Mercedes GLE vs BMW X5: Which Is The BEST Premium SUV? | 4K
Rory puts his personal BMW X5 against the latest version of the Mercedes GLE to discover which of the two is the best premium SUV. Which would you pick?
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Which one would you take home?
I think that the X5 is the best in this segement. The GLE would be a close second in this class
X5
Mercedes
X5 but GLE is great
GLE
Thank u for the review. After analysing both the cars deeply, I have gone with Toyota Corolla
🤣🤣🤣🤣
VW Polo also an option
Excellent choice
Corolla CROSS 😄
🤣🤣🤣
Rory has completely transformed this channel in the past couple years since he joined. Pretty dire before lol
Facts...
The Brit accent can get annoying in most cases. But I could listen to him talk about wallpaper and it would still sound interesting lol
@@561REALTLK really? Because a lot of American guys always sound higher pitched and more annoying
@@deepblack2193 i agree
Rory laughing after saying “there’s a second nipple on the right hand side of the steering wheel” just made my day.
Only that made your day bro? Tf
Yes I’m quite sad
Rory, I'm pretty sure all have two nipples...
This guy is the most unreal car reviewer on KZhead. Full of positivity at the detriment of reality
The way AutoTrader have levelled up since Rory came around is incredible. This channel used to be soooo boring.
But you got real consumer advice.
@@dragospahontu there's no reason why they can't still do that though
@@mkzwrld7641 i haven't learned anything from this video. There are channels out there that you walk away smarter.
@@dragospahontu sour
Facts shame his stint on top gear was short, he’s defo a great presenter, he’s also very critical.
That's why I dont believe in buying cars online. Have to see the car colour in person, it's crazy how something that small can diminish the ownership experience.
You can't even afford a bicycle, so you don't need to worry about this.
that's your own fault if you never search in google the color of the car. it's even really good visible in the configurator. and carbonblack is known for beeing dark blue cause bmw is using this color already for like 20 years
@Adrito B Why not?
I love bmw's carbon black and think it looks especially smart with the ivory white dakota leather interior. I managed to find my own car (4 series) in this spec. But the buyer should always look into the colour before buying, a simple question to the dealer is always worth it.
@@rebeltvr6046 so you checked his name, saw it is probably African and concluded he can't afford even a bicycle? You think Africans ride a gazelle from city to city? Never thought in this day and age anyone can be this dumb
I have the GLE and was surprised that the different driving modes weren't mentioned. In Comfort mode the car is a lovely drive but you need Sports mode (or Individual Mode) for more of a drivers car. You can personalise the Individual Mode to give you sporting suspension, steering and gearbox but leave the engine in comfort mode etc. The GLE also has the option of the Head Up Display and Distronic which are both super. The BMW may have these features as well of course but I don't know. I used to have the older GLE and the new one is just superb.
Yes or the lighting package, self park 🤷🏽♀️
GLE AMG rocks that is best performance SUV next to Porsche Cayenne GTS. But over 100k for either one. Better get a cheaper SUV and proper sports car like Porsche 911 or Corvette.
hows the reliability?
yes that was shit review
My preference goes to the GLE aswell, certainly as an allrounder. Comfortmode on the X5 is still harsh and fe. with 21" low profile summersets, it's far from comfortable. The difference in drivermodes on The GLE are way more specific and noticable then on the X5. Another great thing on the GLE is the offroad capability. The only thing I don't like on the GLE is the mbux-system, in the X5 it alot more practical from the go. Then again you'll get used to it and once setup it's ok. Quality on the Mercs though...had 2 X5's , both had ripped leather on the driverseat, at the doorside, never had this in any Merc, certainly not the GLE. At this moment I'm looking into the 2024 GLE model, might just go for it again.
I have exactly the same colour combination - carbon black outside and white insight. I love it and even with my two kids it's easy to clean. What I love most: the combination of the brilliant engine in my X5 45e and the smooth airsuspension. Incredible comfortable! You bought the right car 👍👍👍
This guy makes you wanna buy every vehicles he reviewed, that's a skill many don't have...
and not many have the money for the cars he reviews😂😂😂
@@mao9008 it's a BMW. I'd stay away from those things.
