BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
Luxury midsize SUVs · head to head, 2016–2027
The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE were both sold for 12 model years (2016–2027). Among the X5's own years, its best bet is 2023; years to avoid: 2024; the newest year rated a good buy is 2023. Among the GLE's own years, its best bet is 2018; no year to avoid; the newest year rated a good buy is 2025.
BMW X5
SUV · 2010–2027
- Best bet 2023
- Newest good buy 2023
- Avoid 2024
- Be careful 2010–2012, 2019–2020, 2025
Mercedes-Benz GLE
SUV · 2016–2027
- Best bet 2018
- Newest good buy 2025
- Avoid none
How to read this: each model's verdicts compare that model's own years with each other (serious owner complaints per car on the road against that model's usual year, using New York registrations). They are not a reliability ranking of one model against the other, so a good-buy X5 year says nothing about whether it beats a GLE. (How we judge.)
Year by year, side by side
| Year | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated | Not rated | Side by side |
| 2026 | TOO NEWOnly 1.1 years of owner reports | TOO NEWOnly 1.1 years of owner reports | Side by side |
| 2025 | CAREFULSerious complaints 2.2× usual, mostly stability control and brakes | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.1× usual | Side by side |
| 2024 | AVOIDSerious complaints 3.3× usual, mostly stability control and brakes | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.0× usual | Side by side |
| 2023 | BEST BUYSerious complaints 0.5× usual | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual | Side by side |
| 2022 | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.7× usual | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual | Side by side |
| 2021 | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.0× usual | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.2× usual | Side by side |
| 2020 | CAREFULSerious complaints 1.8× usual, mostly engine and power train | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly engine and speed control | Side by side |
| 2019 | CAREFULSerious complaints 1.8× usual, mostly engine and power train | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.2× usual | Side by side |
| 2018 | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.6× usual | BEST BUYSerious complaints 0.4× usual | Side by side |
| 2017 | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.6× usual | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.5× usual | Side by side |
| 2016 | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.5× usual | GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual | Side by side |
Each chip rates that year against the same model's other years. Tap a chip for the year's details; "Side by side" compares both models that year, trim by trim.
Compare any year, trim by trim
2027: the newest shared year, at a glance
| 2027 BMW X5 | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict (vs the model's own years) | Not rated | Not rated |
| Starting price (MSRP range) | $72,100 base price by trim, 1 trim | — |
| Engines and horsepower | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | — |
| Fuel economy (EPA combined) | 26 mpg | — |
| Seats | 5 | — |
| Third row | No | — |
| Cargo behind last row | — | — |
| NHTSA crash rating | — | — |
| Recalls · owner complaints (NHTSA) | — · — | — · — |
Sources: OpenSpec and the makers' equipment guides, NHTSA vPIC, EPA and NHTSA ratings. Cargo, towing and bed length rows appear when we have them. "—": not in our data. Compare every 2027 trim →
Key features: base trim vs top trim
| X5 40 only trim, $72,100 | GLE AMG GLE63 S 4MATIC+ first listed | GLE450 4MATIC last listed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-spot warning | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Heated front seats | Standard | Optional | Optional |
| Ventilated front seats | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Sunroof or moonroof | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 360-degree camera | Optional | No | No |
| Power liftgate or tailgate | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Remote start | — | Standard | Standard |
"Standard" and "Optional" are for that trim as the 2027 data lists it (a package or option adds an "Optional" item); "—": not verified in our sources, never a guess. The cheapest and most expensive trim of each model; every trim is on the model's 2027 page (X5, GLE).
Known fixes and extended coverage
BMW X5
49 manufacturer programs on file: 30 extended coverage, 19 repair programs.
- Extended coverage For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the… (B010324, 2019–2023 models)
- Extended coverage The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with the following fault codes stored in the DME: Misfires While there are various possible causes a possible cause might be that one or more fuel injectors are leaking/defective. (B010220, 2014–2018 models)
- Extended coverage N63T ENGINE FUEL INJECTORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (ÒBMW NAÓ) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicleÕs engine fuel injectors to: (B010518, 2014–2018 models)
- Extended coverage The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. (B010325, 2019–2022 models)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
6 manufacturer programs on file: 4 extended coverage, 2 repair programs.
- Extended coverage Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15… (2021–2024 models)
- Extended coverage This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank… (2021–2022 models)
- Extended coverage Note: One or more of the above symptoms can occur. The timing chain tensioner can be reused if it extends fully, has no noticeable problems in prior operation, and no chain drive components were replaced. 5. (LI01.30-P-072328, 2021–2022 models)
- Extended coverage This is not an issue that affects drivability or performance and is not a safety concern. Use VMI to check for Emission Extended Warranty – Engine Thermostat (incl. software update) MY19-23, Various Models and Platforms (167, 190, 205,… (LI20.10-P-072886, 2025 models)
From manufacturer bulletins filed with NHTSA, counted per program. A count is how many programs exist, not how good or bad a model is: a maker that extends coverage is paying for a known problem. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
Which should you buy?
- Buying used, years both are rated a good buy: 2016–2018, 2021–2023. In those years, choose on price, size and features.
- Shopping around 2024: the GLE is rated good buy (serious complaints 1.0× usual), while the X5 is rated avoid (serious complaints 3.3× usual, mostly stability control and brakes). Each against its own other years.
- Years to skip: X5 2024.
- Newest year rated a good buy: X5 2023; GLE 2025.
- Before you buy either: run the VIN for open recalls and ask the dealer whether the extended-coverage repairs above were done.
Rules applied to the data on this page: no overall winner is declared, because our verdicts compare each model with itself.