2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating modern design elements. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional flair. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, with illumination as an optional feature. The M Sport Package offered sportier aesthetics, including unique bumpers and a leather steering wheel, while the M Sport Pro package added an exhaust system and other enhancements. The interior continued BMW's tradition of gradual evolution, with a curved dashboard display that maintained a connection to previous generations. The Silver Anniversary Edition, exclusive to the U.S., celebrated the X5's 25th production anniversary.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, presented a unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It shared some visual bulk with other models but featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome, adhered to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. The interior offered a variety of colours, with the U.S. test car showcasing a Yacht Blue interior. The upscale cabin featured chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere. Despite its visual appeal, the GLE's proportions, especially in Coupe models, appeared somewhat awkward, with a bulky lower body contrasting with the fastback-style roofline.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This model accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The X5 M60i xDrive, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, delivered 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving the same sprint in 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with an electric motor, producing a total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated zero to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 kilometres of electric range. The X5 M Competition model, with a 617-hp twin-turbo V8, reached 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

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 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic used a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ featured a 603-hp twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, reaching 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades, making it less nimble in tight spaces.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had about 5 centimetres less first-row legroom than some competitors, but provided an additional 5 cm of first-row headroom over the Acura MDX. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a standout feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, slightly less than some rivals.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs were not published. It offered a high seating position but limited outward visibility. The GLE provided slightly more second-row space than most competitors, with 7.5 centimetres more legroom than the BMW X5. Cargo space was 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable features.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, running the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). The interface could be accessed via a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, with off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard driver aids, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.