Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 M
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 Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 M opens at $247,800. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $118,900.
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 $272,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 M hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 89% for the BMW X5 M.
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 M.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X5 M gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X5 M. The BMW X5 M counters with ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 M is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 14mm shorter than the BMW X5 M at 4,938mm (2,972mm 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 M, giving the BMW X5 M a 20L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg 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 12.7m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,451/year for the BMW X5 M. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,451 (BMW X5 M). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $342 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 M). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 M takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 M?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $118,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 M all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L.
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 X5 M makes the most power at 460kW. The BMW X5 M is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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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