Choosing between luxury SUVs often comes down to personal preferences, but when you’re considering the Mercedes GLE 450 and the BMW X5, the decision becomes even more nuanced. Having owned both a Mercedes GLE 350 (similar in many respects to the 450) and a BMW X5 sDrive 40i, this in-depth comparison provides a real-world perspective to help you decide which of these exceptional vehicles best suits your needs.
Interior and Comfort: Cabin Experience
Both the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 boast upscale and inviting interiors, befitting their luxury status. The GLE immediately impresses with its modern and sophisticated design language. Stepping inside the GLE feels distinctly premium, although specific material choices can vary between models. Notably, the door threshold material in the GLE is exceptionally durable, a testament to Mercedes’ attention to detail in high-wear areas. Rear passenger comfort is a significant GLE strength, offering impressive room and thoughtfully designed seating. Even the synthetic seat coverings in the GLE feel superior, with a softer texture and more appealing sheen compared to the BMW X5’s Sensafin sport seats, which can feel harder and somewhat rubbery.
The BMW X5, while luxurious, presents a slightly different interior experience. Some non-premium plastic panels are noticeable, particularly in the door and footwell areas, which detracts slightly from the overall premium feel compared to the GLE. However, the X5 excels in driver ergonomics and visibility. The shallower dash depth in the X5 makes cleaning the inside of the windshield easier and contributes to a superior driving position. The X5 also offers better front sight lines thanks to a lower side glass beltline, enhancing overall visibility for the driver. In contrast, the GLE, with its higher hood, can impart a slightly more “truck-like” sensation from behind the wheel.
Dashboard and Displays: Information and Illumination
When it comes to dashboards and instrumentation, the Mercedes GLE takes the lead in readability. The GLE’s instrument fonts are larger and clearer, making it easier to quickly digest information. The displays in the GLE are consistently bright, contrasty, and legible in various lighting conditions. The BMW X5’s dashboard illumination, on the other hand, can be a point of disappointment for some drivers, often appearing dimmer than desired. Some users have noted a cyclic dimming and brightening issue in the X5, which may be linked to BMW’s Dynamic Efficiency software. The X5’s flat screen design, lacking the expansive real estate of the GLE’s displays, can also contribute to a feeling of crowded data, impacting legibility.
Lighting: Ambient and Functional
Ambient lighting is another area where the Mercedes GLE outshines the BMW X5. The GLE offers a more sophisticated ambient lighting system with a wider array of colors, illuminated areas, and nuanced use of different tones, creating a richer and more customizable cabin atmosphere. Functionally, the BMW X5 falls short by lacking backlighting on the steering wheel controls. Additionally, the cruise and media control actuators in the X5 can feel small and less premium in tactile feedback compared to the GLE’s controls.
Road Noise: Cabin Acoustics
Both SUVs are generally quiet vehicles, but nuances emerge when comparing road noise. The BMW X5 is commendably quiet, even when equipped with 19-inch Bridgestone run-flat tires. However, it struggles to maintain its composure on un-grooved concrete surfaces. The Mercedes GLE, in this comparison equipped with 19-inch Dunlop tires, demonstrates superior overall noise insulation. Run-flat tires, in general, tend to become louder as they wear compared to non-run-flat tires. For BMW X5 owners prioritizing noise comfort, switching to non-run-flat tires could be a worthwhile consideration. However, it’s important to note that seat comfort, particularly the sport seats in some X5 configurations, plays a significant role in overall ride comfort and cannot be fully addressed by tire changes alone.
Environmental Controls: Heating and Cooling Efficiency
Effective climate control is paramount for passenger comfort. In terms of air conditioning, the Mercedes GLE demonstrates quicker and more even cooling, with a quieter fan operation. Once the desired temperature is reached, the GLE maintains a cool cabin environment without noticeable drafts. Some BMW X5 owners have reported challenges with cooling efficiency. However, adjusting the digital air ventilation mixing control, as detailed in the BMW owner’s manual under “temperature of ventilation,” can significantly improve cooling performance by directing ventilation towards colder settings. Syncing the rear air conditioning with the front system can also enhance overall cooling effectiveness in the X5.
Voice Assistance: MBUX vs. iDrive 7.0
Modern vehicle interfaces rely heavily on voice assistance, and here, Mercedes’ MBUX system demonstrates greater robustness compared to BMW’s iDrive 7.0. The MBUX system in the GLE controls a broader range of vehicle functions and generally operates very effectively. A minor drawback of MBUX is its occasional tendency to activate unintentionally, without being prompted. Nevertheless, MBUX is generally considered more comprehensive and user-friendly than iDrive 7.0 in terms of voice command capabilities.
Ride Quality and Handling: Driving Dynamics
The driving experience differentiates these two SUVs significantly. The Mercedes GLE, while a superb highway cruiser with minimal vibration, noise, and harshness (NVH), can feel large and somewhat cumbersome in suburban driving scenarios. It exhibits more noticeable body movements and a “truck-like” feel compared to the X5. Conversely, the BMW X5, despite having similar overall dimensions to the GLE, feels smaller and more agile, particularly in urban environments and on winding roads. For long road trips of 3-8 hours, the GLE’s superior NVH and instrument legibility make it the more comfortable choice. However, for daily driving, navigating suburbs, or tackling curvy roads and mountain passes, the X5’s more responsive handling and smaller feel provide a more engaging driving experience. The X5’s ride, especially when paired with sport seats, is firmer, which may not be ideal for all drivers, although some may acclimate to the tauter ride quality over time.
Engine and Drivetrain: Performance and Refinement
The engine and drivetrain are key areas where the BMW X5 distinguishes itself. While newer Mercedes GLE 450 models are expected to offer smooth engine operation, older GLE 350 models, particularly those with four-cylinder turbo engines and higher mileage, may not match the BMW X5’s engine smoothness, especially at idle and start-up. The BMW X5’s transmission is also noted for its superior smoothness. While the GLE’s transmission is generally smooth, some drivers have occasionally observed a clunkiness, although it is not frequent enough to detract significantly from the driving experience. Overall, both powertrains are refined, but the BMW X5’s engine and transmission exhibit a more noticeable edge in smoothness compared to older or lower-spec GLE models.
Other Considerations: Reliability, Fuel Economy, and Value
Both Mercedes and BMW vehicles incorporate complex technology interfaces that may present a learning curve for some users. It’s suggested that the older demographic of Mercedes buyers might experience more challenges with the tech interface, potentially contributing to reliability perceptions. In terms of real-world reliability, the owner’s experience with a Mercedes GLE 350 with 50,000 miles indicated only two warranty-covered repairs, suggesting reasonable reliability. A minor rattle in the BMW X5’s hatch was noted, with potential for recurrence. Fuel economy favors the BMW X5, with the sDrive 40i achieving an impressive 32-34 MPG at 68 mph, surpassing the GLE 350 by approximately 2 MPG. From a value perspective, a previously owned 2023 BMW X5 was noted to be less expensive than a 2024 Mercedes GLE 450, making cost a significant factor for some buyers.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Luxury SUV
Ultimately, the choice between the Mercedes GLE 450 and the BMW X5 hinges on individual priorities. The GLE excels in long-distance comfort, interior sophistication, and display clarity, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing a relaxed and luxurious cruising experience. The X5, with its more engaging driving dynamics, refined powertrain, and better fuel economy, appeals to drivers who value agility and a sportier feel in their luxury SUV. The decision is a personal one, dependent on what characteristics matter most to each buyer.
