2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 BMW X5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is performance, evidenced by a 120 horsepower gap. The X5 generates 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLE-Class’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power differential results in the X5 achieving 25 MPG combined, while the GLE-Class trails slightly at 23 MPG combined, despite both requiring premium unleaded fuel. Cost analysis shows the GLE-Class secures an initial advantage with an MSRP of $61,850 versus the X5’s $66,300, a $4,450 difference. Cargo capacities are nearly identical, with the X5 offering 33.9 cu ft against the GLE-Class’s 33.3 cu ft. Both crossovers share the exact same 194.3-inch length, but the X5 is 2.2 inches wider, while the GLE-Class is 1.6 inches taller.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a lower entry price point at $61,850, making it the more accessible initial choice for daily use.
2025 BMW X5
The BMW X5 offers slightly superior utility with 33.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLE-Class’s 33.3 cu ft.
2025 BMW X5
The BMW X5 is significantly more powerful, producing 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, clearly outperforming the GLE-Class's 255 hp output.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a substantially lower MSRP of $61,850 against the X5’s $66,300, representing better immediate financial value.
Choose the BMW X5 if...
- Absolute performance is the priority, given the 120 hp advantage (375 hp vs. 255 hp).
- You prefer the marginally better combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG.
- You desire the slightly higher measured cargo volume of 33.9 cubic feet.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...
- Budget sensitivity is key, as the $61,850 MSRP saves $4,450 upfront.
- You prefer the smooth operation of the 9-speed automatic transmission over the X5's 8-speed unit.
- Your driving favors efficiency, as the GLE-Class achieves 28 Highway MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.3" | 194.3" |
| Width | 78.9" | 76.7" |
| Height | 69.1" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 117.1" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5200 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 503.7/591.3 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.9 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.8 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 60.8 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.8 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 9.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 275/45R | 255/50R19 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
How do the performance specifications compare between the 2025 BMW X5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The BMW X5 leads significantly in raw power, generating 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, establishing a 120 hp deficit.
Which vehicle holds a better base price according to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more affordable starting option at $61,850. The 2025 BMW X5 is priced $4,450 higher, starting at $66,300.
Are there significant differences in fuel economy between these two premium crossovers?
The BMW X5 achieves a combined 25 MPG (23 City/27 Highway), slightly edging out the GLE-Class's 23 MPG combined rating (21 City/28 Highway). Both models strictly mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
How do the exterior dimensions, such as length and width, compare for parking and garaging?
Both vehicles share an identical length of 194.3 inches. However, the BMW X5 is noticeably wider at 78.9 inches compared to the GLE-Class's 76.7 inches, while the GLE-Class stands 1.6 inches taller overall.
Is there a noticeable difference in cargo volume between the two models?
The difference is minimal, but the BMW X5 offers 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, making it marginally larger than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which provides 33.3 cubic feet.
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