2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional flair. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained a reasonable size, avoiding the puzzling designs seen in other BMW models. The optional M Sport Package enhanced the sporty appearance with unique trim and exhaust features, while the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the model's 25th anniversary with exclusive paint and off-road capabilities. Inside, the X5's interior continued the BMW tradition of quality and evolution, featuring a curved dashboard display and carbon fiber trim in the special edition, though it lacked the opulence of some competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, presented a unique blend of visual bulk and rounded profile, reminiscent of its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's styling was consistent with Mercedes' brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. For 2025, Mercedes introduced new paint colors and expanded the availability of Manufaktur interiors, offering a range of luxurious Nappa leather options. The interior was marked by upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere. However, the GLE's proportions, especially in the Coupe models, were somewhat awkward, and the heavily bolstered seats in the AMG variants made entry and exit challenging.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor for a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, offering 39 miles of electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing off-road capabilities, though it compromised on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid offered 381 hp and 479 lb-ft with 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively, with the latter achieving 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades, making it less nimble than competitors.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats in the test car offered excellent support during cornering but lacked real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a standout feature, providing convenience and versatility. The X5's towing capacity of 7,200 pounds was reasonable, though slightly less than some rivals.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered a high seating position but limited outward visibility. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with more legroom than the BMW X5. The GLE's cargo space was competitive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The center console provided ample storage, and the GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds matched the Audi Q7, though other competitors offered similar capabilities.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were welcome additions, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of two 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access options, including a touchpad, buttons, and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car featured additional settings for drive modes and chassis adjustments, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function were available on some models, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some important ones optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at press time.