BMW X5 G05 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W167

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

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

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W167 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation GLE on the MHA platform.

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 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B58 40i · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	340 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	450 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	5,7 s
Top speed	243 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	650 L Winner	630 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,98 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,92 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	20,5 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg	3.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
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

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

BMW X5

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

Mercedes-Benz GLE

630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance

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

Serene, isolating and quietly opulent. Steering is light and relaxed, the ride hushed and composed, and the GLE smothers rough roads and motorway miles alike. 4MATIC adds unflappable all-weather security without asking anything of the driver. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, glides over poor surfaces with real polish. The M256 inline-six is silky with its 48-volt assist, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the GLE 400 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts almost imperceptibly. Overall a calm, tech-rich luxury SUV built to isolate, not involve.