Luxury SUV Face-Off: BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE

A battle between premium suburban family vehicles

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

Updated October 29, 2019

The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are two of the longest-running models in the luxury midsized SUV category. These two-row models have an established niche as five-seat SUVs rather than following the trend of packing in a cramped third row.

Clearly, the automakers have found their place; BMW and Mercedes-Benz sell a lot of the two-row SUV models. They also share a lot of similarities, including a German pedigree, incredibly well-appointed interiors, and a penchant for pushing the technological envelope. Both SUVs have generally performed well in our road tests, and they sell in similar numbers each year.

These two premium SUVs were recently redesigned. In addition to a crisp new look, they feature new infotainment systems, the latest safety equipment, and pampering luxury features that buyers expect from vehicles in this class.

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.