2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e vs 2024 BMW X5 50e Comparison Review

We compare two 2024 luxury mid-size PHEV SUV's - The refreshed 2024 BMW X5 50e with up to 64 km of range against the first-ever 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class 450e, with up to 77 km of range.
With only a $400 CAD MSRP price difference, these two German automakers provide plenty of value, luxury and amenities to PHEV drivers.
Which one would you pick?
X5 50e PHEV review: • 2024 BMW X5 50e PHEV -...
GLE 450e PHEV review: • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE...
0:00 Intro & Design
4:01 Power, Range, Driving, Charging, Standard Features
11:08 Pricing & Verdict
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[@sexypoulet6273]

I am 4 months in on X5 50e and its the best! - I have filled the tank once, and that was really to get the carwash discount, so I am currently getting 1.2 L/100k since the factory as a daily driver (although we don't drive for work)

[@nkspider]

this review is hilarious... she likes the GLE, he likes the X5, and the side glances are to die for.

[@davidbarnes6997]

I test drove and thoroughly inspected both for interior build materials and quality and ended up having a BMW 50e built to my specs. Absolutely love it and have zero regrets. I totally understand choosing the BMW if you are about the driving experience. You may want to consider doing a thorough interior materials review... push on the interior door and dash panels. You'll realize why you just couldn't put your finger on why you preferred the BMW. It's just built better... more solid. I would never choose a 4 cylinder over the rock solid BMW inline 6. You may not ever need that extra horsepower, but you know it's there and sometimes that's all that matters when you're dropping that much cash for a vehicle. Go buy a Kia if you want something practical. Great reviews BTW.

[@paullee9982]

I agree..

[@derrickmiyao7014]

Agreed, especially on the 4 vs 6 cylinder. I could never pay 75k USD for a 4 cylinder when the B58 is an option.

[@dgdave2673]

As an X5 PHEV owner, the only two things I like about the GLE PHEV is, the DC fast charging, surely helps in long trips to top up the EV range than hauling around a dead battery! Second for sure is the rear seat leg room. The X5 leg room while sufficient is barely bigger than a midsize CUV. Sedans like Accord and Camry have way more rear leg room. Not sure how BMW screwed up the rear leg room. But in all other aspects, the BMW outclasses this Benz easily.

[@paullee9982]

I had a 2020 GLE450 for almost 2 years and it was a chatter box. i also drove a GLS450 and it wasn’t any better. Then I drove my friends X5 and that suspension felt tuned perfectly and no chatter inside. Suspension felt plush yet firm if that makes sense. Also, I’d take the inline 6 all day. The 4 cyc turbo is probably running really high PSI and would place my money on the X5s motor in terms of longevity.

[@amosingh6489]

Great review guys, very enjoyable watch!

[@fredwolfe4176]

I have the BMW 50e and love it. Maintenance is included for 36,000 miles. Mercedes does not include maintenance. BMW has superior build quality as a brand than Mercedes. The BMW can be a rocket in Sport Mode. Electric only is good for 40 miles and covers my ordinary daily needs.

[@PhilT993]

Kyle Conner from Out of Spec Reviews recently did range tests on the MB GLE 450e from full charge to switchover to ICE. At a constant 113km/h he got 93km e-only range and at slower secondary road speeds he got 110km of e-only range. Pretty impressive.

[@mr.t8369]

BMW are you listening? Please offer an option for the Bowers and Wilkins on the 50 E!

[@keanumunteanu]

I drove Both . Bmw is on another level. Mercedes feels like something is wrong with it.

[@rokyrychy]

Yeah, at Slow speed some sort of grinding noise

[@Line-vw5io]

what's wrong? 4 cilinders is wrong 🤌😆

[@softroseforyou7457]

No there is nothing wrong with the Mercedes but it feels like some thing is wrong with you.

[@softroseforyou7457]

Combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Nothing wrong with that for a 4 cylinder. SMH LOL@@Line-vw5io

[@softroseforyou7457]

No there is no grinding noise at slow speed. SMH LOL When you walk there is some sort of grinding noise. @@rokyrychy

[@markgamanya7983]

To simplify the comparison, BMW is a sporty car that tries to be luxurious and Mercedes Benz is a luxurious car that tries to be sporty. If you love performance blended with luxury, rather buy a BMW but if you prefer comfort and luxury that is blended with some performance then buy a Mercedes.

[@mradi5854]

@modern motoring. Please include MPG stats too. I hate that we don’t use the metric system but we’re stuck with it. Also please keep the stats and prices on the screen a bit longer as that’s what we like

[@cyclone3444]

Amazing reviews. I love how you guys kept tge conversation going. People who go for BMW want performance and stiffness. If you want comfort, relxed suspension and showing up late, go for GLE😂😂

[@AD-rl4jv]

I agree the GLE interior is nicer looking than the X5. The X5 looks cheaper and the GLE more lux. I like the exterior of the X5 much better though.

