Compare the2024 Mercedes AMG GLEVS 2023 BMW X6 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 X6 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 X6 M doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The AMG GLE has Car-to-X, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The X6 M doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the AMG GLE and X6 M have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X6 M’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the AMG GLE and the X6 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, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the AMG GLE its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 67 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X6 M has not been tested, yet.

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 X6 M’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLE gets better mileage than the X6 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 X6 M doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes AMG GLE higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the BMW X6 M (3). This means the AMG GLE produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X6 M every 15,000 miles.

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 X6 M.

For better stopping power the AMG GLE’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the X6 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 X6 M doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the AMG GLE offers optional 22-inch wheels. The X6 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 X6 M, which uses coil springs in front. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

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 X6 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 X6 M.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLE’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the X6 M’s (39.4 feet vs. 42 feet).

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 X6 M uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The AMG GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the X6 M can only carry 5.

The AMG GLE has .4 inches more front headroom, 5.2 inches more rear legroom and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the X6 M.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the AMG GLE’s middle row seats recline. The X6 M’s rear seats don’t recline.

The AMG GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the X6 M with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 27.4 cubic feet). The AMG GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X6 M with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 59.6 cubic feet).

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 X6 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 X6 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid. Its standard heated washer nozzles will defrost the washer fluid but not the windshield.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the AMG GLE has a standard rear wiper. The X6 M doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

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 X6 M doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

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 X6 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 $1150 to $3960 less than the X6 M over a five-year period.

The Mercedes GLE outsold the BMW X6 by almost five to one during 2022.