BMW has today unveiled all the official details of the fourth-generation BMW X5, codenamed G65, which goes head-to-head with the Mercedes GLE, itself extensively updated with a major facelift just two months ago. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model?
The BMW X5 is available with five different powertrain options: mild hybrid diesel, mild hybrid gasoline, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and a hydrogen fuel cell version arriving in 2028. As a result, the new BMW X5 competes with both the Mercedes GLE and the Mercedes EQE SUV. In this first comparison, we focus on the BMW X5 versus the Mercedes GLE, while you can also find our comparison between the BMW iX5 and the Mercedes EQE SUV here.
The fifth-generation BMW X5 continues to be based on the CLAR platform but adopts the new Panoramic iDrive operating system from the Neue Klasse architecture, featuring the Panoramic Vision display stretching across the entire width of the dashboard.
By comparison, the facelifted Mercedes GLE is built on the updated MRA II platform and features a revised engine lineup, including a diesel engine with an electrically heated catalytic converter and a new flat-plane-crank V8.
Engines and Versions
Mercedes has recognized that customers in this segment no longer want four-cylinder engines and has eliminated them entirely with the facelift. As a result, the facelifted Mercedes GLE range now consists exclusively of six- and eight-cylinder models.
Two diesel and two gasoline versions are available, all featuring the second-generation 48-volt mild hybrid system with a 23 PS/205 Nm electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission:
- GLE 350 d 4Matic – 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel, 286 PS, 650 Nm
- GLE 450 d 4Matic – 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel, 367 PS, 750 Nm
- GLE 450 4Matic – 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine with electric supercharger, 381 PS, 560 Nm
- GLE 580 4Matic – 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine with flat-plane crankshaft, 537 PS, 750 Nm
A plug-in hybrid version is also available: the GLE 450e 4Matic, which combines the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine producing 326 PS and 540 Nm with a 184 PS/480 Nm electric motor, delivering a combined output of 455 PS.
By comparison, the BMW X5 lineup includes one diesel, one gasoline, both equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, plus two plug-in hybrid versions:
- X5 40 xDrive – revised 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine from the B58 family producing 400 PS and 540 Nm, combined with a mild hybrid system featuring an 18 PS and 200 Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.
- X5 40d xDrive – 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel producing 286 PS and 650 Nm, also paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring an 18 PS and 200 Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The two plug-in hybrid versions are:
- X5 50e xDrive – revised 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine producing 313 PS and 450 Nm, combined with a 197 PS and 280 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 489 PS and 700 Nm. Its 26.5 kWh net battery can only be charged via AC stations at 7.4 or 11 kW and offers a WLTP electric range of between 86 and 102 km.
- X5 M60e xDrive – revised 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine producing 426 PS and 540 Nm, combined with the same 197 PS and 280 Nm electric motor for a total output of 612 PS and 800 Nm. The 26.5 kWh net battery also supports AC charging only, at either 7.4 or 11 kW, and delivers a WLTP electric range of between 81 and 98 km.
According to unofficial sources, the BMW X5 will also receive a V8-powered version in addition to the range-topping X5 M. It remains unclear whether this V8 engine will be offered exclusively in the United States and Asian markets or will also be available in Europe. BMW has already announced that it will reintroduce the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the facelifted 7 Series on selected markets starting in 2027.
Dimensions and Size
The new BMW X5 is slightly larger than the current generation. Measuring 4,994 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,748 mm in height, the new BMW X5 is 61 mm longer, 4 mm narrower and 17 mm lower. By comparison, at 4,924 mm long, 2,010 mm wide and 1,797 mm high, the facelifted Mercedes GLE is more compact. It is 70 mm shorter, but 10 mm wider and 49 mm taller.
The wheelbase of the new BMW X5 has grown by 60 mm to 3,035 mm, making it 40 mm longer than that of the facelifted Mercedes GLE, whose wheelbase remains unchanged.
