At first glance, the BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE specs might look similar. Both SUVs feature gas-powered and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, and both can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 27 MPG on the highway. 2,3 If city commuting is your daily activity, the Mercedes-Benz GLE MPG and the BMW X5 MPG are strikingly similar, too – but the similarities end there.
If customizable specs and fuel economy are important to you, then the 2024 GLE is the SUV you need. Available in four powertrains – three mild hybrids and one PHEV – the Mercedes-Benz GLE specs outpace the BMW trims in max horsepower and torque. It’s not a small difference between Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. BMW X5 engine power, either. Just check out the chart below!
The flagship GLE 580 4MATIC® generates a stunning 510 horsepower and a 4.3-second 0-60 rate for high-speed starts. You’ll also be able to tow up to 7,700 pounds in any GLE variant, 4 making the Mercedes-Benz SUV the perfect choice for family road trips and weekend getaways. Prefer the PHEV powertrain? As we noted above, you can charge your plug-in variant from 10% to 80% in only 20 minutes at a DC fast-charger 1 or fully load the battery in 2.75 hours on a home AC unit. 1
The four Mercedes-Benz GLE engine options are:
In stark comparison, the 2024 BMW X5 comes with only two powertrain options, one of which is rear-wheel drive only. The BMW SUV also isn’t rated to tow, so you’ll need to leave any kayaks, Jet Skis, and campers behind, and the highest BMW X5 specs top out at 483 horsepower. The fastest 0-60 rate you’ll get in a BMW model is 4.6 seconds, and that’s from the PHEV variant.
The trouble is, BMW engineers haven’t published that powertrain’s charging rates, so we have no idea how long you’ll be waiting for its battery to refill. It’s also worth noting that the SUV’s turning radius is abysmal, so any course corrections via U-turn will be more difficult in the BMW X5 models.
These are the two BMW X5 engine options:
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2024 BMW X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Seating | 5 or 7 | 5 |
| Engine | 2.0L inline 4-cyl turbo mild hybrid 3.0L inline 6-cyl turbo mild hybrid 2.0L inline 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid 4.0L V-8 biturbo mild hybrid |
3.0L twin-turbo 6-Cyl 3.0L twin-turbo inline 6-Cyl PHEV |
| Horsepower | 255 / 375 / 381 / 510 | 375 / 483 |
| Torque | 295 / 369 / 479 / 538 lb-ft | 398 / 516 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC® fully variable AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs 4 | Not rated for towing |
| 0-60 mph Time | 7 / 5.3 / 5.8 / 4.3 s | 5.3 / 4.6 s |
| Turning Radius | 39.4 ft | 41.3 ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 27 MPG 2 – 2.0L 4-Cyl 19 / 26 MPG 2 – 3.0L 6-Cyl N / A – 2.0L 4-Cyl plug-in hybrid 15 / 20 MPG 2 – 4.0L V-8 |
23 / 27 MPG 3 – gas powertrain N / A – PHEV powertrain |
| Exterior Length / Width | 194.3 / 76.7 in | 194.2 / 78.9 in |
| Front Headroom | 40.5 in | 40.8 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 40.3 / 40.9 in | 39.8 / 37.4 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Standard / Max) | 31.5 – 33.3 / 74.9 cu ft | 33.1 – 33.9 / 72.1 – 72.3 cu ft |
| DC Fast-Charging Rate (10% – 80%) | 20 min 1 | N / A |
| AC Charging Rate (0% – 100%) | 2.75 hrs 1 | N / A |
Mercedes-Benz designs are always cutting-edge and customizable, and the 2024 GLE editions continue this tradition by offering two additional trim levels, each sporting unique cabin features that we’ll dive into in the next section. The BMW X5 core models also come in two trims, but their starting MSRPs are considerably higher than those of the GLE, and we don’t see any added BMW value to make the extra cost worthwhile.
The four GLE models listed below can be leased or purchased in Premium or Pinnacle trims to make sure you drive home in the Mercedes-Benz SUV that suits you best. Though we don’t discuss them on this page, you can also shop new Mercedes-Benz GLE models in two AMG® editions as well.
All three BMW X5 models listed below can be ordered in two trim levels: Sport or M Sport. Strangely, the M Sport trim doesn’t increase your wheel size or add spectacular features – it just changes up the appearance of your SUV’s exterior.
Speaking of exterior design, the BMW X5 only comes in Alpine White. If you want to access any other paint color, you’ll need to pay an upcharge. Not counting the BMW X5 M60i and M Competition editions that we haven’t discussed here, these are your three options:
A luxury SUV should deliver top-level comfort and class. Unfortunately for BMW fans, when we compare the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. BMW X5 interiors, only the GLE surpasses this expectation. Take home a GLE model with our new vehicle specials , or keep reading to see how the Mercedes-Benz interior outshines its competition.
Spend any time inside the Mercedes-Benz GLE interior and you’ll feel cocooned in luxury and high-end design. Even the entry-level GLE 350 4MATIC® Premium trim turns up the sophistication to new levels with standard features like these:
The BMW X5 interior is refined and well-made, without a doubt, but it doesn’t live up to the standard set by the GLE models and trims. Choose a BMW X5 Sport or Sport M trim, and you’ll get expected standard features like these – but sadly, no surprises or exciting innovations:
After you’ve chosen your model, trim, and interior amenities, you can tailor your SUV even further by adding packages to your build. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers eight package options, most of which have very accessible price points. The BMW X5 can be personalized with seven packages, and their prices are considerably higher than the GLE options.
Because we are a trusted Mercedes-Benz dealer near Atlanta, GA , it’s our job to give you all the critical details about the current SUVs on the market, and that includes a closer look at dimensions and cargo space. The GLE vs. BMW X5 exterior dimensions are quite similar at 194.3 and 194.2 inches long, making the Mercedes-Benz and BMW SUVs look almost identical from the outside. The inside is another story.
The Mercedes-Benz SUV can be built with two or three rows of seats to accommodate five or seven passengers. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer this customization, coming with one back row in every variant. The GLE also tops the BMW X5 in legroom, giving front-seat passengers 40.3 inches to stretch out and second-row riders an incredible 40.9 inches! You’ll also gain 74.9 cubic feet of Mercedes-Benz GLE cargo space once you lay down the back seats.
The BMW X5 is surprisingly cramped inside. Legroom in both the front and back rows is tight, making it uncomfortable for tall adults to drive and nearly impossible to load car seats or taller children in the back. Thankfully, this SUV’s standard cargo space is on par with that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, but the maximum BMW X5 cargo space is noticeably smaller at 72.3 cubic feet.
It’s time to take home a truly luxurious SUV: the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE. With chart-topping cabin space, a versatile two- or three-row cabin design, premium engine specs, and a 7,700-pound towing capacity 4 that can rival some light-duty trucks, the new GLE is our top choice in the midsize SUV segment. Contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South to schedule a test drive or discuss our current incentives!
1 Charging times are estimated and may vary by location and equipment. Charging stations must be compatible with Combined Charging System (CCS). See your dealer for more information.
2 EPA-estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated MPG to the estimated MPG of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
3 Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
4 With optional trailer hitch. Read Operator’s Manual before towing. In some states, aftermarket trailer brakes are required. See dealer for details.
