Competition among luxury automakers is fierce, and standing out from the pack can give a brand a significant advantage. With that idea in mind, BMW introduced the coupe-like X6 midsize SUV. It wasn’t long before others followed suit, like Mercedes-Benz. Now, the 2024 BMW X6 and Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe are the leading players in the segment, boasting the power, performance, and luxury to go with the stylish exterior look.
While these two try to look handsome, let’s look at the highlights of these sleek luxury SUVs.
2024 BMW X6
While the BMW X5 may be the standard bearer for luxury midsize SUVs, the X6 is the rebellious sibling — with cool hair. The BMW X6 was the first to sport the “coupe-like” roofline in the segment, which was adopted by many others, including Mercedes-Benz with its GLE Coupe.
The X6 got a midcycle refresh for 2024 with some exterior styling updates as well as engine and cabin upgrades for the new model year. The BMW X6 comes in just two trim packages, with the X6 xDrive40i powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder producing 375 horsepower while connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M60i gets you a V8 and 523 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.
The new Curved Display dominates the spacious cabin with its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The BMW X6 carries five passengers while offering a good-sized cargo area. Pricing begins at $74,895, including destination charge.
BMW X6 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 X6’s already athletic posture with 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 tech enables customers to lock and unlock their vehicle, eliminating the need for a conventional key. The digital key is set up using the MyBMW app.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X6 models near you.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe gives the SUV a sporty exterior, and the automaker’s engineering team made sure what is under the hood lives up to that new look. It did so by turning it over to the AMG team, ensuring speed and power won’t be in short supply.
The AMG GLE 53 Coupe comes with a 429-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system. 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. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.
The distinctive slope on the back of the roof limits seating to five passengers. However, the rear cargo area offers plenty of space for all their belongings. The front passengers in the GLE Coupe get the royal treatment with heated and ventilated seats that can also offer massages. While it doesn’t drive itself, the GLE Coupe makes it easier for the driver with voice control, “Hey Mercedes” keyword activation, and the MBUX interior assistant. Pricing starts at $90,950, including destination charge.
Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe Highlights
Hey Mercedes: Updated for 2024, the voice-activated digital assistant becomes more adept at recognizing commands in natural speech. It can also carry out a greater 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 easier. AR is now standard in the AMG models and optional elsewhere.
Burmester’s best: This excellent 13-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system is now enhanced with Dolby Atmos to produce an even more immersive audio experience. The BMW X6 has a Harman Kardon audio system available, but it doesn’t have Atmos tech.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLE models near you.
Similarities
The most obvious comparison between the BMW X6 and Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe starts with the coupe-like roofline that makes each stand out in a crowd. However, they also get beefed-up engines and powertrains, leading-edge technology, and a fair amount of interior space despite the sloping roof’s slight intrusion into the rear seats.
Conclusion
The BMW X6 has a lower starting price, but the GLE Coupe, available only in AMG guise, has a stronger base engine. If you’re getting an SUV coupe because you like the look, the X6 might be a better buy. If you want the performance to match the aesthetics, you’ll be better served by either the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe or one of the V8-powered variants of the X6. Take them out for a drive, put them through their paces, and buy the one that makes your heart race the most.
| 2024 BMW X6 | 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe | |
| Starting Price | $74,895 | $90,950 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder with hybrid assist |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 429 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm | 413 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/AWD | 9-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/26 highway/24 combined mpg | 18 city/22 highway/20 combined |
| Also Available | 4.4-liter turbo 8-cylinder/AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, hybrid; 4.0-liter biturbo V8, hybrid assist |
| 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 | N/R | N/R |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 117.1 inches | 115.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.0 inches | 195.3 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 79.4 inches |
| Height | 66.9 inches | 67.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.3 feet | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.3 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.4 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 59.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.7 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 27.4 cubic feet | 33.3 cubic feet |
