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2026 BMW X5 vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Comparison

See how the 2026 BMW X5 and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

X5 2026

Luxury midsized SUVs

2026 BMW X5

$68,300 - $131,000

All Test Results
CR's Take
GLE 2027

Luxury SUVs 3-row

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$62,250 - $133,150

All Test Results
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About
About
Recent updates have given the X5 a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen with the new iDrive 8.5 infotainment system and a digital instrument display. Many of the physical climate controls have been replaced by touchscreen-based buttons. The standard 3.0-lite...
 
The Mercedes-Benz GLE was refreshed for 2027 with an updated engine lineup and high-tech features galore, including a now-standard trio of 12.3-inch screens that spans across the dashboard. The logo-averse should look away now--the GLE’s updated styl...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Ride
Green Checkmark Icon Quietness
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Seat comfort
 

NA

Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Controls require a learning curve
 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
NA
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

M Competition, xDrive40i, xDrive50e, M60i xDrive, sDrive40i

 

GLE450, GLE500e, AMG GLE 53e, GLE350, GLE580

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$68,300 - $131,000

 

$62,250 - $133,150

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, RWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (483 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (375 hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo (523 hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo (617 hp)

 

4-liter V8 turbo (530 hp); 3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (429 hp); 3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (577 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (375 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic

 

9-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.