BMW X5 G05 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B58 40i · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	340 hp Winner	306 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	370 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	7,5 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	235 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	142,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	185 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	7,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	650 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,92 m
Length	4,92 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg	3.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Mercedes-Benz GLE

690 L boot growing to ~2,010 L — roomy for a large SUV
OM651 2.1 diesel (GLE 250 d: 204 hp / 500 Nm) for pulling power
V6/V8 options (GLE 350 / GLE 500) for smooth performance

Cons

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651/OM642 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Driving experience

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.