2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while not the most striking in appearance, offered a blend of aggressive front styling with a more conventional rear. Despite its attempts to modernize, the GLE's exterior design was often seen as lacking the cohesive elegance found in some of its competitors. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and well-crafted space with high-quality materials and a bold colour scheme. The redesigned GLE Coupe was more streamlined than its predecessor, and the interior was a standout feature, offering a sense of opulence with its use of wood, metal, leather, and suede. The interior's design elements, such as the twin arching grab handles and LED lighting, added to the vehicle's luxurious feel, although some controls were noted to be less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The exterior featured the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, contributing to its upscale appearance. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design ethos, utilizing parts from the brand's extensive catalogue. While the interior was well-crafted, it lacked the unique character of the GLE's cabin. The X5's interior was functional, with comfortable seating and a focus on practicality, though some controls were less intuitive at night. Overall, the X5's design was more about maintaining brand consistency than breaking new ground.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S boasted a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 450 hp. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved the driving experience, though it didn't significantly enhance fuel efficiency. The GLE's ride quality was exceptional, with its ability to tow up to 3,500 kg and its agile handling, making it feel more like a sedan than an SUV.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the xDrive40i's 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 335 hp. The M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. However, the X5 provided a comfortable ride, with its air suspension absorbing road imperfections. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e being the most efficient when using its electric power.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The GLE's cargo space was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had slightly less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience. However, the Coupe's rear doors and large tires made entry and exit more challenging.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips, though the front seats could become uncomfortable on longer journeys. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it wasn't tested. The split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easier. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. The interior controls were well-placed, though some were difficult to differentiate at night. The X5's design focused on practicality, with features like a wireless phone charging pad and easy-to-use climate controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's infotainment system offered a range of features, including a natural voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The head-up display and ambient lighting added to the vehicle's high-tech feel, while the semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar. The X5's technology package was comprehensive, offering a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The GLE offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash. The GLE's safety package was comprehensive, with features available as standard or optional depending on the model.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Despite some challenges with its safety systems, the X5 offered a robust safety package.