Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5

The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 opens at $137,600. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $8,700.

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 $141,790 and $151,360 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 89% for the BMW X5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 7 in the BMW X5.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW X5. The BMW X5 counters with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The BMW X5 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The BMW X5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 2mm longer than the BMW X5 at 4,922mm (2,975mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 650L in the BMW X5, giving the BMW X5 a 20L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW X5 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,708/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,451/year for the BMW X5. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5.

Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,451 (BMW X5). The BMW X5 saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5). Both match on warranty length.