Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 BMW iX

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 iX doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear 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 iX 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 GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The iX doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and the iX 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 and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The iX has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLE’s warranty.

For better stopping power the GLE 450e’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the iX:

The GLE stops shorter than the iX:

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the iX (255/50R19 vs. 235/60R20). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the iX (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 275/40R22).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the iX’s standard 60 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the iX’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The iX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GLE has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the iX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

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 iX.

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 iX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the GLE’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the iX M60’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The GLE’s turning circle is 3.4 feet tighter than the iX xDrive50’s (39.4 feet vs. 42.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the iX (9.2 vs. 8.8 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 up to about 750 pounds less than the BMW iX.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the GLE 450 is quieter than the iX M60 (63 vs. 65 dB).

The GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the iX can only carry 5.

The GLE has .1 inches more front legroom and 2 inches more rear legroom than the iX.

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

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLE. The iX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 iX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the iX, the GLE has standard driver and 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.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The iX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

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 iX doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the GLE has standard extendable sun visors. The iX doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The iX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

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 iX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Mercedes GLE outsold the BMW iX by over three to one during 2023.