New member, so go easy on me please.

I did try the search function before posing this question (also took the time to scroll through this forum--after all, there's only 6 pages currently) to confirm this question hasn't been asked a million times before and didn't see it, but if I somehow missed it, please redirect me to it and I'll close/delete this thread so as not to be redundant.

By way of background, I am a BMW guy. I've owned (including cars I've purchased for my kids) 8 BMW's and just one Benz (2013 ML350). I share this because as much as I would like to believe I'm open-minded, I probably am somewhat favorably biased toward BMW.

I've just started researching new mid-size SUV's and was naturally drawn to the BMW X5 PHEV, but unfortunately it has a rather modest towing capacity and we plan to pull a small camper/trailer, and the PHEV version just won't cut it (the lower end non plug-in would work, as it has a larger towing capacity, but I'm currently drawn to PHEV's).

So I stumbled across the relatively new GLE450e and it not only has a significantly higher towing capacity (7700# vs 5950#), which is reason enough for me to consider purchasing one, but also gets quite a bit better all-electric range (I think it's rated at 10 miles more--48 vs 38), although real-world is likely to differ.

On the downside, my personal experience is that I prefer the driving dynamics of BMW's over MB's (never owned either an M nor an AMG), and of course the BMW is significantly quicker 0-60 than the GLE.
So after all that, my question to you fine ladies and gentlemen is this: have any of you either owned/leased both (X5 PHEV, either the 45e or 50e and a GLE450e) or at least done an extensive test drive of the BMW X5 PHEV prior to purchasing your GLE PHEV, and what were your thoughts/conclusions, specifically around driving pleasure (dynamics, acceleration, suspension/handling, etc.)?

I do believe the build quality and overall comfort of the MB is likely to be better than the BMW, but I'm really specifically interested in driving enjoyment, especially since the BMW has a turbocharged I6 whereas the MB is getting by with a 4-banger.

Also, I always buy the sport package (M-sport) in my BMW's as I really enjoy their multi-contour sport seats--I can't yet determine if MB offers any sort of upgraded sport/bolstered front seats in the GL450e--appreciate any guidance there.

It may come down to me simply having no choice really if I want a PHEV and want to tow a decent size trailer (yes, we could always downsize our trailer aspirations and buy an even lighter one without a slide that the xdrive50e could safely tow, but I'd probably rather not make that compromise).

Thanks in advance!

Sadly the driving enjoyment is definitely the factor you will notice the most comparing the two, if you want fun you really need a GLE 53 very least. I do know that forum member parato has a GLE 450e so you could ask them about the same questions you asked. https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9044634

I have no experience with the e version, but I'll make a general statement.

The 166 chassis was okay at best. It flexed and was luxury focused. BMW and (especially) Porsche handled better and were more fun to drive.

The 167 chassis was a dramatic improvement and MB finally turned out a good handling SUV.

With the right equipment I think they're all in about the same league.

Then when you add the performance versions - AMG (especially with ARC) - MB pulls ahead a bit.

The equipment and the specification you choose will determine which one is more fun.

My biggest reservation about 50e is the CEL issues people are experiencing and posting about on BimmerPost. You always see all kind of issues discussed on forums but that one has both, the severity and the volume of complains for a single MY to assume there is something to it for sure.

Is this part of the stop sale? Maybe they are fixing it? I did read from another thread here there is a model line wide stop sale.

I think the stop sale is broader than 50e and covers an unimportant part - the brakes...

The CEL is something they've been trying to fix for like a year with software updates and repeated hardware replacements with various degrees of success. Full 64 pages thread: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...025929&page=64 , and to quote the last message there as of today:

"Well after more than 13000 very enjoyable miles the dreaded HV expansion valve issue lit-up the CEL. Fortunately the valve was stuck open so no possible additional damage. The good news is that this is so common BMWNA has sent lots of replacement valves to the larger dealers and my car was in the shop for one day. My mechanic joked this will be just like a routine oil change for this drivetrain. I did not laugh and said not very routine for some folks who have been out of luck for weeks at a time early on when the supply chain was stretched."

​​​​​​That is frustrating indeed.

I did look at, test drive and consider the BMW X5 xdrive50e before buying the MB GLE 450e. Because I also own a 2023 BMW Z4, my initial interest was the X5. But, the new SUV was to replace a 2018 MB E Class 400. For our needs we found the X5 to be too harsh, and for some inexplicable reason the xdrive did not perform well on ice during the test drive (February in Canada). We prefer the MB infotainment and real buttons for climate control, but prefer some of the BMW software (ie. recognizing which key is being used, and setting to that profile, as well as auto unlock and lock as you approach or leave the vehicle). Finally, we felt the extra range of the GLE ensured that all of our city driving could be done fully electric, and that has proven to be the case. Either way, you are choosing between two excellent vehicles.

Checked out both. We preferred the larger rear seat in the GLE, the higher range, and the looks. I think BMW is sportier and more of the driving vehicle. The 450e is more of the softer, comfortable ride. The BMW is a nice mix of both. I personally didn't love the refresh of the 50e both interior and exterior. But all that is subjective.

I see, thanks for chiming in.

I also checked out both. I wasn’t a fan of the BMW interior at all. I like the more old school feel of the MB. And I’m a sucker for grab handles. Biggest issue was the CEL problem the 50e seems to have. That would drive me crazy.

I do think the BMW was a more dynamic drive when the 6 cyl engine kicked in. However, I thought it was still a ways behind the Cayenne (which probably has the worst interior of the 3).

In electric mode, there wasn’t as much difference. And for me, almost all my driving is electric. I literally can’t remember the last time the gas engine kicked in. So if I had the BMW, that beautiful 6 would be sitting there doing nothing almost all of the time. Easy decision in the end.

Yup if you want sporty driving bmw no doubt, cruise in comfort GLE for sure. That said, the GLE 53 with arc is the best of both worlds.

How does the GLE 53 help in the decision of best PHEV choice?

Sorry for the confusion. I didn't say it was to help the decision of best PHEV choice. I am just saying on MB's side sporty and comfort and best balance would be the GLE 53, since OP is looking at MB, the regular MB models and bmw models, if sporty then bmw if regular GLE then don't expect as dynamic, that is why I mentioned GLE 53 as an example to explain why the GLE is not focused on sporty. The bmw always tout themselves as the ultimate driving machine. Hope that clarifies my post and not make it even more confusing.