When you talk about the Indian Luxury Car Market, two brands stand out among the rest. Namely, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Often the subject of comparison, either of the automakers has given this country a long list of splendid cars that define prestige, performance, and practicality.
Among those sophisticated machines, we have the names of the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE. Both admired contenders in the mid-luxury SUV segment offer robust engines, plush interiors, and striking designs that stand out.
But when it comes to providing value from the perspective of an Indian buyer, which of these is more suitable? We’ll try to make arguments for both SUVs in this blog, going through their features, comfort, performance, brand presence, and ownership cost.
By the time this article ends, you’ll be able to make a much more informed choice by combining the information we give here and your preferences as a buyer.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Design and Road Presence
The Sporty and Bold BMW X5
1. The X5 sports the iconic BMW kidney grille, which has become even larger and dominant after the recent facelifts.
2. It has a sporty silhouette and muscular proportions, giving it a road-hugging appearance.
3. With its 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive LED headlamps, the car’s aggressive look is complete.
The Elegant Mercedes-Benz GLE
1. With a flowing profile and smooth contours, the Mercedes-Benz opts for a rather elegant design language.
2. The GLE boasts the iconic ‘three-pointed star’ on the grille.
3. Sleek LED lights, finer chrome touches, and multi-spoke wheels scream the signature Mercedes-Benz’s refined luxury.
In a nutshell, the BMW X5 is more inclined towards an athletic aesthetic while the Mercedes-Benz GLE puts ‘calm luxury’ first. So, picking either of the two in this regard comes down to the buyer’s preference.
Do they want a bite of the bold or a touch of grace?
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Interior and Cabin
BMW X5 Interior
1. Customizable ambient lighting for a driver-focused cockpit.
2. For infotainment, it features a high-resolution 14.9″ Control Display that can be operated by touch, as well as a fully digital 12.3″ curved display and a full-colour Head-Up Display (M Sport variant).
3. As for the upholstery, high-quality Sensafin cognac artificial leather gives it a classy feel.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Interior
1. In the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the dual 12.3-inch widescreens blend into a larger single digital panel.
2. Impressive noise insulation and a panoramic sunroof.
Regarding the interior and cabin, both offer an exquisite experience. However, the GLE focuses more on opulence and space, while the X5 is tilted towards a driver-centric and sporty design on the inside, as well.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Tech and Infotainment
BMW X5
1. The X5 operates on the intuitive and responsive iDrive 8.0 system by BMW.
2. Features a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, gesture control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3. It also comes with a head-up display (available only in the M Sport variant) and Advance Parking Assistance
Mercedes-Benz GLE
1. The GLE uses the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which stands among the best voice control systems.
2. In its higher trims, the GLE even offers AMG Bodystyling features.
3. Boasts the Burmester surround sound system, advanced AI-based learning, and wireless smartphone integration.
On the technology and infotainment front, the MBUX-powered GLE feels futuristic, while the X5 boasts the superfast and always-reliable BMW iDrive.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Performance and Engine Options
| Model | Engine Option | Power Output | 0-100 km/h |
| BMW X5 xDrive40i | 3L inline-6 Petrol | 381 bhp, 540Nm | 5.4 sec |
| BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport | 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine | 381 bhp, 540Nm | 5.4 sec |
| BMW X5 xDrive30d | 6-cylinder inline diesel | 298 bhp, 670Nm | 6.1 sec |
| BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport | 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel | 298 bhp, 670 Nm | 6.1 sec |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4MATIC AMG Line | 2L 4-Cylinder Diesel | 265.5 bhp, 550 Nm | 6.9 sec |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d | 3L 6-Cylinder Diesel | 362 bhp, 750 Nm | 5.6 sec |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 | 3L 6-Cylinder Petrol | 375 bhp, 500 Nm | 5.6 sec |
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: How do they feel at the wheel?
1. The X5 is sharper at the wheel and offers an engaging driving experience, which suits driving enthusiasts.
2. The GLE, on the other hand, ensures a much smoother ride, thanks to the air suspension that comes with some of its variants (useful on Indian roads).
So, on the driving front, the BMW X5 is for those looking for a thrilling ride, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE is for cruising comfort.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Quick Feature Comparison
| Feature | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | 0-100 km/h |
| Adaptive Air Suspension | Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension | AIRMATIC | 5.4 sec |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes (Front Seats) | Yes | 5.4 sec |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes | 6.1 sec |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | 6.1 sec |
| ADAS Features | Lane departure warning, collision avoidance, and driver attention functions. | Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist. | 6.9 sec |
| Boot Space | 650 liters | 630 liters | 5.6 sec |
As you can see, there’s not much to choose from between the two options when it comes to luxury features. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLE tilts more towards luxury while the BMW X5 keeps things minimalistic yet super-functional.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Maintenance and After-sales Support
BMW X5
1. BMW offers service inclusive packages that go a long way in reducing the ownership costs of the luxury car.
2. Comes with a 2-year standard warranty with an option to extend it further.
3. Good network or repair assistance and service centers in metros and tier-2 cities.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
1. Mercedes also offers service packages and options for extended warranty.
2. Mercedes boasts an impressive network of dealers and a robust after-sales reputation.
In this regard, too, the difference between the two options is marginal. Which means that both the luxury brands have matured well in our country over the decades and offer reliable after-sales support.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Pricing in India
1. The prices for the BMW X5 in India range from Rs 97.80 lakh to Rs 1.11 crore, across all its variants.
2. On the other hand, prices for the Mercedes-Benz GLE in India range from Rs. 1.01 Crore to 1.19 Crore.
Although the BMW X5 price in India is only slightly lower than the GLE, paying a little more for the plush and luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLE is an option that many buyers in India also take.
In a nutshell, picking one of the two for providing better value again depends on the buyer’s preferences (however, if one goes strictly by the price-to-feature ratio, BMW X5 has a slight edge in that regard).
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: When to Buy What?
Shop for the BMW X5 when you’re sure that you want a sportier SUV that’s super-fun to drive. You can also pick it if you wish for a driver-focused interior and balanced luxury at a price that is only slightly lower than the GLE.
On the other hand, a buyer should buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if a more luxurious and family-friendly interior is the preference. Enhanced rear-seat comfort and occasional third-row usage are also factors that might push one to buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Which provides more value in India?
As you saw throughout the piece, there isn’t much to choose from in terms of after-sales service, warranty packages, and pricing when it comes to these two. Hence, buyers can get great value from both of these luxury machines.
However, the choice must depend on the preferences of the buyer and where they can find the best deal. After all, irrespective of the option you choose, some chances of buying from some places that will come with a better deal than buying from elsewhere.
BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Tale of Two Titans
Finding a clear winner in terms of value between these two options is nearly impossible. Both cars offer something distinct, and the same can be said for the two massive brands in question.
And guess what? Irrespective of the option you pick between the two, German precision, prestige, and performance are an absolute given!