Compare the2023 Mercedes GLEVS 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e

For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes 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 xDrive45e doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes 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 xDrive45e doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the GLE and the X5 xDrive45e have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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 GLE is safer than the BMW X5 xDrive45e:

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 GLE is safer than the BMW X5 xDrive45e:

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

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the GLE its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 112 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X5 xDrive45e is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2022.

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

The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 94 more horsepower (483 vs. 389) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 443) than the X5 xDrive45e’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the GLE gets better mileage than the X5 xDrive45e running its gasoline engine:

Both the GLE and X5 xDrive45e have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The GLE has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The GLE has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5 xDrive45e (22.5 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X5 xDrive45e.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE 450 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The X5 xDrive45e’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. BMW doesn’t offer an active suspension on the X5 xDrive45e.

The 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 xDrive45e doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the GLE’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the X5 xDrive45e’s (39.4 feet vs. 41.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 xDrive45e (9.2 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes GLE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 1050 pounds less than the BMW X5 xDrive45e.

The design of the Mercedes GLE amounts to more than styling. The GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the X5 xDrive45e (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLE get better fuel mileage.

The GLE has .5 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more rear headroom, 3.5 inches more rear legroom and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the X5 xDrive45e.

The GLE has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X5 xDrive45e with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 71.2 cubic feet).

The 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 xDrive45e’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.

Maximum trailer towing in the BMW X5 xDrive45e is limited to 5952 pounds. The GLE offers up to a 7700 lbs. towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the 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 xDrive45e doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the X5 xDrive45e, the GLE offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The X5 xDrive45e does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The X5 xDrive45e doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the X5 xDrive45e.

The GLE offers an optional 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 xDrive45e doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLE is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The X5 xDrive45e doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.