@@dragospahontu yawn
@@Chris-jt4ux have you seen the digital dash on the Lexus? Or the hybrid system? BMW can only dream of developing such a hybrid system. The RX450 does 0-180km/h in just 22seconds whilst getting only 4l/100km in the city. It does this with 0 turbochargers. If that's not advanced technology/engineering, idk what is. This is why Americans chose Lexus over European cars. I've made my arguments, you've just made a useless comment.
@@dragospahontu wow, hybrid system and a dashboard, that makes Lexus the best? Give it a rest son, you're talking out your arse.
I, honestly, never imagined Rory owning a BMW X5
I thought a Lamborghini urus...cause in my town that's just the car you buy if you're above average
@@TheoDaJunk where do you live? Monaco?
I'd expect Rory to be driving a 911 or 718
@@ee1542 he has a mustang & a bike aswell
@@TheoDaJunk a Lexus RX350 beats both of these cars but very few people know about it. I would've expected Rory to know since he's a "car reviewer".
The dark blue colour looks good man. Don’t worry about it.
exactly, pure black is boring
I haven't driven either of the new generations but the interior of the GLE is just gorgeous.
Drove the X5 when it was released. Never knew why people bought the things. After my drive, I wanted one.
Awesome cars
Exactly. It is such a fun to drive BMWs. Thats what they are all about.
Yes that how I feel, I was scare to own one because of the maintaining one. But when you drive it omg what a difference. Bmw drive more sporty then the Benz. I love my X5.
@@sophalawson6337 We have X5 40d and it is such a fun car to drive. It is just alive
Now you know why police use them. Its the only proper handling SUV, that can do it all.
Here from Twitter! This guy inspires me so much. I started my car KZhead channel because of his inspiration! I hope I will meet him one day !
Definitely miss you on Gear. I'm glad I found this site. Well done.
Contemplated both - ended up with the X5. Have had multiple Mercedes' and love the ride quality but don't like the look of the GLE. Also, the interior is sub X5 in the GLE with a bit more plastic feel (scratchy plastics). I have the PHEV and I love the X5 straight six more than the GLE 2L diesel..
That is such a mat watson thumbnail😂😂😂brilliant video mate I had no idea so much goes wrong with these cars , my Honda hasn't had a problem since the day we bought it
As a car enthusiast, could watch these all day. Top quality imagery and sound production, great review! I have to comment each time, and looking at every other comment everyone else thinks so too. I have a older 2011 X5 and hope to upgrade one day. I need 7 seats so for me it's this X5 or XC90 but not sure how the XC90 drives. I'll defo take the GLE out for a spin though.
For 7 seats, the X7 is the best option. You can also get the executive drive pro which is an excellent suspension option. Or just go for the Genesis GV80 which is the best value for money that you can get.
Just drive the XC90 and you will realize immediately that it is not a car for you. (throttle pedal response, not very responsive wheel, floaty ride)
Very honest report. Love it ! Definitely when you are able to put in your own experience as an owner. Thank you, Rory.
I promised to myself never buy any Mercedes, I even swore. Those shitty modern Mercedeses break after 50,000-75,000 km. Every piece of it. Engine, Electronics, Heat Exchangers, Gearboxes, injectors. all modern Mercedeses are a piece of crap, they never withstand any extreme driving style. Gosh, what a trash
I disagree ... I think the GLE looks better. :) I’d take the extra room, and I prefer the cockpit of the GLE as well. :)
I have a 2019 X5 30d, and it’s easily the best car I’ve owned as an all rounder. Great review from Rory as ever!
I have a carbon black X5 (2014) and absolutely LOVE it! I think it's a cooler color than your run-of-the-mill black. The 20-way seats are my favorite feature, but the sound system, the lighting, the heads up display, the parking assistant & 5 cameras... all features I don't think I could go without anymore. Handles great, too. I dread the day I have to replace it.