The X5’s luggage compartment capacity is virtually unchanged at 655 litres and expands to 1,850 litres (previously 650–1,870 litres) thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. By comparison, the facelifted Mercedes GLE offers between 630 and 2,055 litres of cargo space, with the rear bench also featuring a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration. The PHEV versions has smaller boot volume: 525-1,680 liters for BMW and 490-1,915 liters for Mercedes.
Chassis and Suspension
Retaining the CLAR architecture from the previous generation, the BMW X5 features a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear axle. However, all suspension components have been reinforced to cope with the increased vehicle weight, the tracks have been widened, staggered tyres are fitted as standard, and body rigidity has been further improved.
The new X5 comes standard with adaptive steel-spring suspension, helping to maintain BMW’s signature 50:50 weight distribution. As an option, buyers can specify Adaptive Chassis Control with two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering with a rear steering angle of up to 3.2 degrees, or Adaptive Chassis Control Professional (available exclusively on the plug-in hybrid models), which also adds active anti-roll bars powered by the vehicle’s 48-volt electrical system. This is possible because all petrol and diesel versions are equipped with at least a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The air suspension also includes an automatic self-levelling function that maintains constant ride height regardless of vehicle load. Drivers can select three ride-height settings via the Air Suspension menu. In Auto mode, the ride height is adjusted according to speed and the selected driving mode. The standard ride height is maintained up to 140 km/h, lowered by 10 mm between 140 and 200 km/h, and by 20 mm above 200 km/h. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the vehicle remains permanently lowered by 20 mm. In Off-road mode, ground clearance is increased by 20 mm, while a loading mode raises the rear by 40 mm when stationary to facilitate loading luggage.
The optional M Sport package includes a firmer M adaptive suspension, M Sport brakes with dark blue brake calipers, 21-inch alloy wheels, an M interior and an M aerodynamic package. The M Sport Pro package adds 22-inch Jet Black Trigon alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with red metallic calipers, an M steering wheel and M seat belts. Eleven exterior colours are available, including five new shades, while 23-inch alloy wheels are offered as an option.
The facelifted Mercedes GLE uses a similar suspension layout, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle. Standard equipment includes a conventional steel-spring suspension, but without adaptive damping.
Optionally, customers can specify the adaptive Airmatic air suspension with the intelligent Car-to-X function. Mercedes models equipped with this system share road-condition data via the cloud. When another Mercedes fitted with the same technology drives over the same section of road, the suspension automatically adjusts based on the previously collected information.
The facelifted Mercedes GLE is also better equipped for serious off-road driving. It can be fitted with the so-called transparent bonnet, which allows the driver to see the terrain directly underneath and immediately in front of the vehicle. It is also available with the sophisticated E-Active Body Control suspension, an expensive €7,735 option that enables the vehicle to “bounce” itself free from low-traction situations such as soft sand dunes.
At the same time, the E-Active Body Control system also significantly reduces both lateral body roll and longitudinal pitch movements.
Multimedia systems
The new BMW X5 adopts the new ergonomic concept first introduced on the iX3 and i3, called Panoramic Drive. It features the Panoramic Vision display stretching across the entire width of the dashboard at the base of the windshield, a 17.9-inch hexagonal central display positioned close to the steering wheel, an optional head-up display, and a new steering wheel with two haptic control surfaces that will also be introduced on future BMW models.
BMW’s infotainment system runs on the new BMW X Operating System, using BMW Maps (based on HERE maps) and offering access to external apps such as Spotify, Disney+, YouTube, Zoom for video conferencing, and AirConsole games.
The dashboard of the Mercedes GLE facelift has been completely redesigned and adopts the layout first introduced in the CLA, featuring three 12.3-inch displays housed beneath a single glass panel stretching across the entire width of the dashboard. Unlike the CLA, all three displays come as standard on every version. Optionally, customers can choose a 3D instrument cluster and an augmented reality head-up display that projects information onto the windshield as a virtual 45.7 cm (18-inch) screen.
Mercedes has also abandoned the two small touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, replacing them with a rocker switch and a rotary controller that provide easier and more intuitive operation.
