Comparison: BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are two models that are referenced the most when discussing luxury SUVs, due largely in part to being co-pioneers in the space.

For the 2023 model year, their innovation and thought leadership continues in the areas of luxury refinement, powertrain offerings, and sustainability.

Poshness is understandably through the roof for both vehicles, but there are plenty of differences between the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE that are worth exploring in more detail.

       

2023 BMW X5 Comparison Highlights

BMW's X5 is one of the brand's best-selling SUVs, and it doesn't take a magnifying glass to understand why. Marketed as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the X5 strikes a popular balance of roominess, luxury, performance capability, and advanced technology.

Positioned in the middle of the X family of vehicles, the 2023 X5 comfortably seats up to seven passengers, with the second row offering nearly as much room as the front row. It's also capable of up to 72.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity via the large rear opening and fold-down rear seats.

Three engine types are available to power the rear wheels or all four wheels, ranging from the plug-in hybrid turbocharged 6-cylinder engine to the 523-horsepower turbocharged V8 of the X5 M50i. An 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard for all X5 models, and features Sport and Manual shift modes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Speaking of M power, the 2023 X5 M50i brings maximum performance to this versatile SUV, with special tuning for the engine, suspension, and all-wheel drive system. M Sport Packages are also available to enhance the styling and performance of any X5 model, adding elements like larger wheels with run-flat tires, roof rails, premium interior and exterior trim, and an aerodynamic kit, to name a few.

On the inside, you'll find all of the amenities you'd expect from a premium luxury vehicle: high-quality materials, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power rear liftgate. Of course, you can further personalize the experience with the addition of Premium and Executive Packages, as well as stand-alone options like heated front armrests, heated rear seats, front massaging seats, and a color-matched Alcantara headliner.

BMW's Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 delivers lots of technology via its high-res 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen center display. This advanced ecosystem offers haptic feedback, tablet-like touch interface, and available gesture control. As a new standard, the iDrive 7 system includes support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also features built-in BMW Maps. This cloud-based navigation feature uses real-time traffic data to calculate the fastest routes and anticipates changes in traffic so it can dynamically re-route you for the most time-efficient path.

To alleviate stresses on the driver, the X5's standard Active Driving Assistant provides a multitude of advanced safety features like blind spot detection, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning with city collision mitigation, and much more. And for additional peace of mind, the optional Driving Assistance Professional package offers more active functions, including active cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, and extended traffic jam assistant.