2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The interior received a modern touch with the BMW Curved Display and reduced physical switchgear, yet retained the quality materials and construction reminiscent of classic BMWs.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, facelifted for 2024, presented a unique design that distinguished it from other Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, giving it a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models, however, exhibited odd proportions with a bulky lower body and a tapered fastback-style roofline. Despite its unconventional styling, the GLE adhered to Mercedes’ design principles, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. The interior offered a variety of colours, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating an upscale and distinctive cabin environment.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV showcased significant enhancements, including a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion battery pack, with a capacity of 19.2 kWh, allowed for 63 kilometres of electric-only driving. The xDrive50e delivered 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV demonstrated impressive efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km during a 154-kilometre evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension and quick steering contributed to a delightful driving experience, with excellent acceleration, grip, and handling.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ featured a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its powerful engines, the GLE felt larger than its midsize classification, with adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system unable to make it nimble on backroads.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a cargo area of 937 litres, expandable to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof, although a third-row seat was no longer available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with the latter offering seven seats. While front headroom was comparable to rivals, the GLE provided slightly more second-row space, with additional legroom compared to competitors. The cargo space measured 894 litres behind the second-row seats, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE’s centre console offered ample storage for small items, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran on BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions and difficulty finding specific locations. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation provided useful information, but the voice recognition issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE incorporated the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with dual 12.3-inch screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel controls. The native voice recognition system effectively navigated the interface, outperforming competitors. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials, although their use required caution to avoid distraction.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in specific traffic conditions but exhibited errant braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance operated subtly, enhancing the driving experience. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, although lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some available as options. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.