Old X5 models are much more attractive than new model
You’re spoiled 🤣
Ordered an X5 45e for my wife yesterday, $69045 before tax. I believe that we will get 7500 tax credit from the fed and some from the state(CA). Finally, I will get my “dream car” her 2010 X5 diesel 🥹, or I keep my own MB350e.
@Amy can i ask you a question?
@@ryanbrandon6801 I think you just did
Well done Rory... just found your review and appreciate your delivery and insight. Keep up the great work.
Great review dude. Something i’ve been waiting for so long
I hope AutoTrader pays you well Rori. You deserve it. Watching car reviews of the same vehicle with other presenters... Your videos are always better. Much props!
Nice pfp
I drove the X5 30drive M version through 4 days as a camera car in canoe competitions and I can confidently say that it offers me the best driving and comfort service I've ever experienced. Maybe I don't have enough money for this car right now, but it's one I would definitely like to buy in the future. Thanks for this great comparison video...
Try find a GLC43s and come give us an honest review
@@itry_mash8261I have driven both, X5 M is the best suv. You have everything u need , Sport , perfect handling, very comfortable (air suspension) , very fast , premium quality interior exterior. Mercedes is good too but not same level as x5.
Love your casual style... The information exchange is on par & seems knowledge based. Make me think! Thank you.
I have pretty much the same cat as Rory, from the same plate too -- and I had zero problems; 24k miles so far (touch wood) and I'm contemplating switching to another X5, the 45e. I think they are great.
Rory does a great job explaining not just what he sees but also some of the why. He explains things in a great manner, and as an American, I love the accent. One thing to remember is that many of his conclusions are matters of taste, not science so they will be very dependent on the individual. Like the ride, I find the GLE a much smoother ride with more responsive steering than the X5 when I drove both to determine which I wanted to buy. This is contrary to Rory's findings but his taste is obviously different than mine. Could it be that the models are different in the US from the UK models?
The models are the same in the US and UK. The issue I have with a lot of these car reviewers is that thru are boy racers and want every car evdn an s class to drive like a go cart. I don't take his opinions seriously because he has his own taste. I value comfort and luxury and don't care for handling and sportiness. Mercedes knows their target audience. He isn't one of them
Definitely taking home the X5. In America, the X5 comes standard with rear USB and 4 Zone Climate Control. Plus I love Carbon Black
Your reviews are real world and spot on. Best auto reviewer on KZhead! Keep going!
Crystal clear presentation 🔥Love the X5 for its looks and aggressive stance ❤️
I loved your review. I agree with you about the drive of the X5. I had mine since 2015 and recently bought a GLE450. Not the same, although it is a comfortable drive. Also the BMW definitely isn’t made for Ghana as the interiors melt and fall apart. But the quality of the interiors of the Benz is much better. I still love the BMW, but I have a family and the roads in Ghana are not too great so the Benz takes centre stage for me.
Just curious are u upper class? Cause isn’t Ghana average income low
You had it confused. Mercedes is the car that notoriously “creaks” with their materials.
Wow from ghana
@@jamesle9851 😂😂😂😂
Thanks for this video, literally been weighing choices/options on these 2 vehicles for a number of weeks. I'm leaning X5 for a number of reason, but the BMW is actually cheaper to insure in my region.
Not only that, it’s also much faster!! It runs corners in the track or any red light! Lol
This generation of X5 is honestly one of the best cars I`ve driven, the package is just so complete. Also the hybrid is very nice.
Did he just say the face of the Merc is miserable? Like really? Wow, I never thought I would hear someone say that in my lifetime.