[@BrianFraser]

Inline 6 all day long, also longevity over a 4 pot

[@AaronJiju64]

This was an interesting review. I still think I will go X5 but here in Ireland some of the things you said about the GLE options like the sunroof and the heated seats, they are standard on the x5 but not on the GLE. That is here in Ireland so somewhere else it could be different. And I’m one of those SUV people that likes the Sports part of SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE as well so with the x5 also being around €8000 less I might just get the BMW

[@Modern.Motoring]

Thanks so much for watching! On the X5, it’s specifically the Sky Lounge sunroof with the LEDs that costs extra. We haven’t seen the standard setup to be able to compare, but it’s more than likely similar to what comes in the GLE. We’re glad you enjoyed the review!

[@BigDom61]

Can I ask how much it costs to do a full trickle charge and a quick charge nobody ever says anything when doing these sort of reviews it doesn’t have to be exact but a rough idea would be nice

[@davidbrighten2572]

I have ordered the BMW. The power does make a big difference and the range difference is less important. EV range varies due to so many factors. To me, Mercedes interiors feel cheaper. Lastly, predicted reliability of a BMW is better than Mercedes.

[@paullee9982]

I had a 2020 GLE450 and had many issues with it. Glad I sold it 2 years later…

[@bhmbill]

Noticeable increase in cabin noise when you switched to the BMW, would think the six would be quieter.

[@dgdave2673]

The Benz is built much to poorer standards compared to the X5. The B58 engine in itself is a gem. I have the 45e and drove the non PHEV GLE as there wasn’t a PHEV model 20 months ago. The GLE was awful in every respect. Honestly I wanted a solid Merc but was so disappointed what it has become now.

[@shivaramakrishnagundimeda8519]

Correction: No fed tax credit for GLE 450e in US. And 1/2($3750) tax credit for X5 50e. Based on gov site

[@Modern.Motoring]

We looked into this in great detail and concluded that it qualifies but the site hasn’t yet been updated. Can you please share where you found the information that it won’t qualify? We’re based in Canada and may have missed something.

[@bhmbill]

Site is www.fueleconomy.gov

[@jeffmorrow7083]

Any comment on their HUDs??

[@cyclone3444]

I drive tve X5 and I am finding it hard to drive any other brand. Not Audi, not Cayene, not a Range and definitely not a GLE.

[@michaelv6870]

I looked at both. Decided for the 50e. It`s just a more refined car. The build is better, the reliabilty ratings are way above the Merc and it rides like a car almost, not like a boat. And don`t get me started on the engine. How could you pass on a B58????? But then again, not a lot of women even know what a B58 is. It`s the preferred mall crawler for the suburban chick.

[@ganouyang]

Rear seat leg room of BMW x5 50e is too tight, like those in a compact car. Compare Leg Room Front/Rear: BMW x5 xdrive50e: 39.4/37.4 vs. GLE 450e 40.3/40.9 vs. Honda Fit: 41.4/39.3😪

[@pete64041]

4 cylinder engine in massive heavy SUV is a no no...I passed on the 450e for that exact reason. Also free maintenance for 3 years and better reliability with the BMW plus standard air suspension and full self driving hands free for road trips...There wasn't a single thing that was better on the Mercedes tbh...I am also getting 55 miles on EV on warm days...

[@Modern.Motoring]

55!!! That’s terrific!

[@pete64041]

@@Modern.Motoring Yea, it was a pleasant surprise since BMW quotes it at 40, but my dash on the screen lists up to 55, i guess they underrate it like their engines lol...I do wish they could get it to around 100, that would be the sweet spot imo

[@cbatiau2528]

@@pete64041don’t go by the screen… measure your actual EV range yourself

[@navsofour2892]

This not true BMW ranges on full electric yield 42 to 46 mi at 100% charge, usually on the lower range. Buyer beware with these false statements.

[@pete64041]

@@navsofour2892 Except i actually have the car and posted a video with my range...

[@brianhill2676]

I agree people who are buying an e want range otherwise they would buy gas for performance. If BMW can get their range up it will do better.

[@sudindesai0928]

It was good review, however I would request you, if possible, kindly do the review of Range rover sports vrs Porsche cayenne.

[@bknewyork247]

The thing with almost all bmw vs Mercedes is BMW exterior is almost always better but when it comes to interior and luxury feel the Mercedes all day!

[@Modern.Motoring]

But the horrid MB infotainment…

[@ganouyang]

Those who thought the quality of BMW X5 50e is better than that of GLE 450e should be aware of that BMW has halted its production from Dec 2023 to March 2024.

