Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG GLEVS 2023 BMW X5 M

For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLE have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X5 M doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG GLE are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X5 M doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the AMG GLE and the X5 M have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes AMG GLE is safer than the BMW X5 M:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes AMG GLE is safer than the BMW X5 M:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG GLE’s warranty.

The AMG GLE 63 S’ standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 553) than the X5 M Competition’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLE gets better mileage than the X5 M:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the AMG GLE 63 S’ fuel efficiency. The X5 M doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X5 M.

For better stopping power the AMG GLE’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the X5 M:

The AMG GLE offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The X5 M doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the AMG GLE offers optional 22-inch wheels. The X5 M’s largest wheels are only 21-inches in the front and 22-inches in the rear.

The front and rear suspension of the AMG GLE uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the X5 M, which uses coil springs in front. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The AMG GLE has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The AMG GLE’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The X5 M doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The AMG GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The X5 M doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the AMG GLE is 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the X5 M.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLE’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the X5 M’s (39.4 feet vs. 42 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 350 pounds less than the BMW X5 M.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the AMG GLE 63 (except 53) has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The X5 M uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The design of the Mercedes AMG GLE amounts to more than styling. The AMG GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .35 Cd. That is lower than the X5 M (.38). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the AMG GLE get better fuel mileage.

The AMG GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the X5 M can only carry 5.

The AMG GLE has .5 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more rear headroom, 3.5 inches more rear legroom and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the X5 M.

The AMG GLE has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X5 M with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 72.3 cubic feet).

The AMG GLE’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X5 M’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

The AMG GLE has a 7700 lbs. towing capacity. The X5 M has no towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the AMG GLE uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X5 M doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Heated windshield washer fluid is optional on the AMG GLE to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The X5 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid. Its standard heated washer nozzles will defrost the washer fluid but not the windshield.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the AMG GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The X5 M doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes AMG GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the X5 M.

The AMG GLE has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X5 M doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the AMG GLE owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the AMG GLE will cost $1385 less than the X5 M over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLE will be $23176 less than for the BMW X5 M.

The Mercedes GLE outsold the BMW X5 by 7% during 2021.