Great review. It’s like I was there and I could literally see that GLE bellowing like a boat on the country road. That would make anyone car sick. Prefer everything else about the GLE other than ride quality but to nullify that and I had £100K, I’d get the AMG version to stiffen up the ride. Saw an AMG GLE on the road, the wider wheel arches made it look like a Goldberg, the wrestler coming in for a Spear. While the X5M looks like most in the range. Not surprised at Rory having an X5 but surprised it’s a diesel!
or put it in Sports mode and hey presto!
i have a gle... these reviews seem too bias towards the car he owns... 😂
I just love how badass the bmw looks ❤
Great video honest journalism. It's refreshing to finally hear an automotive journalist discuss reliability. I think that's one of the main things people look for when choosing a car. 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Great video!!! 🥇Its the BEST CAR VIDEO, I have watched in a Long Time! Thank you for being honest and transparent! 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍
Really like this presenter, he's doing a good job, give him a raise :)
Great review! I exactly the same model X5 and love it BUT and that is a big BUT, hate the 22 inch wheels because those tires sit so low and are so prone to cuts in any road not made in Germany! I have now driven 30kkm and cut 3 tires. And the worse thing is that they are nearly impossible to find, even in the BMW dealers. I have asked BMW if I can replace them with 20 inch wheels but they are not the best responders in the market...
I’m in the market for a new car. I stumbled across this video, and loved it. This was excellent, actually learned a lot. Thanks.
Thanks for this...very helpful!
Both cars have improved in terms of their designs compared to their previous generation. However MB improved a lot better compared to its previous generation, its will remain contemporary for years to come.
I personally like the X5
I love the carbon black colour. Those 50 shades of dark blue as it transfers from dark blue to black and opposite, depending on light, it's stunning IMO. I actually got a 5 series in that colour and I'd always pick it before black. Although I'm a BMW guy, to me the GLE looks slightly better than the X5.
I agree with all points except I prefer the look of the X5 over the GLE 😂
I really enjoyed this review with honest comments about failures as they will happen. Very nice and positive video review!
I like both SUVs but I’m going X5
Gle is being built in us, x5 in Germany, I have 2020-21 x5 and family wise is amazing car. Men wise, much more masculine than gle and any other suv.
Largely agree with this review. The comparison between the two can be summed up by the old adage that BMW focuses on what’s under the hood while Mercedes focuses on what’s under the roof. Both have their pros and cons in that respect.
Hands down a spot on and accurate review!
front styling: merc > bmw, back end: bmw > merc. I dont see rorys point about the gle's front at all, to me it just looks very confident and masculine.
Both my X5’s had digital rear controls and USB plugs. I am thinking it’s an option in UK market.
My dad moved to California and bought the X5 which has digital climate control in the back along with 2 USB ports. Maybe Rory shouldn’t have been so cheap when picking his options 😂
Mine too, Arabian Gulf specs. Has digital AC controls in the back, dual USB C and HDMI
Yup mine has usb c in the back
His seems to be a budget option
@@benblythe7799 The trouble is it’s part of a four grand option in the UK hence why mine doesn’t have it either. When it comes to a HUD or rear wheel steering against electronic climate controls in the back then it’s no contest. Although J got the fancy sunroof and never use that either!
Great review as always. Keep up the great work.
Not even close. X5 is soooooo much better though GLE feels more luxurious inside
I like his style of comparison, it is refreshing and fun. I am in the dilemma of which to choose, and I have test driven both, the X5 is certainly better to drive and the GLE more comfortable to sit. 🤔
I took home the X5 45e, love it!
I have a 2019 X5. It has digital rear climate control, rear heated seats, and multiple USB ports in the rear. Just gotta order the executive seating package.
My E70 X5 has ttwo 12v outlets in the back. I can use high-amp chargers in those and replace them as needed. Much preferred to the low-powered usb that is usually included in cars. Keep your usb and give me 12v outlets.
Rory's reviews are another level 😘
I once owned the first generation X5. It had endless reliability issues. Sad to hear that BMW all these years later, still cannot get it right. Perhaps a head to head with Q7 and VW Touareg ?
Outstanding car reviewer is Rory! Thank you for an excellent comparison of two great SUVs. The video title came out of the book of first world problems!
Great review brother. I appreciate you. Very helpful.
Dude, carbon black is one of BMWs best colours. Lovely deep metallic blue. Also, the digital climate controls and usb ports in the back of the X5 is an optional extra, so it is available.
