X5 vs GLE
Both the X5 and the GLE sit in the midsize luxury suv class, and BMW and Mercedes-Benz are clearly watching each other. On balance, the X5 is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.4
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
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
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The X5 has 120 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The X5 lists 375 hp for total system output, while the GLE lists 255 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The X5 has 103 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the X5: 398 lb-ft against 295 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The X5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The X5 has better fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the X5: 25 mpg compared with 23 mpg. The X5 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The X5 has better city fuel economy
The X5 is slightly stronger on fuel economy (city). The gap, 23 mpg versus 21 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X5 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the X5. In its favor, the X5 has 120 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. In short, the X5 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
X5: 375 hp GLE: 255 hp The X5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
X5: 398 lb-ft GLE: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
X5 leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the X5 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. On its side, the X5 has better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the X5.
Fuel economy (combined)
X5: 25 mpg GLE: 23 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
X5: 23 mpg GLE: 21 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the X5 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the X5 and the GLE are effectively level. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X5 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X5 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 23 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X5 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 33.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X5 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,200 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X5 | 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 X5 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (375 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (398 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X5 or the GLE?
On the specs compared here, the X5 makes more sense for most buyers; the GLE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the X5 and the GLE, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the X5 brings 120 hp more power. Beyond that, better fuel economy gives the X5 another edge.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the X5, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the GLE.
My pick: the X5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.