This new BMW X5 sports probably the nicest interior of any BMW in a long time. It’s truly fantastic, with a modern design, rich materials and slick technology. However, it isn’t the only SUV in its segment getting an interior overhaul, as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is also getting a new model with a new interior and it was just caught testing. So how does it stack up against the BMW X5’s?
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It’s hard to see much of the GLE’s interior in this spy video, but we can make out a few details that can help us gauge what it will be like. For instance, the typical Mercedes dual-screen layout is still present but seems a bit more cohesive, more rounded off, rather than looking like a three foot horizontal screen glued to the dashboard. It looks better but we’ll have to actually see it for real, not through rainy windows from a far-away camera, before we can actually make a judgement on that.
Another thing we notice is that, underneath the center infotainment screen, the new GLE sports four square air vents, which is a bit of a departure from Mercedes’ typical circular vents. I’m not quite sure they look as good and they seem a bit unnecessary. Why four little vents so close to on another? That seems excessive. Still, they’re trimmed in what seems to be aluminum and look expensive.
As for the rest of the car, it seems disappointingly bland. It looks too much like the current GLE-Class, which itself is basically just a rebadged old ML-Class, just given a splash of Mercedes’ modern design language. In contrast, the BMW X5 looks significantly more exciting. It has a great shoulder line that accents its wheel arches, an all new face, all new taillights and an interior that seems far more visually interesting than the GLE’s, front what we can see. We’ll obviously wait for the camouflage to come off the Benz before we properly judge it but, as of right now, it seems like the X5 is running away with it.
Which is disappointing, as the more great looking cars on the market, the better. Mercedes has been making some good looking cars as of late and we hope the trend continues. But, from the looks of it, this new GLE-Class seems to be a bit disappointing. With the new BMW X5 looking great and the Volvo XC90 looking stellar, the GLE could be in trouble.
BMW’s exterior design of X family is the best from big three. The main problem with the new interior of X5, comparing to competitors, is the lack of aluminum buttons and that steering wheel – it looks cheeper than in Audi or Merc.
You can option that in on BMW. It’s called “galvanic buttons”, about £110. And you’re right, it makes the steering look a bit more premium. They should make it standard on certain models.
I think you wrote about ceramic buttons, no?
Right, sure, ceramic buttons are available too but they’re only for buttons on the instrument/centre console stack.
Yes, having seen photos and videos of non-U.S. X3’s, 5’s, 6’s, etc. with them, the galvanized button option makes a HUGE difference inside. Unfortunately that option is not available in the U.S., the only vehicle we get here that has them currently is the 7-Series. Even the upcoming new 8-Series and X5 don’t have them. Hopefully BMW rectifies this quickly.
That’s very strange.
It looks like they’re giving it a corporate grill, new head and taillights, but keeping the shape of the current GLE. So it’s a facelift to the ML’s Facelift and name change.
the competition between the new gle and the x5 is going to be a close battle.
it looks like a facelift for the merc imo design wise outside looks so lazy for the gle. the bmw actually changed the X5 design wise inside and out and looks really good
facelift? are you crazy? it doesn’t look like a old model at all! well you have your opinion and this is a bmw fan website so i’m not surprised of what you’re saying.
compare it side by side it looks like a facelift lol even the rear lights are the same..
meh….
others have said the same even merc fans have i think ull see it when it has less camo
i’m just curious what the gle is like when it reveals.
There’s just something special with X5’s new interior. That new crystal glass gearshift adds another touch of creativity and luxury. What about the ergonomically smart layout of the instrument and console stack, and the materials used? BMW played an ace card there. Merc GLE is going to have a tough time trying to match that. Seeing that Merc’s gear level stick is on the steering column, that takes something away from sporty drivers’ engagement with the car. But Merc is known for its comfort and luxury perks. Won’t be long till we see who has the edge.
“For instance, the typical Mercedes dual-screen layout is still present but seems a bit more cohesive, more rounded off, rather than looking like a three foot horizontal screen glued to the dashboard.”
It’s seems that they might finally stop their lazy design implementation of the screen. Looks good.
Now they have to also stop using Italics on their User Interfaces.
That GLE interior was designed in 2013, but wasnt meant for the GLE was just a concept, they just used it because they probs ran out of ideas.. all i know it won a award for concept or something back then but X5 interior all day cant wait to see X7 interior
The market have spoken. They like Mercedes products more than they like BMW’s, so I would say Mercedes must be doing something right
then why has bmw been selling more than merc? bmwblog just posted sales and bmw is ahead. the market has spoken.
The last 3 years belong to Mercedes, I just checked and they are pulling away from BMW again worldwide. You must be living in your own universe. Please go away! This is about cars, I highly doubt you own a BMW
Mercedes interior is the best in the market right now. I have sat in their latest models and was completely blown away by the styling, fits and finishes. Truly a wonderful place to be. Tbh, BMW cannot compete in this category
lol good joke
Joke? I don’t know how many times this been said? But I would assume 99.9% reviewers had said Mercedes is the benchmark. As a car enthusiast who has sat in every Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Rolls Royce and Bentley. I completely agree. There’s a huge difference between people who view things from outside the box and those who lock themselves in (fanboys)
lol nice fake accounts for upvotes
BMW is benchmark of everything
The word fanboy comes to mind when I read your comments. Like I said I’m a car enthusiast and I don’t see BMW with a Project One or AMG GTR so performance belongs to Mercedes. Nothing in BMW line up can match the level of refinement in the E and S-class so Mercedes take the W in the interior department too. Don’t be such a dick and don’t give others their fair share of credits! And no I don’t have any fake accounts, don’t need upvotes to boost my ego
and youre just a merc fanboy loser
I drive a BMW kid. Seems like you cannot handle another brand having better products. We don’t like you around here. You are giving us bad name with your childish attitude
A merc fanboy loser who doesn’t know Project One, like their F1 team, is British, not German, & that his claimed sales volume is achieved going down market with fwd. 4 cyl. hatchbacks. Their rebadged Nissan pick-up even rips off a BMW name.
Guess he thinks Rolls-Royce bespoke wait list is Daimler.
Don’t be that guy! It doesn’t look good, the fact is Mercedes is putting out better products right now and it pushes BMW to fight back, the winner is all of us, because without competition these manufacturers will just get lazy and sit on their asses. Please don’t be that fanboy!
mercedes interios looks awful though i dont like cheap tablets on the dash conntected
They may look awful to you,but like I said earlier, they are the benchmark in the industry and that is why the X5, and X7 had to adjust to what the market want
merc is just a taxi brand
Mercedes videogame dash = bad movie cgi.
I think Merc has been making nice steering wheels lately especially in the S, E and AMG GT. BMW cant beat them in the steering wheel category, other than that their (Merc’s) interior is on par with the rest of German competitors.
I see Audi is going digital for everything now, and it really looks nice but i must say that it is a pain to use those. Those touch screens are very difficult to use while driving, same as the screens on the Range Rover Velar, and they get very greasy so quick.
mercs also just look like kias have u not seen the new A class and CLS? what a fail
I truly love the new X5. Especially on the inside. It looks like a BMW, but much more special than usual. I’m not the biggest fan of the back, it reminds me of Kia, but overall, great car. New GLE though, I think it will look great on the inside(as all Mercedeses anyways), but the exterior is such a disappointment. It reminds me of A-Class and CLS-Class, which I think are currently the ugliest Mercedeses on sale. They needed to stick with S-Class design, it would look so much better.
future mercedes will be going the new A class CLS style route for design im not a fan of the new design at all the rear reminds me of kias but think its just me that sees that