2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV vs. the Competition

The latest iteration of BMW’s X5 delivers the brand’s signature style with seating for up to five people. In sDrive 40i and xDrive40i forms, the X5 uses a 375-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. The xDrive50i adds a plug-in hybrid driveline to the six-cylinder, raising power to 485 horsepower. The M60i5 is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, with an upgraded version available in the M Competition model. All X5 models send their respective power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels.

• BMW touts its M Performance models highly. Yet, Mercedes-Benz has the AMG® GLE 53 and 63 S to counter the X5 M60i and M Competition. One surprising advantage: fuel economy. The AMG® GLE 63 S returns a rated 17 MPG in combined driving, compared to the X5 M Competition’s 15 MPG in the same loop. The AMG® GLE 53 also returns 20 MPG in combined driving, compared to the X5 M60i’s 19.
• The benefit of the 9G-TRONIC Automatic transmission goes beyond having an extra gear – it’s also engineered to respond in an immediate yet refined manner.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLE compared to the X5. When you fold down the rear seats, you get 74.9 cubic feet to fill up compared to the BMW’s 67.1.
• The starting MSRP for the X5 is around $6,000 more than a comparably-equipped GLE, which also includes a more-efficient powertrain as standard equipment.

Until the upcoming Q9 arrives at dealers, the three-row Q7 is the largest SUV in Audi’s portfolio, providing luxury, performance, and seating for up to seven. Power comes from either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a more potent V-6 option, but the performance-tuned SQ7 boasts a hot 500-horsepower V-8. Regardless of the engine choice, power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Buyers can also choose between Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels on all Q7 models, while the SQ7 offers Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

• Audi has a strong six-cylinder. However, the GLE 450 4MATIC® has more horsepower at 375 compared to the Q7’s 369.
• The Q7 is not offered with any hybrid system. An electrified driveline reduces exhaust emissions – a huge advantage for those who appreciate a cleaner running vehicle. That is why you will find both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems across the GLE lineup.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLE compared to the Q7. Folding all rear seats provides 74.9 cubic feet of space, while doing the same in the Audi yields only 68.1.
• The Q7’s infotainment touchscreen measures 10.1 inches, whereas the Mercedes-Benz User Experience-driven interface rings in at 12.3 inches, and offers a more streamlined interface.

Genesis’s premium SUV offers high style in two body types, including a Coupe SUV. It is powered by either a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, or the 409-horsepower twin-turbo V6 with an e-supercharger that is exclusive to the Coupe SUV. All GV80s have an eight-speed automatic transmission with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. Customers have a choice of a 2.5T, 2.5T Select, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Prestige, 3.5T Advanced, 3.5T Prestige or 3.5T AWD Prestige Black trim levels on the SUV. GV80 Coupe models include the 3.5T Advanced, 3.5T E-SC MHEV Prestige, 3.5T E-SC MHEV Prestige Black.

• The GV80 is not offered with any hybrid system. An electrified driveline reduces exhaust emissions – a huge advantage for those who appreciate a cleaner running vehicle – and can reduce fuel consumption. That is why you will find both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems across the GLE lineup.
• The twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the GV80 is rated at 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The GLE 450 4MATIC® can return 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
• Genesis touts a 27-inch OLED screen that incorporates the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The touchscreen portion measures to be about the same size as the 12.3-inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience-driven infotainment touchscreen on the GLE.
• The GLE still holds an edge over the GV80 in terms of cargo space, as there’s 74.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded flat, compared to 71.7 in the GV80.

Since its original inception decades ago, the RX has become one of the most popular models in the Lexus line, a status it retains after being thoroughly updated in 2022. The RX offers a variety of powertrain options, including a 275-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (RX 350), a 2.5-liter engine paired with a hybrid system (RX 350h), a similar configuration but with a plug-in hybrid system (RX 450h+), and a 366-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid driveline (RX 500h). The RX also offers a choice between front- or all-wheel drive. Buyers can choose from a sweeping array of trim level variations, including the RX 350, RX 350 Premium, RX 350 Premium+, RX 350 Luxury, RX 350 F Sport Design, RX 350 F Sport Handling, RX 350h, RX 350h Premium, RX 350h Premium+, RX 350h Luxury, RX 350h F Sport Design, RX 450h+ Premium, RX 450h+ Luxury, and RX 500h F Sport Performance.

• While continuously variable transmission matches just fine with hybrid drivelines, drivers may prefer the traditional feel and performance of the conventional nine-speed 9G-TRONIC in the GLE.
• In its most powerful guise, the RX offers up to 366 net horsepower, which pales in comparison to the GLE 450 4MATIC® and its 375-horsepower turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine.
• Regarding true performance, nothing matches the excitement of our AMG® GLE models, which offer up to 603 combined horsepower to thrill drivers and passengers alike.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLE compared to the RX. When you fold down the rear seats, the GLE offers 74.9 cubic feet of space, compared to the Lexus’ 46.2 cubic feet
• The standard infotainment touchscreen in the RX 350 measures 9.8 inches. Meanwhile, the standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience-driven system in the GLE measures in at 12.3 inches and utilizes a more straightforward user interface.