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2026 BMW X5 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5 driving outdoors
Upgrade your daily drives in Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas with a top-tier luxury SUV. When comparing midsize models from world-class German automakers, the 2026 BMW X5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE are two strong contenders. Both SUVs offer powerful engines and luxurious cabin amenities.

However, only one deserves your investment. Our team at BMW of Southpoint near Raleigh has broken down the significant differences between the latest BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE. The new BMW model ultimately prevails in several key areas.

 

 

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

 Vs.

2026 BMW X5
Yes Plug-In Hybrid Availability Yes
2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive engine Standard Engine 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder
Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo with hybrid assist Top Engine 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8
295 lb-ft Standard Torque 398 lb-ft
255 hp Standard Horsepower 375 hp

2026 BMW X5 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE Performance Specs

Both of these luxury SUVs offer potent performance for your daily commutes to and from Cary. However, when comparing the standard power of the new BMW X5 vs. the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the former provides significantly more horsepower. This power advantage continues with the top engine options, as the 2026 X5 still delivers more horsepower than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Explore the available engine configurations for these SUVs below:

2026 BMW X5 Engine Specs

3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder

  • Standard engine on: X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i
  • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,200-6,250 rpm
  • Torque: 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.2-5.3 seconds (xDrive40i is slightly quicker than sDrive40i)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder with integrated electric motor

  • Standard engine on: X5 xDrive50e
  • Combined Horsepower: 483 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
  • Combined Torque: 516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,700 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 5,952 pounds

4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine

  • Standard engine on: X5 M60i
  • Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8

  • Standard engine on: X5 M Competition
  • Horsepower: 617 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine Specs

2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive engine

Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC®

  • Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
  • Acceleration: 6.9-second 0-60 mph time (Rear-Wheel Drive) / 7.0-second 0-60 mph time (All-Wheel Drive) 
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

3.0L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive engine

Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC®

  • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
  • Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
  • Acceleration: 5.3-second 0-60 mph time
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

2.0L inline-4 turbo with Plug-In Hybrid technology

  • Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC®
  • Combined Horsepower: 381 hp (combined)
  • Combined Torque: 479 lb-ft (combined)
  • Acceleration: 5.8 sec 0-60 mph
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

4.0L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive

  • Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC®
  • Horsepower: 510 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
  • Torque: 538 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
  • Acceleration: 4.3-second 0-60 mph time
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

AMG®-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with hybrid assist

  • Standard engine on: Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC®+
  • Horsepower: 429 hp @ 6,100 rpm
  • Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
  • Acceleration: 4.9-second 0-60 mph time
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo with hybrid assist

  • Standard engine on: Mercedes-AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC®+
  • Horsepower: 603 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
  • Acceleration: 3.7-second 0-60 mph time
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

2026 BMW X5 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE: Trim Levels

Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer a variety of engine and model options. Drivers who want the flexibility to switch between all-electric and gasoline power can opt for the BMW X5 sDrive50e or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® SUV. However, if elevated performance is your priority, you’ll want to pick an X5 model from our Durham new vehicle inventory. Compare the current year BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE trim selections for yourself:

2026 BMW X5 Trim Levels

  • BMW X5 sDrive40i
  • BMW X5 xDrive40i
  • BMW X5 xDrive50e
  • BMW X5 M60i
  • BMW X5 M Competition

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Trim Levels

  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 
  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC® 
  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC® 
  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® 
  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC® 
  • 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC® 
  • 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC®+ 
  • 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC®+ 

Test-Drive A 2026 BMW X5 In Durham

Have you decided that a new BMW X5 would make a better addition to your driveway or garage than a new Mercedes-Benz GLE? Contact us online or give us a ring at 919-338-7135 to set up your test drive. When you’re ready, you can even apply for financing online to get a head start on your exciting new purchase.

 

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:

Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

The BMW Ultimate Care Oil Services plan includes unlimited oil and oil filter changes for three years for $249.00 plus taxes and disposal fees where applicable. The need for included services are prompted by the vehicle’s Condition Based Service (CBS) system. For non-CBS vehicles, annual low-mileage oil changes are included as outlined in your BMW Maintenance Booklet. Available for all BMW vehicles that have reached 60 months or 60,000 miles but have not yet exceeded 240 months / 20 years and have no current Ultimate Care+ coverage. Plan is also available for purchase for vehicles that have reached at least 54 months and are currently covered by the BMW Ultimate Care Scheduled or BMW Ultimate Care+2 coverage. All work must be performed by an authorized BMW Center. Please see your authorized BMW Center for additional details pertaining to all programs. All work is carried out by BMW Trained Technicians using Original BMW Parts, which come with a two-year unlimited mileage limited warranty. Warranty repairs do not constitute an extension of the original limited warranty period for the vehicle or a part thereof. Each program and its pricing are subject to change.

