2019 BMW X5 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2019 BMW X5
2019 BMW X5
$60,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 BMW X5
$60,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 BMW X5 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the BMW X5 emerges as the stronger option, offering a more refined driving experience, advanced safety, and better overall value. Whether you prioritize performance or high-tech features, the X5’s balanced offering makes it the more compelling choice in this luxury SUV showdown.

Overview

MSRP

$60,700

MSRP

$53,700

Average price

$32,352

Average price

$36,189

Listings

538

Listings

821
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Frustrating safety tech
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Sluggish performance

2019 BMW X5 Reviews Summary

The BMW X5 redefined SUVs 20 years ago, leaning into the idea that you could have truck form and car function all in one package. In fact, BMW branded the original X5 as an SAV—a Sport Activity Vehicle—to help emphasize the fact that it drove as well as the company's famous sport sedans. And while that claim was a bit of an overreach, the original X5 did outperform its SUV competitors on the road. Now in its fourth generation, BMW’s midsize crossover continues to deliver on that two-decade-old promise: The X5 delivers car-like handling in an SUV form. And while the 2019 X5 stretches 1 inch longer, 3 inches wider, and 1 inch taller than last year's model, you’d have to look closely to notice the differences. Most obvious is a new and bigger kidney grille with active shutters. It has already received flak for being “comically large,” though in my opinion, it seems proportional to the rest of the vehicle—enough to make me wonder if the grilles on previous iterations of the X5 were too small. Inside, you’ll find a redesigned interior with an updated version of the iDrive system, and a suite of Level 2 autonomous technology that unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from BMW’s revolutionary recreational vehicle, because there’s still a lot to love.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews Summary

Mercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 335 hp I6

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

27
2019 BMW X5
2019 BMW X5
$60,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 BMW X5
$60,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 BMW X5 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the BMW X5 emerges as the stronger option, offering a more refined driving experience, advanced safety, and better overall value. Whether you prioritize performance or high-tech features, the X5’s balanced offering makes it the more compelling choice in this luxury SUV showdown.

Overview
MSRP
$60,700
$53,700
Average price
$32,352
$36,189
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.8
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Frustrating safety tech
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Sluggish performance
Summary
The BMW X5 redefined SUVs 20 years ago, leaning into the idea that you could have truck form and car function all in one package. In fact, BMW branded the original X5 as an SAV—a Sport Activity Vehicle—to help emphasize the fact that it drove as well as the company's famous sport sedans. And while that claim was a bit of an overreach, the original X5 did outperform its SUV competitors on the road. Now in its fourth generation, BMW’s midsize crossover continues to deliver on that two-decade-old promise: The X5 delivers car-like handling in an SUV form. And while the 2019 X5 stretches 1 inch longer, 3 inches wider, and 1 inch taller than last year's model, you’d have to look closely to notice the differences. Most obvious is a new and bigger kidney grille with active shutters. It has already received flak for being “comically large,” though in my opinion, it seems proportional to the rest of the vehicle—enough to make me wonder if the grilles on previous iterations of the X5 were too small. Inside, you’ll find a redesigned interior with an updated version of the iDrive system, and a suite of Level 2 autonomous technology that unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from BMW’s revolutionary recreational vehicle, because there’s still a lot to love.
Mercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.0L 335 hp I6
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
335 hp @ 5500 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
20
20
MPG Highway
26
27
Look and feel
2019 BMW X5
8/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
8/10

The 2019 BMW X5, despite its heft, aimed to mimic the nimbleness of a sedan, a feat it managed impressively on paved roads, even if it fell short off-road. The X5’s design featured aggressive angles, dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive interface, and various upgrade options, such as luxurious trims and glass buttons to enhance the premium feel. However, the base model's interior sometimes felt underwhelming compared to its competitors. The five-passenger layout (with an optional, cramped third row) and its expansive safety suite made it a strong contender. Equipped with adaptive LED headlights, AWD, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the X5 packaged luxury and performance. Various packages and standalone options allowed buyers to customize everything from ventilated seats to advanced lighting. My Mineral White Metallic test vehicle was packed with features, leading to a grand total of $73,980, or $75,620 for an identical outfitting today.

