Wife has a 2020 GLE 350 purchased new. It was CPO'd in a promotion but warranty expires in November of 2024. I am planning on a new vehicle for her imminently. I have a 2022 X5. For me I prefer BMW, I am pretty objective and recognize each has its better and worse characteristics (MB room, steering, AC, BMW inline 6/ZF combo, handling). The one issue that I hope is not an issue (on the GLE 450 since we would order that rather than the 350 this time) is the transmission. The calibration (despite alleged software updates at the dealer) of the 9 speed on her car is atrocious and almost dangerous at times with the hesitations and surging.

I will be honest that I have been trying to get her into a 2025 X5 because I can finally order the air suspension on the base model again and see more posts about substantial quality issues on this forum than on Bimmerpost (excepting the 50e which has had major issues). I am realistic that she has been resistant (if for no other reason than aesthetics but who am I to tell someone else what makes them happy) and this is her car.

It is difficult to equip the GLE 450 and the X5 40i exactly the same. Probably the biggest issue is the seats. On the GLE to get the upgraded seats (not mandatory) you are forced to get options worth $5k plus and get the base leather than is really not much nicer than the vinyl. With the X5 I can the basis multi-contour with sensafin (BMW version of MB tex), which is nice, for $750.00. Not apples to apples as MB has vent and massage which would be addition cost on the X5. But on the X5 I would avoid those options as they make the seats firmer. I suspect the upgraded seats in the MB may be more comfortable but my gut says the delta between base and comfort seats in the BMW is greater as the BMW sport seats are OK but not really that comfortable.

So for you GLE experts to keep costs in check (as the GLE is more costly apples to apples as close to possible) I am seeking insight on the base seats. We have them on her 2020. They are not uncomfortable but not quite as comfortable to me as the base multi-contours on the X5. I will absolutely do a test drive with her but for those of you who have tried the upgraded seats on the GLE are they worth the $5k cost? There are few on dealer lots with the upgraded seats so I am not sure I would be able to test them out.

I love my HUD on the X5 but my wife does not have it and thinking we can live without the Pinnacle package.

Road noise is OK with current vehicle but (but could/should be better than a Buick and is not). I do like quiet. For those who have heard, is the sound package on the GLE worth the extra bucks?

Frankly neither base vehicles rides as well as a luxury vehicle should. I would not order either without the air suspension so that is non-negotiable.

Thank you for any thoughts/opinions.

 

I think the acoustic glass package is worth it. It's quieter, blocks UV heat, and provides a little more safety for smash and grabs because of the laminated glass.

There's an Amex rebate of $3k at the moment to help offset any packages.

 

450 and 40i are apples to oranges.

Compare 350 to 40i and 450 to 50e.

 

Acoustic glass is very much worth the price.
The Multi-Contour seats are invaluable. The second thing my wife does when she gets in the car is turn on the massage.

But then there are personal opinions. For instance, I absolutely hate the X5 interior and also find the handling pretty lame. Ever try putting a kid seat in the back of an X5?
Don't forget the cost of replacing the run flats, and then where are you going to put the spare?
Would you be able to park it in your garage where you don't have to look at those nostrils?

Mostly though, you'll have to rehearse 3 years of excuses about why you didn't let her have the car she wanted.

Maybe your best option is not to go on a test drive with her, and let her decide.

 

Why would you compare the 450 to the 50e? The 50e is a plugin Hybrid. The 450 is not. The X5 40i is much more comparable to the 450. They both have straight six engines with a mild hybrid 48v system. The 350 with its anemic four cylinder engine doesn't really compare to anything in the X5 range.

 

Sadly the transmission on my 450 is manifesting the exact same issues you stated for the 350. I am now considering embarking on the road to have that fixed under warranty.
Although if Porsche comes out with the electric Cayenne soon and I like it, I might just live with the 450 transmission as is for another year and save myself the headache.

 

Thank you for that insight. It is appreciated.

 

While I like my X5 very much (except the ride) I appreciate your comments. This will be her car and ultimately I want her to be happy. The seats and acoustic glass would be for me since I know the difference. But now I at least need to sit in them to make a decision.

 

I'm not a fan of the poorly integrated drivers display on the new X5. Looks like it was added as an afterthought.

 

Sure.

https://amexnetwork.truecar.com/

 

They removed a lot of buttons too. Obvious ones like climate control disappeared but also other ones like headlight adjustments and the ability to adjust your cruise control following distance, to the car ahead of you, is now buried in the center screen menu instead of a steering wheel button.

 

Holy cow THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm picking up my car in literally 2 days and I did not know about this deal before your post.

THANK YOU AGAIN YOU ARE THE GOAT.

 

https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-f...-mercedes-benz