BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ultimately wins for buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury and outright performance, thanks to its higher maximum horsepower and torque. However, the BMW X5 offers a more attractive entry price and competitive driving dynamics, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing value and an engaging drive.
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Price Comparison
Starting at419,750 – 688,390 SAR466,157 – 836,000 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,998 – 4,400 cc · 6 – 8 cyl2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 530 hp367 – 585 hp
Torque (Nm)450 – 750 Nm500 – 760 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.3 – 5.5 s4.2 – 5.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)243 – 250 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.8 – 11.6 L/100km7 – 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity83 L85 – 93 L
Gears87 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.9 m × 2.0 m × 1.7 m4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.9 / 3.0 m
Curb Weight (kg)—2,220 – 2,270 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)645 L630 – 690 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizeriPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Ultimate Power

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior maximum performance, with its top engine delivering up to 585 hp and 760 Nm of torque, surpassing the BMW X5's 530 hp and 750 Nm.

2

Best for Entry-Level Luxury SUV

The BMW X5 presents a more accessible entry into the premium SUV segment, starting at 419,750 SAR compared to the GLE-Class's starting price of 466,157 SAR.

3

Best for Fuel Range

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides a larger fuel tank capacity, up to 93 L, offering a greater driving range between fill-ups compared to the X5's 83 L tank.

4

Best for Dynamic Driving Experience

The BMW X5 is renowned for its engaging driving dynamics and sporty feel, complemented by its robust 8-speed automatic transmission, offering a more driver-focused experience.

Pros & cons

BMW X5

Pros

  • More accessible starting price (from 419,750 SAR)
  • Lower maximum price point (up to 688,390 SAR)
  • Generous standard trunk capacity (645 L)
  • Wider body for commanding road presence (2.0 m)

Cons

  • Less powerful engine options compared to GLE's top trims (max 530 hp)
  • Smaller fuel tank capacity (83 L)
  • Less fuel-efficient on its best trim compared to GLE's best (8.8 L/100km vs 7 L/100km)
  • Fewer transmission gears (8-speed automatic)

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Pros

  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 585 hp)
  • Superior maximum torque output (up to 760 Nm)
  • Better fuel efficiency on base models (as low as 7 L/100km)
  • Larger fuel tank for extended range (up to 93 L)
  • More advanced transmission options (up to 9 gears)

Cons

  • Higher starting price (from 466,157 SAR)
  • Higher maximum price (up to 836,000 SAR)
  • Slightly narrower body (1.9 m) compared to X5
  • Slightly less trunk capacity on some trims (630 L minimum)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for performance, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class generally offers superior maximum performance. Its top engine delivers up to 585 hp and 760 Nm of torque, surpassing the BMW X5's 530 hp and 750 Nm. For drivers prioritizing outright power and speed, the GLE-Class is the stronger choice.

Is the BMW X5 more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Yes, the BMW X5 has a more accessible starting price in KSA. The X5 begins at 419,750 SAR, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starts at 466,157 SAR. If budget is a primary concern for entering the luxury SUV segment, the X5 offers better value.

Which luxury SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class can offer better fuel efficiency on its most economical trims, achieving as low as 7 L/100km. The BMW X5's most efficient variant records 8.8 L/100km. For those prioritizing lower fuel consumption, the GLE-Class holds an edge.

Which has a larger fuel tank, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a larger fuel tank capacity, ranging from 85 to 93 liters. The BMW X5 comes with an 83-liter fuel tank. This means the GLE-Class can provide a longer driving range between fill-ups.

Which SUV is wider, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The BMW X5 is slightly wider at 2.0 meters, compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at 1.9 meters. This gives the X5 a more commanding road presence and potentially a more planted feel, while the GLE might be marginally easier to maneuver in tight urban spaces.