Moving to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, its design was more about smooth lines and less aggressive sculpting, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29, class-leading in that respect. A refreshed front end further enhanced its handsome, if unoffensive, exterior. Inside, extra headroom and a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension offered greater legroom, supporting the new optional third row. Yet, there were small irritations, such as an unexpected orange-peel effect in the metallic paint. Starting at $53,700, the GLE 350 included a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, with interior and exterior luxury features spiraling the cost rapidly through a plethora of options such as an air purifier, multi-contour seats, and a premium Burmester stereo. Despite some quirks, like narrow running boards and excess vibrations from the stereo, the total package of my test vehicle culminated at $78,370, showcasing all levels of luxury and tech Mercedes offered.

Performance
2019 BMW X5
9/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
7/10

The 2019 BMW X5 stood out with its smooth, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.3 seconds, possibly quicker. Fuel efficiency was impressive too, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission provided seamless gear changes, bolstered by new software and wider ratios. For higher performance, the xDrive50i's V8 engine delivered 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in around 4 seconds. Built on BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, the X5 balanced strength, weight, and performance. The $1,000 air suspension option allowed for adjustable ride heights, improving both bump absorption and cargo loading.

Conversely, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, a significant upgrade over its sedan counterpart but somewhat sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag. Despite claims of relaxed acceleration design, the 5,000-pound weight seemed the more likely culprit for its less responsive initial acceleration. The start-stop system was notably inelegant. At an MSRP slightly lower than the X5, the GLE 350 struggled in this performance comparison. While it maintained a respectable fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, equivalent to the X5, it simply couldn't match the latter’s smoothness and power delivery.

Form and function
2019 BMW X5
8/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
8/10

Interior space in the 2019 BMW X5 was ample, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite luxurious materials, the design, unless upgraded, risked feeling cheaper compared to competitors. Seat comfort was a mixed bag, with optional multi-contour, ventilated seats recommended to avoid discomfort. The air suspension facilitated easy cargo loading via adjustable ride height.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with its extended wheelbase, offered even more second-row legroom, ranging from 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, expandable to 79.4 cubic feet. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens that set new standards for dash design. Comfort was generally good, though lumbar support was tricky to perfect. The steering wheel, while nicely designed, often obstructed parts of the dashboard display. Audiophiles would appreciate the Burmester stereo, though it introduced pedal vibrations when bass-heavy.

Technology
2019 BMW X5
6/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
6/10

BMW’s updated iDrive system in the 2019 X5 was user-friendly after an initial learning curve, though less revolutionary compared to competitors. Gesture controls were inconsistent, and voice commands were hit-or-miss, especially with accents. The Driving Assistance Plus package failed to deliver reliable hands-off driving at high speeds, often wandering and overcorrecting. On the upside, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant and parking aids performed admirably. The optional Harman Kardon stereo offered solid sound quality, with even higher-end Bowers & Wilkins audio available.

The 2020 GLE-Class introduced the MBUX infotainment system, a standout in user experience, albeit intimidating at first. Steering-wheel controls became intuitive over time, aiding focus on the road. The dual 12.3-inch screens, augmented reality navigation, and HUD provided an advanced, customizable interface. Although voice control in this pre-production model faltered, Mercedes assured improvements in regular models. The GLE's driver-assistance tech, though better than BMW's at low speeds, still struggled at high speeds.

Safety
2019 BMW X5
8/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
5/10

Safety in the 2019 BMW X5 incorporated the brand’s new brake-by-wire system, which felt nearly natural with occasional feedback issues under heavy braking. It earned a 4-star NHTSA rating overall, with a perfect 5-star side crash score and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, affirming its strong safety credentials.

For the 2020 GLE-Class, while actual crash test ratings were not yet available, the suite of advanced safety technologies promised high safety performance. Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to mitigate driver fatigue. However, the advanced driving aids showed unpredictable behavior at speeds, often necessitating manual intervention to maintain stability in lanes.

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By: CarGurus + AI

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