Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics

Safety

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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 X5 xDrive45e have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The X5 xDrive45e’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

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, 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 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:

	GLE	X5 xDrive45e
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	84	209
Neck Injury Risk	24%	34%
Neck Stress	208 lbs.	308 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	112 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	636/584 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	209	342
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	35%
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	220 lbs.
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	91 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	401/438 lbs.	527/418 lbs.

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:

	GLE	X5 xDrive45e
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	72
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
HIC	264	308
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	615 lbs.	796 lbs.

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

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 X5 xDrive45e is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

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.

Engine

The GLE 450e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 443) than the X5 xDrive45e’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 121 more horsepower (510 vs. 389) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 443) than the X5 xDrive45e’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
GLE
	AWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	19 city/26 hwy
X5 xDrive45e
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	19 city/22 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 48 miles. The X5 xDrive45e has to start its internal combustion engine after only 31 miles.

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’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the X5 xDrive45e (22.5 vs. 18.2 gallons).

Transmission

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.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X5 xDrive45e (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE 580 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The X5 xDrive45e’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

Suspension and Handling

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.

Chassis

The Mercedes GLE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 750 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.

Passenger Space

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

Cargo Capacity

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.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the X5 xDrive45e’s (7700 vs. 5952 pounds).

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.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the X5 xDrive45e, 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.

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.