"Additional terms and conditions: $150 Prepaid Mastercard® with purchase of four eligible Bridgestone, Continental, or Pirelli tires. Contact center for details regarding eligible tires. Submit claim online at www.tireoffers-center.com with offer code 2026-939B or mail claim form and a copy of your invoice to receive a Prepaid Mastercard in the amount of $150 on valid purchases made between July 10–24, 2026. Invoices must clearly indicate tire brand and part number; please circle or highlight this information. Limit one mail-in offer per qualifying purchase. Only two rebates per household. Offer available only at participating US BMW centers. Offer valid for US residents only. Completed rebate form must be postmarked or submitted online no later than 8/7/26 and received no later than 8/24/26. Any submissions received after 8/24/26, will not be honored, acknowledged, or returned. BMW or its authorized centers or tire manufacturers are not responsible for noncomplying rebate claim submissions or for electronic data submission errors, lost, late, illegible, postage-due, or undeliverable mail. Online claims will receive a confirmation of submission; please retain this confirmation. Make copies for your records. Void where taxed, restricted, or prohibited by law. All decisions made by the sponsor (or its authorized representatives) relating to the validity of any submissions are final and binding. This promotion is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Rebate paid in the form of a Prepaid Mastercard. Card will be sent to customer’s provided address within 8–10 weeks after receipt of this completed rebate form and copy of original invoice. See authorized BMW center about tire manufacturer’s limited warranty. Images may be computer-generated. Card/Virtual card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. No cash access or recurring payments. Card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted. Virtual card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted online, for phone/mail orders or in stores that accept mobile wallet. Card/Virtual card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Terms and conditions apply. © 2026 BMW Tire Center

Loyalty Offers available to qualified customers who lease or finance through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC. Offer limited to customers who have owned or leased a BMW model in the last 12 months. In order to qualify for a BMW Loyalty Offer, loyal current or former BMW owners or lessees must show proof of ownership or BMW Financial Services account number and qualify for credit approval. Available Loyalty Offer of $5,000 off MSRP on select new 2026 i7 eDrive50 models (consists of $4,000 BMW of North America, LLC contribution plus $1,000 loyalty contribution from your BMW Center). Available Purchase Credit of $7,500 off MSRP for well qualified buyers. Must take delivery by August 02, 2026. Availability of Loyalty Offers are subject to dealer participation. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 i7 eDrive50 models. Through August 02, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through August 02, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Available Purchase Credit of $7,500 off MSRP for well qualified buyers.

Valid on 2026 330i Sedan models. Through August 02, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through August 02, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Advertised lease offer is a national advertisement intended to be available on new 2026 BMW 330i Sedan models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Dealer sets actual sale price and may add additional fees and charges. Advertised lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Advertised monthly lease payments of $479 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $46,685 (MSRP of $53,900, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $2,660 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $479 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and any dealer fees and charges (if any) are additional amounts that are due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $30,723, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through August 02, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 X3 30 xDrive models. Through August 02, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through August 02, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Advertised lease offer is a national advertisement intended to be available on new 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Dealer sets actual sale price and may add additional fees and charges. Advertised lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Advertised monthly lease payments of $569 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $48,585 (MSRP of $55,650, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,805 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $2,260 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,805 capitalized cost reduction, $569 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and any dealer fees and charges (if any) are additional amounts that are due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $31,721, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through August 02, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 X5 xDrive40i models. Through August 02, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through August 02, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.Available Purchase Credit of $1,000 off MSRP for well qualified buyers. Advertised lease offer is a national advertisement intended to be available on new 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Dealer sets actual sale price and may add additional fees and charges. Advertised lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Advertised monthly lease payments of $869 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $66,100 (MSRP of $76,250, including destination and handling fee of $1,450, less $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,015 and Lease Credit of $2,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $869 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and any dealer fees and charges (if any) are additional amounts that are due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $39,650, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through August 02, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

From 2.49% APR up to 72 months at $14.97 per month per $1,000 financed applies to all 2022–2024 BMW Certified Pre-Owned iX models. No down payment is required. Offer valid through 08/02/2026. Offer available from participating BMW Dealers to eligible, qualified customers with excellent credit history who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify for the lowest rate. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Delayed first payment is not available in PA or ME. Interest will accrue during 90-day period to first payment and will be due prior to maturity of the contract. This offer is available on all model-year 2021-2024 CPO BMW models with 36-to-72-month retail contracts financed through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, excluding Select contracts. To be eligible, qualified customers must have excellent credit history and meet BMW Financial Services’ credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Offer valid through 08/02/2026.

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