2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs. 2025 BMW X5
In the luxury midsized SUV market, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are two exceptional competitors that are difficult to choose between. Both have a polished and sophisticated design and an abundance of features that make your drive pleasant and refined. Our experts at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham have compiled an in-depth side-by-side breakdown of these SUVs to show which one reigns supreme.
Interior Luxury and Comfort
While both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and the BMW X5 have a spacious and comfortable interior, they’re far from identical. For starters, the GLE 450 comes standard with a five-passenger seating capacity and an optional third row, increasing seating capacity to seven. The X5 maxes out at five passengers, limiting your seating options.
Interior Space
Passengers in the GLE 450 have 40.3 inches of legroom in the front and 40.9 inches in the back, surpassing the X5’s 39.8 inches in the front and 37.4 inches in the rear. Passengers also have slightly more headroom in the Mercedes as well, with 42.3 inches in the front and 40.4 in the back, compared to the BMW’s 40.7 inches in the front and 38.7 in the back.
Cargo Storage
Both SUVs provide a good amount of cargo space for storing all your gear. With the rear seats folded, the GLE 450 and the X5 both provide up to 72.3 cubic feet of storage. With the seats up, you’ll find near-identical storage capacities, with the Mercedes providing 33.3 cubic feet of space compared to the BMW’s 33.9 cubic feet.
Luxury Features
Both interiors feature high-quality luxury materials such as leather, wood, and metal. You’ll find comparable standard features in both SUVs, including an adjustable steering wheel, driver-illuminated vanity mirror, hands-free liftgate, and a universal garage door opener. Both vehicles offer similar additions, such as massaging seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Performance and Powertrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and the BMW X5 offer similar performances, but there are notable differences:
Engines
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and the BMW X5 come with powerful engines and smooth handling, but there are slight variations between the two. At face value, both SUVs use an intercooled turbo gas/electric I-6 3.0-L engine. Both the Mercedes and the BMW crank out 375 horsepower, while the Mercedes produces 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW’s 398 lb-ft.
Drivetrains
The GLE 450 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), giving it improved control and power when conditions get rough. The X5 comes standard with rear-wheel drive on the base model, with AWD available for higher trim levels at an additional cost. The Mercedes features a nine-speed automatic transmission compared to the BMW’s eight-speed version.
Performance
The GLE 450 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds compared to the X5’s 5.3 seconds. While neither of these times is sluggish, the Mercedes is more exciting during takeoff. If you’re like many drivers in the Birmingham area, you might want to use your SUV to tow a trailer or camper. The Mercedes’s 7,700-lb towing capacity edges slightly ahead of the BMW’s 6,603-lb capacity.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both SUVs feature standard safety and driver-assistance features, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and integrated turn signal mirrors, but the key differences are in the optional features. For example, the GLE 450 has standard blind-spot monitoring and remote engine start, while these features are optional add-ons on the X5. Both SUVs come with a 4-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and a powertrain warranty.
Price Comparison
If you’re looking for exceptional styling, quality craftsmanship, and an abundance of technology and safety features, the price tag will reflect the caliber of vehicle you’re paying for. The GLE 450’s base price is $71,300, and if you opt for packages such as third-row seats or the Exclusive or Pinnacle trim levels, the pricing increases accordingly. The X5’s base price is $65,700, with slight increases if you opt for the Premium or Executive trim levels.
Choosing the Right Luxury SUV for You
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and the BMW X5 are exceptional midsized luxury SUVs. Both feature a sleek exterior and ample safety and technology features to keep you and your passengers comfortable and secure. When comparing the two, the Mercedes pulls ahead with its larger interior passenger space, standard AWD, and higher towing capacity.
If you’re interested in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, reach out to our team at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham to see our current inventory. We’ll be happy to set up a test-drive so you can experience this luxury SUV firsthand and see all that it has to offer.