The 2024 Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 sDrive40i have similar features and a comparable price point. As such, you may be wondering which one to choose for your next luxury SUV. We’ve made it easy for you by listing out a fair comparison of performance, comfort, and technology specs to help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Points
| Mercedes Benz GLE 350 | BMW X5 sDrive40i |
| More cargo space | More powerful engine |
| Lower price | Slightly better fuel economy |
| More leg room | |
| Better safety options |
Price of BMW X5 vs 2024 Mercedes GLE
The Mercedes GLE 350 4MATIC starts at $62,650, which is less than the BMW x5 starting price of $65,200.
Seating and Cargo Space in 2024 X5 sDrive40i vs GLE 350
Both the X5 and the GLE 350 have 5 seats available, with the option to add a third row with two additional seats. Cargo space is greater in the Mercedes, with up to 74.9 cubic feet of room with the rear seats folded down. When the seats are in place, there is 33.3 cubic feet available.
The X5, by comparison, maxes out at 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down, but edges out Mercedes slightly when the seats are up (33.9 vs 33.3 cubic feet).
Mercedes takes the lead with leg room, especially for passengers. The GLE 350 has 40.3 inches of rear leg room, nearly 3 full inches more than the BMW X5 (at 37.4 inches).
X5 vs 2024 GLE Performance
We can’t deny that the BMW X5 sDrive40i is powerful. With a standard 3.0 L 6 cylinder engine, it puts out 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque-significantly more on both counts than the Mercedes GLE 350 (255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque). The BMW is also faster, reaching 0 to 60 in 5 seconds versus the GLE’s 5 seconds.
Despite all that power, the Mercedes GLE 350 can handle a greater payload: 1499 lbs vs the BMW’s max of 1054 lbs. The GLE 350 can also tow 500 lbs more than the X5 (7700 lbs vs 7200 lbs).
Luxury and Tech in 2024 Mercedes GLE and BMW X5
Obviously, both of these cars classify as luxury vehicles, so there is no shortage of plush amenities in either. The BMW does have a panoramic moonroof that’s pretty snazzy, but the GLE has its own power sunroof. We’ll give BMW points for having wood trim as standard and a larger central display (14.9” vs 12.3” in the GLE).
But, overall, the two vehicles are pretty comparable when it comes to comfort: leather grip steering wheel, heated memory seats, lumbar support, cupholders, wireless charging-all the bells and whistles.
Safety Features of the 2024 Mercedes GLE 350 vs BMW X5
This is where the 2024 Mercedes GLE really knocks it out of the park. While the BMW X5 does offer many safety features, it simply cannot compare with Mercedes’ advanced technology. First, the GL3 350 includes a 360 degree camera (the BMW has rear-view only). Second, Mercedes transparent hood tech is now standard in the GLE 350. This allows drivers to detect road hazards like rocks and uneven terrain, which is invaluable in an off-roading vehicle.
Finally, the 2024 Mercedes GLE incorporates the brand’s Car-to-X technology. Cars in the same class communicate previously encountered hazards, such as road obstructions or ice, to vehicles approaching from behind. In other words, fellow Mercedes drivers are warned ahead of time about potential dangers on the road. Cars talking to each other? What is this, Pixar?
Test Drive a 2024 Mercedes GLE Today
In the end, both the 2024 Mercedes GLE and the BMW X5 sDrive40i are great vehicles. If you are looking for more power in your engine, you probably want the BMW. But for our money, you can’t beat the safety, technology, and comfort of the Mercedes–and it’s cheaper, to boot. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Stop by the Mercedes Benz of Littleton dealership to test drive a 2024 GLE and see for yourself.
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