iX vs GLE
BMW brings the iX; Mercedes-Benz answers with the GLE. Both play in the midsize luxury suv class. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Engine & Performance0.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The iX has 261 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the iX wins comfortably with 516 hp against 255 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The iX has 269 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (564 lb-ft for the iX, 295 lb-ft for the GLE) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
iX leads
The iX dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The iX adds 261 hp more power. The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. That makes the iX the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp GLE: 255 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
iX: 564 lb-ft GLE: 295 lb-ft The iX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the iX and the GLE cover space & practicality equally well on paper. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the iX and the GLE list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Electric range | 309 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 35.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 77.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | iX | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iX if…
- you want more power (516 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (564 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other BMW products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iX or the GLE?
On the specs compared here, the iX makes more sense for most buyers; the GLE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Whenever BMW and Mercedes-Benz go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the iX and the GLE are no exception. The iX earns my vote first and foremost with 261 hp more power.
Put simply, the iX suits people who care about engine & performance, while the GLE suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the iX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.