Really really want to buy an MB. Been admiring their designs over the past few years, and been wanting to try something new after many BMWs, and currently on the market for an SUV, and I love the GLE, but, the X5 is quite cheaper, and still comes with more (where I live base GLE300d is more than xDrive30d, and the 30d is a 6-cylinder vs 4 cylinder (just an example)), so I'm wondering if think the GLE is still worth it over the X5? Not sure if this is true too, but I've hard MB models keep their value more than BMWs, and if it is, spending the money I am, I would definitely want my car to be investment. New here. Thanks!

 

I've considered the X5 every time I change my vehicles and the GLE has won each time for the following reasons...

The rear passenger leg room is much less on the X5, this was a major issue for me. I often have rear passengers and the difference is very notable.
The inability to customize the instrument cluster and the overall design was also a deal breaker. The MB display was also more colourful, brighter, and sharper.
The MB is also much better looking from all angles, this is also a matter of personal taste. I was all excited when I saw pictures of the face lifted X5 but it's not that great looking in person.
Performance wise, I would give the edge to the X5 compared to the GLE450, however the GLE53 or GLE63 will blow the doors off the X5. Again, I prefer luxury over performance so the slight edge of the X5 wasn't a huge deal to me. I ended up getting the GLE63, so I could have it all.

 

I'm only looking at PHEVs. As such, in my listing of pros and cons, I find the GLE 450e to be way better than the X5 xDrive e50.
BMW's putting the climate controls into the touchscreen is a non-starter for me. The 450e's all-electric range is much better than that of the BMW, and the 450e has DC-fast-charging. Game over.

Outside of PHEVs, I wouldn't be looking at Mercedes or BMW for anything.

 

Thanks! I totally agree and that GLE63S looks rocking! Wish I could have one, congrats man!

 

Thanks!

 

I spend a few weeks or so going through reviews and test drives of the X5 vs GLE. What bothered me was consumer reports had given the GLE mediocre reviews, and terrible reviews for all MB vehicles in general. I'm convinced that consumer reports is biased based on the recent 2024 GLE review. It's really unfortunate because I use to look to them for reviews on home products, but now my confidence in them is reduced to zero. It's a shame and a scam.
I'm 3k miles in on a GLE and I'm glad I chose it over X5. I think the X5, while being a good car in its class, is not superior to the GLE by any measure.

 

I don't listen to CR. I think they are bought and paid for. Just my opinion.

 

Good question OP, there is a similar thread to yours, see if the opinions of other forum members on that thread might help with the decision: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...x5-others.html

 

The one-paragraph "reviews" that CR gives on all new cars is not worth very much. What's worth a lot are the annual CR-tabulated owner reviews of their cars for the previous seven years (i.e., the latest such data would include years 2016-2022, I think), broken down by a dozen or so different categories from electrical-system reliability to drivetrain reliability.

 

I think that's a good summary.
However, I think the most recent year they'd have their 3-year feedback would be a 2020.

So their tables are called "Predicted Reliability," based on the first year167, and the last few years of the 166.

While I think CR is only tallying verified owners' responses, I'm pretty certain there is no verification of the validity, extent or cost of reported repairs.

JD Power does a better job of that, but they are paid by manufacturers and others for their data, and it's not available to the public.