Confused between the BMW X5 30D M-Sport and Mercedes GLE 450D

This SUV is going to be my personal drive mainly to the golf course and for evening outings to dinners, functions etc. Highway handling is also pretty important apart from city driving.

BHPian nikhil.nayak recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I am looking at purchasing an SUV and after taking a close look at these two candidates I am in genuine quandary. So, I will be happy with any info you can share that would help me make a decision.

This is going to be my personal drive mainly to the golf course, for evening outings to dinners, functions etc. Most of my regular travel is on a driver driven Innova Crysta which I share with my wife. We also do about 3 - 5 long distance drives from Hyderabad to Bangalore or Hyderabad to Pune/Mumbai. Highway handling is pretty important apart from city driving.

Earlier today I test drove the X5 and came away very happy with the experience knowing that one really can't go wrong with the X5. But the run flat tyre issues have become a concern for me as also the issue of the sensors shutting down the car when driven through water. Would be very interested in knowing if there are any other issues that need to be considered.

After getting back I am genuinely torn between the two vehicles so would like to have your valued opinions on them both.

Thanks for reading. I really do appreciate any and all feedback.

I also went over the MB showroom and took a close look at the GLE 450D which now comes with AMG trim. In comparison to the X5, the GLE felt like a cruise liner with absolute plush interiors in the car that I was shown. I was amazed at some of the interior features that are in the GLE 450. Noticeably more room in the back with electronically adjustable seats.

Adding some pictures of my visit to the MB showroom of the GLE 450D.

Amazingly plush interiors and features that were not on the X5. The GLE 450D offers features that give one a glimpse of the GLS range.

Here's what BHPian GTO replied:

We recently went through a similar situation for my close cousin, and we eventually picked the BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport (Petrol). We of course loved the GLE as well and the Mercedes is a fabulous SUV, but things that tilted the decision in favour of the X5 are:

• Waaaaaaaaaaaay more fun to drive
• We love the styling & presence more
• BMW's top-class reliability is a big motivator
• BMW's air suspension & adjustability suits your mood. Comfort Vs Sport.

The single downside is rear seat space, but hey, let the kids compromise . Let the driver have a blast!

Please also take a long test-drive of the Audi Q7. 3.0 turbo-petrol, air suspension, a full-size SUV, priced great, has discounts. Single disadvantage is its age.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator replied:

BMW offers better interiors (genuine leather), but if you prefer Mercedes-Benz, do note that Mercedes used to offer artificial leather (not sure about current).

In terms of driveability, the X5 feels faster, while the GLE provides a more planted feel. I suggest taking both cars on your regular route and decide which one feels more comfortable. Mercedes vehicles generally have better resale values and lower discounts. If you are not getting a significant discount, you should get 2025 manufactured. X5 should have 10-15 lac off, so must be cheaper to buy.

If budget is not a major concern, you might want to consider the Cayenne. They have some 2023 MY models available at high discounts of around 15-20 lakhs. However, if you love driving and don’t mind spending a bit more, try to find a GTS, especially in a coupe. That would be a truly special car.

Run flats are better now, and you can easily switch to regular tyres as dealerships usually don’t make a fuss about it. I’m not aware of these sensor things; are they new? This is only going to help you save on damage in case BMW has implemented something like that. I’ve always wondered why manufacturers can’t have a feature to shut down the engine in such conditions

Here's what BHPian Tutenkhamen replied:

X530d and GLE450d don't exactly see eye to eye, at least on paper. The engine tune on GLE diesel produces significantly higher amount of horsepower and torque.

While X5 is better at dynamic handling but it also cannot run around numbers at the end of the day.

IMO, for an enthusiast, X540i > GLE450 ~ GLE450d > X530d.

Btw, also look at RR Sport. It now comes in HSE trim and its ex-showroom is not very far off either. And you have similarly performing diesel and petrol specs and added opulence.

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