A few weeks after the introduction of the BMW X5 G05 , Mercedes-Benz is now presenting its most important competitor worldwide: the new Mercedes GLE targets exactly the same target group and will celebrate its market launch in early 2019 – a few months after the new X5. Our image comparison visually compares the two premium SUVs ahead of the scheduled test drives which will give us a more comprehensive look at the two cars.
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Both vehicles rely on a self-confident front-end with large elements that leave no doubt about their brand affiliation. The big Mercedes star or the massive double kidney make, without a doubt, a statement. Each with almost three meters wheelbase and almost five meters in length, the dimensions underline the idea behind those SUVs – space, comfort and driving dynamics. Yet, from the point of view of some customers they will still stand in the shadow of their larger sister models – GLS and X7.
The new X5 and the GLE offer a very wide range of infotainment functions, which in the case of the 2019 Mercedes GLE are linked to the MBUX system familiar from the new A-Class. The cockpit of the GLE is equipped as standard with two 12.3-inch displays and reacts even without pressing a button on voice commands, such as “Hey, Mercedes.” The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant offers a very similar technology, and from the beginning of 2019, it will also be possible to address the “Hey, BMW” in the BMW X5 G05. The BMW X5 G05 is also equipped as standard with two 12.3-inch displays for displaying instruments and infotainment content. Of course, both models are also available with a head-up display without a small plastic disc – a novelty for GLE drivers, X5 riders have known the technology since 2006.
A variety of assistance systems will make life easier for the drivers of the big SUV. In addition to many common features, both models can also provide a unique function: While the Mercedes GLE Traffic Jam Assistant helps to create a rescue lane, the BMW X5 G05 offers a reversing assistant for tight parking garages and other situations.
Mercedes is proud that the 4MATIC all-wheel drive of the new 2019 GLE has a fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, similar to the xDrive system introduced in 2003.
The all-wheel drive of the GLE is combined with various six- and eight-cylinder engines, and a plug-in hybrid as a competitor to the new BMW X5 xDrive45e .
[Source: Bimmertoday]
Front: Benz.
Back: both not so pretty but BMW slightly edges the Benz.
Side profile: BMW
Interior: always preferred BMW layout.
There is no comparison , The X5 is the BEST
BMW in all areas but the dashboard. I like how MB intergrates the screen and has 4 middle air vents.
i’m more curious of which one’s taller.
In my opinion, it’s not even close. I don’t really like the front of the Mercedes. It’s just so soft! Whereas the BMW X5 has a very sporty, angular, angry facia. The side view is not even funny. I mean the GLE is flat-out ugly. That should hardly be an opinion. Check out the Peugeot 307 SW. The window is just like that, and it’s absolutely awful. The new rear design of all Mercedes’ are just awful as well in my opion. It’s off. I understand the controversy about the X5 rear tail lights. But they’re still beautiful, there’s no denying in that. I just don’t understand why they didn’t give it something more like the X3 or I don’t know. Why is it not the more traditional L-shape? Everything else about the back is just perfect. And the interior as well. I’ve always liked BMW interiors more. Some may prefer the Mercedes there. I can understand that.
I know that, in the end, it’s all a matter of preference. But I really like most Mercedes’ from the current gen S Class onward. What I didn’t like is how they looked all exactly the same, I love that about BMW; the design cues are always there, but an X5 and X3 really are very different for instance.
And that’s just design. I’m sure the X5 is going to drive much better, and now with the new technology, it’s probably even going to be better off road as well. Clear winner in my book.
I like the front of both but the lights on the GLE are off a bit, seem too curled back into the side or something and it could use a better grill. X5 is great with those new kidneys, I liked them from the start.
Side profile of the X5 has way mode dimension, stronger lines. The wheel right at the front gives it more of a snarl also aided by the slight forward lean of the wheel arch. The GLE is just a modern take on a grandpa car from the side, just looks soft and pillowy compared to the X5.
Rear of the X5 is strong and the lights are ok. Rear of the GLE looks tappered wide which is cool but the hatch is too small. The GLE rear lights are legit wtf. Terrible. Terrible.
Interior of the X5 is slick and still very BMW. I like it. There’s a bit of a disconnect with the center console and the instrument cluster, but they’ve made the lines work. The GLE.. well it’s straight out of a concept vehicle, so props for that. I like the idea of the giant screen in some ways. The 4 vents are great. It’s a bit jarring but certainly modern. They have a lot of bling people seem to like and it’s well done for sure. I’ve never liked the mousepad-ish interface but I’ve never lived with it either. Interiors are both good, but I’m commenting on a BMW forum so I obviously prefer the X5 overall.
For me, the X5 only slightly edges out the GLE in the front. BMW says they’re going with the big grilles to give their cars more of a presence, but the grille, by itself, is not enough, the other elements have to work, too…and they don’t, for me. The GLE grille AND hood AND headlights all work together to give the GLE a bigger presence…but the decorative details are too much.
As far as the sides go, there’s no contest–the X5 looks phenominal, the GLE looks tired and droopy. The GLE looks like it needs plastic surgery, much like most Mercedes drivers do.
In the back, I’d take the X5 again, except for the taillights…why, BMW, why?
Inside, I have to give it to the GLE. The X5 interior looks weird…amateurish, trendy, and gimmicky. It’s a rare, surprising miss for a BMW interior, but it’s just awful. The GLE interior is not the most adventurous, but it’s a pleasant combination of classic and contemporary. It’s still going to look good and not outdated in a couple of years.
They will both sell plenty.
sell plenty? you mean sell like hotcakes!
Its BMW for me. But I really feel that BMW could have done more work with rear taillights and the new instrument cluster’s design layout is extremely childish and comical.
Overall, BMW lovers should be happy with this car.
BMW all the way …
The GLE looks very feminen. I’d imagine a lot of men would go for the AMG line so it doesn’t look too Evoque’y. The X5 just has that aggression that an SUV should have. Overall, I hate this new Merc look. First the CLS, then the A Class and now this.
I think the comparison should’ve been GLE VS Toyota Fortuner.
GLE rear light reminds me 2008-2015 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Mitsu Triton-based SUV sold on Asia and Australia)
The Merc has tail lights from an Audi, while the BMW has tail lights from a Merc. Fail on both accounts.
Overall the BMW wins hands down though.