[@Rumblingbelly]

Why is that?

[@PhilT993]

Yes, I just Googled it and sadly it is all over the Bimmer forums.

[@ronaldwestra8735]

You are so lucky over there. Both these cars are so cheap where you live. Where I live both cars starts way above 100k for a basic version. Extra’s and options are also very expensive here. A comparable car her is at least $150k.

[@Modern.Motoring]

Where are you located?

[@internationalsolartech]

Fly to the US, buy a vehicle and ship it to your country, you'll save $40,000...

[@rokyrychy]

11kw for Mercedes AC charging? I see reference only to 9.6kw.

[@Modern.Motoring]

media.mercedes-benz.ca/releases/release-2e9694cb673b0e59d2fca0667b0717a9-mercedes-benz-canada-announces-all-new-mercedes-benz-gle-450e-4matic-suv-arriving-in-2023

[@rokyrychy]

I guess since this announcement they have de-featured the car down to 9.6kw on spec. I just bought one, and can’t get it to charge above 7.6kw with 11.6kw capable charger.

[@Modern.Motoring]

@@rokyrychy That’s odd - what did the dealer say? It’s a significant change between the two numbers.

[@PorscheguyGT3]

You might need to upgrade or pay extra. The MercedesMe App need to pay extra after one year and MYBMW app with updates is free for four years. 2024 LCI X5 build quality is much better then the GLE until its LCI.

[@rokyrychy]

@@Modern.Motoring spoke with MB Mississauga again. This time they told me that car is not cable of charging at 9.6kw - this is European spec. I spoke with manager/forman Paul. Any chance you have connections at Mercedes Canada to get to the bottom of this mystery?

[@highflyer350]

In Germany the X5 50e has a max. electric range of 110km vs. 105km of the GLE. So the long discussed (negative) point of the BMW in your video is no factor in Germany.

[@Modern.Motoring]

Wow, this is very interesting. It makes us wonder why the WLTP and EPA/NRCan testing produced such varying results!

[@PhilT993]

@@Modern.Motoring The WLTP numbers are always very much higher than the EPA range ratings. They use different drive cycles. To me they are both somewhat meaningless as real world testing is all that matters. That is why I like to see "real time" testing, under exacting conditions done, like Kyle Conner from the KZbin channel "Out of Spec Reviews" did as I mentioned above. I have yet to see a similar test performed on the BMW X5 50e. These are the only two vehicles I am considering at this time. Thank you for your testing and feedback. Phil, from Ottawa.

[@baz4240pro]

​@@PhilT993Check out harry's Garage he is an english man with a youtube Channel He had a x5 45e for 6 months and I saw he had tested a 50e lately

[@PhilT993]

@@baz4240pro I know his website. I'll take another look. Thanks

[@Line-vw5io]

you mean in Europe... not Germany 😂

[@JeffASpranger]

Many of the old BMW vs MB arguments are here ... and as always, much of it is personal preference and areas of individual importance. Why no 0 - 60 times though? Another missing item is the cost of ownership - especially for the first 3 years? Having owned numerous models of both over the years, I know the BMW costs less short term since they include maintenance for 36 months. Once the warranty and all possible extensions on warranty are exhausted, its time to sell as I wouldn't own either of them. I do feel MB really jacks up the cost of maintenance on theirs though ... not to say that BMW is cheap on it after the free period.

[@c.s.1550]

The BMW is superior.

[@GeorgeOrwell-tp8dw]

Great review. I thought you were fair and honest, and loved the back and forth. My only negative, is the "positive" you gave the GLE for level 3 charging. It is a straight up gimmick and an awful idea. Just don't. That whole comment "I'll charge and go shopping", if you want flat tires and a keyed car when you come back. That's level 2 "destination" chargers if you want to go shopping. Level 3 chargers are "get juice (diesel, energy, gas, hydrogen, whatever) and leave the spot" Nobody with an EV even charges to 100%, most stop at 80-85% because of the speed. 50 minutes to charge that pig to 100% when it's not even needed, when all the EV's waiting in queue can be on the road again in 20-25 minutes. Level 3 charging for this thing is absolutely 100% pointless, and worse, uses hard to find level 3 chargers for cars that should be charging at quadruple the speed.

[@Modern.Motoring]

Thanks for the comment and feedback - we appreciate it.

[@PhilT993]

I hear what you are saying, as I am a Tesla owner who is considering switching to one of these. However, a L3 quick charge to get another 90kms of EV range in 20 minutes would be a definite asset. If I were using an L3 charger, though, I would be sitting in the car ready to vacate the charger if it was needed by an EV.

[@mojojojo_BB]

Come one - no one buys these at base price!

