With crossovers becoming the defacto household vehicle, the midsize crossover category is essential for the luxury buyer. The midsize crossover can provide the room and comfort one expects of a luxury vehicle better than compact-class models, particularly for families. The two most obvious competitors in the mid-size luxury crossover class are the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X5. By their mere names, it is clear that these are the crossover alternatives to Mercedes-Benz E Class and BMW-5-series sedans. U.S. News compared these two crossovers directly, and this Mercedes-Benz of Plano blog summarizes their findings.
The article consists of brief blurbs about each model in multiple categories. Each model had some wins, but what is notable is how the Mercedes came out on top in the areas that truly draw people to this vehicle category.
Price
The X5 won this category by having a base price of about $1000 below that of the GLE ($61,600 vs. $62,650*). However, with less than a 2% difference and most modes having some form of options added, this is a minor victory for BMW.
Reliability
BMW is declared the winner but they are even closer here than in starting price. The GLE has a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. The X5 score is 82, so these are about as close as you can get and still not be a tie. Both figures are considered to be very good.
Seat Comfort
Now, we are getting to something that people really look for in a luxury vehicle. The GLE was declared the winner in this category. The seats were judged comfortable, with plenty of legroom for the first and second rows. The third row was considered not comfortable enough for adults for longer trips. The X5 was also comfortable for the first two rows, but the third row was considered more cramped than that of the GLE.
Cargo Space
This is a big reason to opt for a mid-size crossover. US News went by the numbers on this one and declared the GLE the winner. With rear seats up, the X5 just edges the GLE with 33.7 cubic feet compared to 33.3. However, when the rear seats are folded, the GLE surpasses the X5 with 74.9 cubic feet compared to 72.3 for the X5.
Interior Quality
This is another key reason people opt for a luxury model, and the GLE is again the winner. Both models were considered to have high-quality materials, but the GLE was considered superior.
Interior Features
The GLE wins another luxury car staple. While both models have plenty of technology and luxury features, the GLE MBUX system is considered to be more user-friendly, giving it the edge.
Acceleration, Ride, and Handling
The X5 is a bit faster when the base engine models are compared, and the ride is a bit more sporty, which often appeals to automotive reviewers. Of course, both models have more powerful engines and more handling-focused versions than their base models.
Fuel Economy
This is the only tie in the comparison, and indeed, the two models with their base engines are very close. Base X5 models with rear-wheel drive get an EPA-estimated 21 / 26 city/highway mpg, dropping to 21 / 25 mpg with AWD. The GLE 350 model sees 20 / 27 with rear-wheel drive and 20 / 27 with the 4Matic® system.
Safety
Always a staple of Mercedes-Benz models, the GLE wins this one as well, though it is close. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave both models their highest rating of TOP SAFETY PICK + with top ratings in their four crash tests and for how well their headlights illuminate the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not fully crash-tested the entire model line of each model. However, the X5 AWD model received an overall 4-star rating, which is short of many other models of this size.
The Overall Winner
The GLE was declared the winner of this comparison, likely because it came out ahead on the factors that mean most to the segment’s buyers. Obviously, no one should make their judgment on a comparison test alone, even when it comes out in our product’s favor. We invite you to look at the GLE for yourself, where, as of this writing, you will find almost 60 models from which to choose in Mercede-Benz of Plano’s vast inventory. We think you will find it a winner as well.
*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and option equipment, products, packages, and acessories. Options, model availability, and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details.
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