So why not call it Carbon Blue?
@@oliveringram3056 Does seem odd if not misleading.
Bmw - sheer driving pleasure . Mercedes - best or nothing! Clearly it’s presence. Merc based on fact love merc but the bmw was always going to Be better driving car🙏🏾👌🔑. Overall I think bmw is one to go for if want mean looking beast. Great reviews Rori I mean that’s standard🤗😎👊🏾🎥
Great comparison and review. Exterior styling gives me the same reaction (meh). Interior styling....I like the integrated way the dash and the infotainment are melded together. I really dislike the "tablet" look that most manufacturers place the infotainment display like. It is really split between driving dynamics and rear seat space, which is the better one. Personal choice is the only factor here. But I do like the split gate, rear hatch of the BMW X5.
What a superb review! I wish you had completed this a month ago 👍 a very honest approach and now has confused me even more. Where would you put the volvo xc90 against these?
Was never keen on Rory on TG. Got to say, I totally like his current reviewing style. Affable, relaxed, balanced. Good stuff mate
Year TG is scripted.
Thanks Rory, honest review. I'm about to buy my new car. My first thought was to go for the X5 40d. But to have all the spec what the GLE 400d AMG Line Premium Plus has, it will be just too expensive. So I will go Mercedes- Benz. And as many other reviews mentioned, Mercedes-Benz is maid more for comfort, BMW more for driving experience. Since I don't want do racing, I'l be happy with a Benz comfort ride, especially on a my regular long motorway journeys. Only going to be missing the Wireless Android Auto and the Spotify implementation from BMW.
The BMW has a more comfortable ride.
@@AutoTraderTV you’re forgetting that the gle is offered with fixed suspension which surprisingly is much better feeling, smoother and more compliant than the air to me....
Would you be able to elaberate on which sensor MB replaced when the car went to limp mode. I think the world would want to know as this seems to be a problem with many MB's including mine. Thank you and great video with excellent detail!
Watching and loving it all the way from Uganda East Africa. This is a great channel. Happy New subscriber here.
GLE for me I'm just a Merc fan and their new interior slaughters every other thing on the market. Have you seen the ambient lighting with the turbine vents at night😭😭.
Why u crying
Yo yo 😂
Great review! I am surprised you like the looks of the X5 better, I think the current line of BMW big SUVs looks over complicated and outfashioned. Owning two BMW 3s, I love the cars but not the service. I guess it’s good you are Rory as i can tell they don’t always react so nicely to reliability issues.
Funny! I just bought a X5 (Carbon Black) wanting black black and the Carbon black is absolutely blue at most angles. Drive me nuts. Lol. I do love everything else about mine. Great review! You put me at ease because I was planning to buy the GLE 350, feels more feminine or luxury but I am happy with the X5 🙌🏼
Much needed comparo, Thanks.
really good reviewing.
Great video,But after swapping my X5 40d for the Merc 400d I can see both sides. 2 months in and so far I definitely think the merc has it but time will tell.
what do you like in the Merc over the X5
The 2021 x5 now has the USB ports for passengers. I just purchased the 45e. I love it!
Brilliant presentation. Thank you so much
I got my X5 in 2019 and have still been waiting on this video from you haha
What variant did you get? How is your ownership experience so far?
@@JohnAgustinScuderia458595 have the 40i love oit very fun to drive, sounds great and powerful only problem i’ve had with is the bmw infotainment Bluetooth but i use apple carplay so doesn’t really matter
@@turbos7780 Thanks! I dunno what to get 118i Sport or this X5 30d 😂🤣
@@JohnAgustinScuderia458595 the price between both is different tho
@@JohnAgustinScuderia458595 I have the 40i. I've loved it. I have not had any issues with it, and no warranty repairs (knocks on wood) in the past 2 years I've had it. The GLE 450 was just too bouncy on the road, even in its sportier setting.
As a X4 owner I'd stick with the X5 myself but I prefer the look of the X6. The GLE looks like a marshmallow especially in Coupe form. But the tech is pretty impressive in the Merc.