[@cloudniner4lifex]

Got the point- the husband hates Mercedes 🤷‍♂️

[@reglimulla8270]

they're both good cars and sweaters

[@freemyiphone]

Who is dump enough to buy Mercedes 4 cylinders instead BMW 6 cylinders these 4 Cylinders are louder than BMW more quite don't buy Mercedes I own GLC 4 cylinders they're loud nothing compared to i6 BMW my advice

[@JRB41]

BMW is WORLDS better than the Mercedes

[@rivarossi3095]

You own both?

[@JRB41]

@@rivarossi3095 In the past, yes.

[@pete64041]

@@JRB41 Same here, i have owned both and right now the BMW's are better and more fun...Mercedes was on a great pace back in the 2015's tho...Their new models kinda suck imo

[@JRB41]

@@pete64041 I love older Mercedes.. late 70s and 80s were my favorite. Old BMWs I love even more, currently I own a 2011 BMW 328i xDrive 6 speed manual sport wagon. Great car!

[@user-ep8wm1rl9p]

I had a bmw x5 .... Now l have new GLC and GLE ... MB is more stylish comfortable and with much better infotainment..the sense of luxury in MB is incomparable...l don't care about maintenance and depreciation...I pay and receive for pleasure😎

[@kreezy564]

Mercedes by far makes the best vehicles and better driving system. BMW doesn’t even come close the GLE is by far a better vehicle 🚗

[@Modern.Motoring]

Thanks for the input!

[@jfk5402]

unless these cars triple their battery size or be able to go about 150 miles on battery, i will stick with Tesla even though i've always been a big fan of german cars because of their well made mechanicals and luxury features

[@socko1019]

Two best choices in the class.Great vehicles.BMW Moore sporty,Mercedes Moore relax .

[@marcellowithtwols]

I'm with you Steph!! I completely agree with your assessment. While the BMW is firmer, I'm still buying the GLE (just put in my custom order today). PS: Your husband needs to chill!! lol. He is too biased over the bimmer (almost defensive!) and just has to be right. You provided very clear and logical points. Besides, it's easier to sell the MB because it's a better car ;-). What swayed my decision: Clicky HVAC buttons, longer range, super convenient fast charging to the point where you buy gas only if you choose to. Whereas the bimmer will keep you hooked to OPEC's t**ties because of the inconsiderate slow charging (making it impossible to go a day without gas). My current chevy Volt does the same sh*t and it's super annoying. Yes, the MB could have slightly better steering feedback, and better steering wheel buttons, but it's a super car overall. When you include the driving assists, its 90% Tesla with 0% of the range anxiety... Thank you both for the great vid! PS: The X5 still looks like a crab, just like it did back in '99. You can give it cool break lights, but it's still a crab.

[@dgdave2673]

Lol 😂- just wait till the buyer’s remorse kicks in so badly with the Benz. It’s built much to poorer standards compared to the X5. The B58 engine in itself is a gem. I have the 45e and drove the non PHEV GLE as there wasn’t one 18 months ago. The GLE was awful in every respect. Honestly I wanted a solid Merc but was so disappointed what it has become now.

[@tomislavljubicic2776]

MB GLE🎖

[@luccoppens]

bmw all the way !

[@hemsi232]

Mercedes does a lotta things for show and BMWs 9 times out of 10 will have the better drive however Mercedes does look a little nicer. Personally I would rather functionality over looks especially given how bmws in 2024 are so much nicer on the inside and Mercedes has trash build quality

[@Rez1010]

MB is a much better drive and way more reliable! Compare both models when each have 60,000km on them… I bet the MB is as good as day one.

[@DekiDeki-zq6si]

Please let the bet outside… just talk it you have one of the cars…..

[@aspenmarler6061]

She’s right

[@c.s.1550]

He’s right

[@JR-rc1cg]

BMW cabin feels cheap to the GLE. No one wants electric anyway. Should be comparing the Mild Hybrid for performance.

[@DekiDeki-zq6si]

What a joke😂 i have 50e and all Is done soo well … very high quality

[@JR-rc1cg]

the joke was on you when you decided to go electric, sorry for you. why you think all the major manufacturers are halting productions on Electric? I tell you why because they arent selling and they have lost hundreds of millions of dollars on them.@@DekiDeki-zq6si

[@DekiDeki-zq6si]

@@JR-rc1cg i Go hybrid and Not electric… that is a big dference.. and we Are Talking hier about quality inside of bmw … I also habe m3 touring the x5 50e is just my Daily….

[@JR-rc1cg]

Oh yea Hybrid is good I just pre ordered 2024 GLE Hybrid. I feel cabin of Mercedes more luxurious and comfortable ride than BMW, but thats just me. I am a loner@@DekiDeki-zq6si