2021 BMW X5 vs Mercedes Benz GLE 350
For a feature-rich midsize SUV, you can’t go wrong with either the 2021 BMW X5 or the 2021 Mercedes GLE 350. If you’re wondering which one will satisfy your driving needs around Annapolis, Arnold, and Severna Park, MD, we’ll help you find which model edges out the other.
To help answer that question, check out this 2021 BMW X5 vs. Mercedes GLE 350 comparison. You can learn all about these vehicles below.
Contact us at BMW of Annapolis, if you have any questions.
BMW X5 vs GLE 350: INTERIOR SPACE & AMENITIES
If you have a big family or are the designated carpool driver, either of these SUVs will be beneficial. That’s due to both the X5 and the GLE 350 having standard seating for five and offering an optional third row to bump that seating capacity all the way up to seven.
Even without the extra third row, you’ll still find a bit more room in the BMW X5. This 5-seater has 40.7 inches of front headroom and 39.4 inches of rear headroom. The 2021 Mercedes GLE 350 is pretty close in space, with 40.5 inches of front headroom and 36.9 inches of rear headroom. However, even that small difference will affect your taller drivers and passengers.
Both vehicles have plenty of amenities to help keep everyone comfortable. For example, they come standard with heated front seats to stay cozy on colder nights. They both also offer available heated front armrests and a heated steering wheel.
The 2021 X5 and the GLE 350 each offer a convenient 4-zone automatic climate control. The driver, front-seat passenger, and backseat passengers can select their preferred temperature setting, so no one needs to be too cold or too warm.
HIGH-TECH FEATURES
To ensure you never have a boring ride, the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE 350 have plenty of entertainment technologies. For instance, they both come standard with Bluetooth® capability to stream audio or make hands-free phone calls.
The BMW X5 also comes standard with Live Cockpit Professional, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central information display. Through this feature, you can access everything from entertainment features to the navigation system.
While the Mercedes GLE 350 offers many of the same features, there are a few key differences between these vehicles.
When you want to relax and enjoy your music on a long drive, you’ll need a high-quality sound system, with enough speakers to fully immerse you and your passengers. That’s why the X5 offers the available Harman Kardon® Surround Sound Audio System, with 16 speakers.
You’ll likely find the GLE 350 lacking, since its available premium audio system only includes 13 speakers.
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Both vehicles offer a smooth ride, with powerful engines. The BMW X5 comes standard with a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes GLE 350 comes standard with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine that puts out just 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is also a bit better in the X5. This vehicle achieves an EPA-estimated 21 city/26 highway MPG, while the GLE 350 pulls off an EPA-estimated 19 city/26 highway MPG.1
Furthermore, only the BMW X5 is available with a hybrid powertrain, which will really lock in those excellent fuel economy ratings.
2021 X5 VS 2021 GLE 350: VERDICT
When it comes to the BMW X5 vs. the GLE 350, the BMW model is more spacious and fuel-efficient, with a longer list of features.
If you’re still not sure which SUV is right for your Annapolis, Arnold, and Severna Park, Maryland, trips, then schedule a test drive at BMW of Annapolis today!
1 Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
