2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$66,300 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X5 bursts onto the scene delivering a potent 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, embodying traditional, dynamic German engineering centered around rear-wheel drive responsiveness. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers a more visually dramatic silhouette, paired with standard all-wheel drive stability, though its slightly lower 369 lb-ft of torque might hint at a marginally softer power delivery. The BMW leads comfortably on efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Mercedes' 21 MPG, a crucial 4 MPG advantage for daily drivers. Price is a significant factor, as the X5 starts at $66,300, undercutting the GLE Coupe's aggressive $77,250 MSRP by a substantial $10,950. While both vehicles share the same 375 hp figure, the X5 offers 33.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft, making the X5 a slightly more practical package for everyday hauling.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X5 is the superior commuter choice due to its 4 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (25 MPG vs. 21 MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X5

The X5 offers marginally better utility with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5

The X5's slightly higher torque output of 398 lb-ft and its RWD platform offer a more traditional, engaging driving feel for the enthusiast.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X5

The BMW X5 delivers identical horsepower for $10,950 less than the GLE Coupe, representing superior financial value.

Choose the BMW X5 if...

You prioritize running costs, benefiting from the 25 MPG combined fuel efficiency.
You prefer a lower entry price point, saving $10,950 off the initial MSRP.
You value the added practical space offered by 33.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

You require the security and all-weather traction of the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You desire the lower, more aggressive stance provided by the GLE Coupe's 68.1-inch height.
You prefer the slightly smoother shifting experience of the 9-speed automatic transmission over the X5's 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	194.3"	194.5"
Width	78.9"	79.3"
Height	69.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	117.1"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5200 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/27 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	503.7/591.3 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 9.0 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Size	275/45R	275/50R20
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

How much more fuel efficient is the 2025 BMW X5 than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe?

The BMW X5 holds a distinct advantage in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG, which is 4 MPG better than the GLE Coupe's combined 21 MPG rating. This difference results in fewer stops at the pump, crucial since both require premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe significantly more expensive than the BMW X5?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe starts with an MSRP of $77,250, which is $10,950 more than the BMW X5's starting price of $66,300. This price disparity makes the X5 the clear budget-conscious choice between the two premium crossovers.

Which vehicle offers better standard driving dynamics based on the drivetrain?

The 2025 BMW X5 comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive, appealing to drivers who enjoy a classic performance setup, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe includes All Wheel Drive standard for enhanced stability in variable conditions.

Do the power figures differ meaningfully between the two 375 hp models?

While both produce 375 horsepower, the X5 has a slight edge in leverage with 398 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLE Coupe's 369 lb-ft. However, the GLE Coupe features a 9-speed automatic versus the X5's 8-speed transmission.

How do the dimensions affect practical cargo space?

The BMW X5, while similar in length at 194.3 inches, offers slightly more hauling capability with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. The sleeker-looking GLE Coupe sacrifices a bit of utility, providing 31.6 cubic feet of space.