Keep it up bro love to see it 😎😎✊🏾
I like both...and usually prefer the BMW's...but I'd pick the Merc for everyday comfort and space...and I like the interior and looks equally...but Im torn between the Audi Q7 vs the Merc....Do a review on those please or all 3 2021 models for a better comparison. Good Review.
I owned 2 BMW's so far and never had any issue for the first 3 years.
wake up...dont dream too long
when our M135i was getting serviced a few years ago they gave me an X5 30D for the day, and I was really surprised by how nice it was to drive...such a lovely thing. just a pity that in Australia, this particular model sold for around $130k at the time!
Rory what a fantastic review! Keep up the good content
I have a 2016 GLE350 diesel. There are 2 main driving modes and another for snow which raises the vehicle That is comfort and sports. If you drive in sports mode
The Bmw x5 In the vid didn’t have the four zone as as add on hence no air con control at back. Also the lighter plugs can be used as USB outlet using adaptors. There is usb plug hidden in the console box. They have their own advantages against each other but at the end of the day , they are both great well built machines. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder
Great review Rory. I still don't understand why German vehicles are soo unreliable? They spend soo much into R&D but they couldn't be reliable. If it wasn't about the badge power they wouldn't have sold that many.
Really enjoyed this review - thanks!
I love the Bimmer's Carbon Black paint! Had a 2013 750Li in the same color & compliments abounded here around the streets of L.A.! I gloss blacked the factory 20's & it looked sick! The highlight was when 2 motorcycle cops pulled up on side of me & gave me compliments for how tasteful I made it. Benny was tight.
I just traded my 2019 X5 for the 2022 GLE 350 here in the USA. I did NOT like the 450 too sluggish and felt like a boat. The 350 was way more agile feeling ...the X5 is quite peppy and so much fun to drive ...gesture control was an issue for me personally as if youre talking to someone you can change things LOL ...the GLE is so much more asthetic. ONE thing I really miss from the X5 is the comfort access - this feature allows you to just close the door and walk away OR just approach the car and the car opens up ...automatically without having to touch a thing ...Mercedes doesnt offer this as far as I know ALSO my 2019 BMW was in the shop for months ....also alot of issues ....my car changed from AUTO to Manual at 60mph on a highway ..NOT GOOD ... Kuddos for a spot on review ....
Hows the reliability of the benz? Which one is more reliable Bmw x5or benz gle?
@@amosthomas7948 Since the X5 I had was a 2019 it was the first version of the NEW X5 and it was in the shop for 3 months from the day I got it. Lots of fixes, recalls and updates. After that no issues ...so far fingers crossed no issues with the Benz either :)
@@betseykimbrell723same as my situation i used to own bmwx5 and i know have the gle350 but i really miss the bmw
I'd personally take the gle450, but to the color: BMW's always look good in blue to me. The company has some great blue colors and the blue fits well with the curves of bimmers. Whereas on the benz, I feel like silver or white work really well. AT LEAST bmw's newer cars are being designed instead of overdesigned like the last gen ones. I think all the cars that have come out in the past couple years are very good looking and its finally a toss between bmw and merc all up and down the model range.
Brilliant video. Answers a lot of my thoughts.
New viewer on your channel & Subscribed - loving your auto videos!
Mercedes wins in reliability. I’ve driven both for years, bmw was nightmare for maintaining
And it's expensive than Mercedes
Bmw have a tendency to break sooner than MB .I totally agree .
I want a head-to-head review of the Mercedes GLC vs Audi Q5, and for EXACTLY the same reason as Rory did this one.
I was weighing between the two. Went GLC 300 with AMG package add on. It’s amazing
Q7
This is an excellent vlog!!
I am offended by disappointment in Carbon Black color (Just Kidding). I got my X5 last month in Carbon Black/Cognac combo. I love it. Infact this is what I always wanted!! But loved your video. GLE and X5 were my top choices.. thanks for clearing my doubts over my purchase.. 😀