BMW iX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW iX starts from $142,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $157,190 and $141,790 respectively.
The BMW iX qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 195kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX measures 4,953mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 29mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 130L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz GLE trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX by $14,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX makes the most power at 300kW. The BMW iX is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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