BMW X5 xDrive40i vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
BMW X5 xDrive40i wins — BMW X5 wins for drivers who want a sport-tuned luxury SUV with the most intuitive infotainment
Scores: BMW X5 xDrive40i 9/10 · Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 9/10
BMW X5 wins for drivers who want a sport-tuned luxury SUV with the most intuitive infotainment. Mercedes GLE wins for passengers and families who want a more comfortable ride, the most advanced MBUX tech, and standard 7-seat configuration. Both are the best in class — the choice is driver vs passenger orientation.
BMW X5 xDrive40i lists at $67,900 while Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 lists at $70,100 — BMW X5 xDrive40i undercuts Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 by $2,200 (3%).
Spec-by-spec comparison
| BMW X5 xDrive40i | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 |
|---|
| engine | 3.0L turbocharged inline-6, 375 hp, 398 lb-ft | 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 with 48V EQ Boost, 375 hp, 369 lb-ft |
|---|
| transmission | 8-speed automatic, xDrive AWD | 9-speed automatic, 4MATIC AWD |
|---|
| 0_60 | 4.8 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
|---|
| fuel_economy | 21 city / 26 hwy mpg | 20 city / 27 hwy mpg |
|---|
| third_row | Optional 7-seat configuration | Standard 7-seat configuration on GLE 450 4MATIC |
|---|
| display | 12.3 inch iDrive 8 curved display | 12.3 inch MBUX with optional 12.3 inch front passenger screen |
|---|
BMW X5 xDrive40i
What works
- xDrive AWD tuned for driver dynamics — the X5 feels more athletic and responsive in corners than any GLE comparable
- Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof with starfield pattern is the most visually distinctive interior element in the segment
- iDrive 8 infotainment is the most intuitive luxury car interface available — less learning curve than MBUX
What doesn't
- Interior quality materials are excellent but GLE's MBUX hyperscreen in top trim creates a more theatrical cabin experience
- Highway fuel economy at 26 mpg slightly trails GLE's 27 mpg
- Third row option feels cramped — 5-seat configuration is the practical buy
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
What works
- Air Body Control suspension with E-Active Body Control on top trim virtually eliminates body roll and selectively lifts individual corners over obstacles
- MBUX dual-screen layout and Augmented Reality navigation overlay is the most tech-forward interior in the luxury SUV segment
- 48V mild hybrid EQ Boost recovers braking energy — adds 22 hp of boost torque for smoother low-speed acceleration
What doesn't
- GLE is noticeably softer in handling feel than X5 — comfort-tuned suspension sacrifices driver engagement
- MBUX has a steeper learning curve than BMW iDrive — more powerful but less intuitive initially
- Starting $2200 more than BMW X5 at base trim
Bottom line
Our pick: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450.
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