The competition in the luxury midsize SUV market continues to heat up. More and more entries keep finding their way into the segment, but two attract the most attention: the 2025 BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Sliding behind the wheel of either of those luxury SUVs makes a statement — and it’s a big one. The BMW X5 wrote the book on midsize luxury SUVs, but the Mercedes-Benz GLE is adding new pages to that book, making these two SUVs very competitive.
The X5 is equipped with a powerful engine and ample interior space. Conversely, if you want almost every amenity imaginable, the GLE can be configured just as the buyer wants—as long as budget isn’t an issue.
Let’s check out these two luxury SUVs.
2025 BMW X5
If you look up “luxury SUV” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of a BMW X5. It’s the standard bearer and consistently among America’s best-selling luxury SUVs. After getting a mid-cycle refresh in 2024, the 2025 X5 carries over with only one minor update: the addition of a hands-free lane change feature. As part of the optional Highway Assistant package, the system will suggest a lane change at which point the driver can confirm simply by glancing at the corresponding side mirror.
The entry-level X5 comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 under the hood, putting out 375 horsepower while connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Getting more power isn’t a problem; you’ll just need more money. The plug-in hybrid uses the same 6-cylinder with an electric motor, raising the ponies to 483 hp. The M60i gets you a V8 and 523 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.
The performance and exterior styling are classic BMW, but moving inside the X5 reveals a spacious cabin dominated by BMW’s elegant Curved Display that accounts for more than half the dashboard. Included is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The X5 carries five passengers with room to spare, but it’s available with a small third row for those who occasionally need to carry seven.
BMW X5 Highlights
Driving help: The Driving Assistant Professional Package bundles extended traffic jam assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistant, and the Highway Assistant feature, allowing hands-free driving on some highways.
M Sport: The available M Sport Package enhances the BMW X5’s athletic posture with unique front and rear fascias, gloss black roof rails, and Shadowline trim. An M Sport Professional Package adds more black exterior trim, red or blue paint calipers, and an M Sport exhaust system.
Digital key: BMW’s Comfort Access keyless entry system also includes the BMW Digital Key Plus. This feature enables customers to lock and unlock their vehicle, eliminating the need for a conventional key. You set up the digital key with the MyBMW app.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X5 models near you.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2024 model shown
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is arguably the closest rival of the BMW X5. It shares many virtues like a luxurious, high-tech interior and exciting engine options, but with a unique character. For 2025, the base GLE 350 now offers a rear-drive model, helping lower the price without cannibalizing content. A new biometric fingerprint sensor joins a long list of high-tech in-cabin goodies.
The GLE 350 comes with a 255 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But with a big budget, you can buy your way up to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, putting out 603 hp for the AMG GLE 63 S. Imagine that kind of flexibility across the board: materials for the cabin, electronics, etc. Those tinkering with the idea of semi-electric propulsion will appreciate the GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Mercedes-Benz also gives buyers the option for a more rugged GLE to handle going further off-road than previous models.
The GLE comes with AWD standard on all but the base model and a sporty coupe version exists, but only for the GLE 450 and high-performance AMG models.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Highlights
Hey Mercedes: The voice-activated digital assistant is adept at recognizing commands in natural speech. It can also carry out a large number of those commands.
Augmented reality: Superimposing information like direction arrows or street numbers on the image from a forward-facing camera makes navigating much more straightforward. This capability is standard in the AMG models and optional elsewhere.
Burmester’s best: This excellent 13-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system is enhanced with Dolby Atmos to produce an immersive audio experience. It’s optional in the regular models and standard in the AMG variants.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLE models near you.
Similarities
The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are among the best of the class, with impressive exterior styling, unparalleled performance, ample interior space, and top technology.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$63,000 |
$57,808 |
|||
$65,500 |
$60,056 |
|||
$72,500 |
$66,257 |
|||
$72,500 |
$66,272 |
|||
$90,350 |
$83,022 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 BMW X5 vehicles and New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 BMW X5 | 2025 Mercedes GLE | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/27 highway/25 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder hybrid, 4.4-liter turbo 8-cylinder/AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, 4.0-liter biturbo V8, hybrid/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 117.1 inches | 117.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.2 inches | 194.3 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 76.7 inches |
| Height | 69.5 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.3 feet | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.8 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 59.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.9 cubic feet | 33.3 cubic feet |
Conclusion
It’s not often that a Mercedes-Benz is a less expensive option in comparison; that is the case with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Initially, the GLE costs less, but you’re short 120 hp. If you want a fair performance comparison, the Mercedes-Benz’s price will jump. The GLE offers more trim levels, allowing buyers to be more specific about their choice.
There is no wrong answer here. As is often the case with these two German brands, one isn’t better than the other, and the right choice comes down to personal taste. Get in each one and put it through its paces. That will make your decision clear.
