near Mountain View, CA
BMW of Mountain View is your premier BMW dealership serving Mountain View, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. Our BMW experts are dedicated to assisting you with every aspect of BMW ownership, from purchasing a new BMW X5 to maintaining your vehicle in our state-of-the-art service center. We maintain a vast inventory of new and Certified Pre-Owned BMW vehicles, including a wide selection of X5 models, from M Performance variants to efficient plug-in hybrids. We invite you to experience the BMW X5 with a test drive and discover why it stands out in its class. If you are considering upgrading to a new X5, we facilitate BMW lease returns and offer a streamlined trade-in process. Our Certified Pre-Owned BMWs undergo a rigorous 125-point inspection to ensure the highest quality. For financing or leasing, our in-house finance center provides quick and convenient solutions.
For all your BMW needs, BMW of Mountain View is here to serve you.
*Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth SIG, INC.
**Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors.
