2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features capturing attention. Despite the oversized grille, the vehicle's aerodynamically honed flanks and overall proportions contributed to its athletic look. The long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline emphasized its sporty stance. The test model, adorned in Arctic Race Blue paint with chilly silver undertones, paired perfectly with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin offered quality materials where expected, though some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery, perforated and quilted, mimicked the feel of genuine leather, enhancing the interior's appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of nine versions in Canada, with prices spanning from $85,400 to $172,400. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 450 test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE's exterior, particularly in white paint, highlighted its egg-on-wheels styling, though the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline improved the design. Inside, the GLE 450 boasted an elegantly detailed cabin with quality materials, including matte-finish wood and metallic accents. The digital displays, arranged in a landscape orientation, and the classy steering wheel underscored its luxury status. The separation of climate controls from the centre touchscreen was a practical touch, though the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel required some adjustment.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 1,894-kilogram weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve, delivering peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline, contributed to its performance. The X3 30 xDrive also incorporated a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness and smoothing the automatic start-stop system. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The test vehicle's M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and 21-inch wheels provided a dynamic driving experience, though the ride quality on imperfect roads was less forgiving.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was impressive for a luxury vehicle. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, impacting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering, though comfortable in Comfort mode, lacked precision, and the sport braking system, while effective in spirited driving, felt grabby in typical situations. The GLE's fuel economy matched the official rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, making it a suitable long-distance road tripper.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the hood. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the cabin's width. The front seats, with power adjustment and heating, were comfortable, though the rear seats were less so, with a low position and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 892 litres, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm yet comfortable, featuring "energizing seat kinetics" and optional ventilation. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the low seating position relative to the windowsills was a drawback. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding USB-C charging ports and power-adjustable second-row seats. The GLE's cargo space measured 943 litres, expanding to 2,120 litres with the rear seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display, powered by iDrive 9, offered a user-friendly experience with Quick Select menus. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze or defaulted to local FM radio, though wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions and arrival estimates.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics, biometric authentication, and a reliable digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation, enhancing the user experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Online Music Streaming available.

The 2025 BMW X3 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centring assist, and other advanced features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable safety features. The GLE earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, though its front crash prevention tech received low ratings.