2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. 2025 BMW X5
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. 2025 BMW X5
Drivers in Lincolnwood and throughout Chicagoland searching for a refined, family-ready SUV often narrow the list down to two exceptional contenders: the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE and the 2025 BMW X5. Both offer an impressive blend of performance, technology, and luxury for every passenger, but the 2025 GLE brings a more diverse powertrain lineup, cutting-edge interior features, and towing strength that give it a unique advantage.
Exterior Comparison
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE combines sculpted, sophisticated design with purpose-driven utility and an exceedingly varied selection of trim levels. All trims feature 100% LED lighting, inside and out, up to 22-inch wheels, available racy AMG sport styling, and seemingly endless customizable appearance, performance, and comfort packages. Tailor your GLE with details from rapid heating front seats, heated and cooled cupholders, and interior fragrance system, to blackout detailing and logo projector lights.
The 2025 BMW X5 offers far fewer trim levels and packages, but it’s sleek silhouette with aerodynamic design elements and subtle luxuries like heated, power-folding side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers add a convenient touch. Shadowline accents on M models make an athletic statement—though not as aggressive as the GLE AMG styling. All in all, Mercedes-Benz gives you more options on every level in trims, as well as customization.
Capability
Both SUVs offer a variety of powerful engines, though the GLE provides a greater array, including high-performance options. The BMW’s standard engine is larger than the GLE 350’s 2.0L 4-cylinder with 255 hp and 295 lbs.-ft. of torque, but this engine provides greater fuel economy for the everyday commuter. Additionally, EV variants are available for the ultimate in fuel efficiency and sustainability. The BMW X5 does not offer an all-electric variant at all and only 1 plug-in hybrid that cannot compare to the GLE’s versatility and range. Step up to the GLE 450’s mild-hybrid 3.0L engine for an equally efficient yet thrilling 375 hp with 369 lbs.-ft. of torque. For the enthusiast, there’s no experience like the classic GLE 580’s 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that generates 510 hp with 583 lbs.-ft. of torque using hybrid electric assist, enabling the sedan to go from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. But the progressive high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 4MATIC+ SUV tops them all, including BMW’s most powerful X5 model, showing off a breathtaking 603 hp and 627 lbs.-ft. of torque that surges the GLE from a standstill to 60 in 3.7 seconds. With these and more powertrain options not listed here, Mercedes-Benz caters to every type of driver, where BMW simply cannot keep up.
Performance-wise, the Mercedes-Benz GLE’s 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system ensures year-round capability in Chicago's changing weather, with BMW offering a comparable intelligent AWD. Both vehicles boast a high-performance model equipped with a choice of air suspension, adaptive damping, sport braking, and targeted drive modes. Notably, the GLE boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs., giving it an edge over the BMW X5, which tops out at 7,200 lbs.
Technology and Interior
Both SUVs are equipped with advanced infotainment systems, but the GLE’s MBUX interface stands out with dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, voice assistant, and customizable digital displays. Across the GLE range, features such as wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, ambient lighting, and Burmester® surround sound elevate the driving experience. The GLE also offers optional third-row seating for larger families—something not found in most BMW X5 trims.
The BMW X5 integrates its latest iDrive 8 system with a 14.9-inch curved display, providing an immersive and responsive interface that’s about 10 inches smaller than the GLE’s. The GLE’s infotainment system features a superbly intuitive layout and extensive app control that can detect if your SUV has been bumped while parked, be customized per user, and identify whether you or your passenger is speaking. Interior finishes in both models are premium, with the GLE offering available Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, massage, MANUFAKTUR paints and leathers that let you tailor to your individual taste, and AMG-specific upgrades that bring an athletic flair. A long list of packages outweigh that of BMW’s, letting you create the interior environment that suits you and your family.
Find Your 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE at Loeber Motors
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with its versatile engine and extensive trim options, highly customizable, lavish interior appointments, and class-leading towing capacity. While the BMW X5 remains a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment, the GLE delivers a broader range of solutions for drivers who expect more than just performance. Visit Loeber Motors Mercedes-Benz in Lincolnwood, IL to explore the GLE lineup in person and experience what sets this SUV apart from the crowd. Your next-level drive starts here.