2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, with illumination as an option. The M Sport Package offered sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, while the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary with unique features like Lime Rock Grey paint and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior was a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display and quality materials, though it lacked the opulence of some competitors.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of versions, with the GLE 450 featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and mild-hybrid technology. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and premium leather, enhancing the luxury feel. However, the GLE's exterior design was criticized for its egg-on-wheels styling, though the Coupe version was an exception. Inside, the GLE boasted an elegantly detailed cabin with quality materials, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive, and while the volume slider was tricky, a thumbwheel on the center console provided a practical solution.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the X5 xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, providing up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and mild-hybrid system, generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds, a notable figure for a luxury SUV. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, impacting its performance in city and mountain driving. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The GLE's automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were noticeable.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom compared to some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, though the lack of real leather upholstery was noticeable at its price point. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its split tailgate design was a standout feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included thoughtful storage solutions and a large spare tire under the load floor.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. The X5 also included augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing a smartphone to replace the key fob.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE utilized the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and minimal reflections. The native digital voice assistant performed well, though it struggled with certain requests. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for steering at speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and Pre-Safe Sound. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, and other advanced features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was noteworthy, automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. However, some driver aids, like the route-based speed-adjustment feature, were problematic. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.