Mercedes uses its proprietary MB.OS operating system while integrating Google Maps for navigation and AI support from Google, ChatGPT, and Microsoft. Like BMW, it also offers access to more than 40 third-party apps, including Spotify and Disney+.
Production of the new BMW X5 (G65) will begin in August 2026 at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, plant and, according to current plans, will continue until July 2035. The new X5 is expected to reach customers by the end of 2026 or, at the latest, in early 2027.
Production of the Mercedes GLE facelift (V167) will begin in June 2026 at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, plant, with customer deliveries scheduled to start in autumn 2026.
| Model | GLE 450 4Matic | GLE 350 d 4Matic | GLE 450 d 4Matic | GLE 450 e 4Matic | X5 40 xDrive | X5 40d xDrive | X5 50e xDrive | X5 M60e xDrive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine/no. Of cylinders | L6, turbo | L6, turbodiesel | L6, turbodiesel | L6, turbo | L6, turbo | L6, turbodiesel | L6, turbo | L6, turbo | |
| Displacement | 2,999 | 2,989 | 2,989 | 2,999 | 2,998 | 2,993 | 2,998 | 2,998 | |
| Max. Power/revs (PS/rpm) | 381/5,000-6,100 | 286/3,200-4,800 | 367/4,000 | 326/4,250-6,100 | 400/5,200-6,500 | 286/4,000 | 313/5,500 | 426/5,600 | |
| Max. Torque/revs (Nm/rpm) | 560/2,000-4,500 | 650/1,200-3,000 | 750/1,350-2,800 | 540/2,200-4,250 | 540/1,980-5,000 | 650/1,500-2,500 | 450/1,850-4,700 | 540/1980-5,400 | |
| Electric motor | |||||||||
| Max. Power (PS) | 23 | 23 | 23 | 184 | 18 | 18 | 197/6,000 | 197/6000 | |
| Max. Torque (Nm) | 205 | 205 | 205 | 480 | 200 | 200 | 280/1,000-5,000 | 280/1,000-5,000 | |
| Max. Power system (PS) | 455 | 489 | 612 | ||||||
| Max. Torque system (PS) | na | 700 | 800 | ||||||
| L x w x h (mm) | 4,924 x 2,010 x 1,795 | 4,994 x 2,000 x 1,748 | |||||||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,995 | 3,035 | |||||||
| Boot volume (l) | 630-2,055 | 630-2,055 | 630-2,055 | 490-1,915 | 655-1,850 | 655-1,850 | 525-1,680 | 525-1,680 | |
| Curb weight (kg) | na | na | na | na | 2,365 | 2,430 | 2,640 | 2,715 | |
| Battery capacity brutto/netto (kWh) | na | 29,48/26,5 | 29,48/26,5 | ||||||
| Charging power AC/DC | na | 7,4/11/- | 7,4/11/- | ||||||
| Charging time DC 10-80% (min) | na | - | - | ||||||
| Charging time AC 0-100% ( h:min) | na | 4:55/3:00 | 4:55/3:00 | ||||||
| Mixt consumption WLTP (l/100 km) | 9.5-10.6 | 7.4-8.2 | 7.4-8.2 | 3.2-4.0 l/22-23 kWh | 8,6-9,3 l | 7,0-7,7 l | 5,2-6,0 l/13,1-13,5 kWh | 5,7-6,2 l/13,2-13,5 kWh | |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 216-240 | 195-215 | 195-215 | 72-91 | 196-213 | 187-200 | 118-136 | 129-141 | |
| Electric range WLTP (km) | 892-965/- | 974-1071/- | -/86-102 | -/81-98 | |||||
| Acceleration 0-100 kph (s) | 5.3 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 4,6 | 5,3 | 6,1 | 5,0 | 4,5 |
| Top speed (kph) | 250 | 235 | 250 | 250 | -/210 | 250/- | 230/- | 242/140 | 250/140 |
| Prices (euro with VAT) | 95,164 | 92,064 (99,163) | 98,282 (109,420) | 95,176 (100,739) | |||||
