[nikhil.nayak]

Sorry to bother you guys with another BMW vs MB thread but I am looking at purchasing a SUV and after taking a close look at these two candidates I am in genuine quandary. So 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 thru 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.


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[nikhil.nayak]

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 gives one a glimpse of the GLS range.


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[Turbanator]

You are in the right place

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.

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 thru water. Would be very interested in knowing if there are any other issues that need to be considered.

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.

[nikhil.nayak]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

If you are not much bothered about budget, do look at Cayenne. They have some 2023 MY at high discounts 15-20 Lac.

Thanks for the feedback! The MB does seem to have the better resale value.

About the Cayenne, it is likely to be over my budget. I honestly haven't even looked at Porsche, assuming they are not in reach. Are they?


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[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by nikhil.nayak

I honestly haven't even looked at Porsche, assuming they are not in reach. Are they?

Well, that depends on your priorities.

A reasonably specced Cayenne is about 1,50 ish Ex-showroom after discounts. GTS will be 2,20 ish.

Even if you do not buy, it will be a good idea to go and visit the local showroom and take a test drive. I don't like the base Cayenne (6 cylinders) as much. So unless you are going at twice the budget, you will be safe and come back to either of the ones you are looking at. But, at least, you will get an idea of the competition.

Besides, going through the buying process in itself is a great experience in itself. Good luck, do post about your Porsche experience

[RoGo25]

Hey! I currently own the X5 (pre facelift) and would love to add to your perspective. In terms of driving, nothing can come close to this. It was more than enough punch to push you to the seats and overall driving dynamics is truly for enthusiasts.

However, a huge problem I face is with the backseat and ride comfort. On bad patches of roads, this car is really uncomfortable. If you are planning on being chauffeured in this car, I would tell you to steer away as the seats are very poor in terms of under thigh support and leg room.

I have never experienced the GLE so I can’t comment on the same.

I would love to help you out if needed. Hope this helps!

[nikhil.nayak]

Originally Posted by RoGo25

However, a huge problem I face is with the backseat and ride comfort. On bad patches of roads, this car is really uncomfortable. If you are planning on being chauffeured in this car, I would tell you to steer away as the seats are very poor in terms of under thigh support and leg room.

Thanks for the feedback. I did find the rear seats of the GLE to be more spacious and feature rich with electronic seat controls. This is a concern for me with the X5.


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My Youtube algorithm has caught on and this video popped up.
Have to say that I agree with most of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A25NUS6aSBg

Exterior Presence: MB GLE 450D
Interiors Features: MB GLE 450D
Engine and Drive Quality: BMW X5

Rear seat features & leg space especially favours the MB GLE450

Trunk space is a tie in my opinion. While the split tailgate of the X5 is a neat feature it can also restrict access when you want to lean in and pull out stuff from inside. The GLE seems to have more usable space along with seat controls to drop the back seats if needed. In the X5 this is manual.


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Some points I had observed from the drivers seat ...

The seating position of the X5 offered a much better view of the road and of the driver controls. The engine is sunk remarkably low in X5 which offers the driver a clean view of the road in front. Adjusting the steering wheel height and angle is also very easy with access to the controls just under the left side of the steering.

In the GLE the bonnet is noticeably higher with the front hood sitting up in your view. To add to this the GLE maxed out the seat height adjustment which left me sitting relatively low. I did not try to adjust the steering wheel height as I wasn't really able to do a test drive. I will need to revisit this feature as I would definitely like to sit taller in the driver seat.

In the GLE the engine on/off and park is controlled by a very slender stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. The X5 has a much better handle on this with the start/stop and park controls in the center console on the left.

The GLE did have one feature where if you entered your height it would automatically adjust seat position and height. You can then fine tune your seat from there.


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Originally Posted by Turbanator

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.

We had some torrential rains in the months just after covid. Hyderabad not really being equipped to handle this amount of rain had a bunch of areas where water would collect in deep puddles on the roads or in driveways. My brother in law drove his 6 series GT through one such "water hazard" and the car just shut down as apparently the sensors were located low on the body. Getting the car back up and running set him back about 4 lakhs at the time.

I've since learned that this is a thing that BMW owners are aware of and you will usually see them avoiding driving through deep water puddles. I'm not sure if the X5 has this issue being designed as an SUV.



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[GTO]

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!

@ Nikhil: 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.

[Tutenkhamen]

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, OP, look at RR Sport too. 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.

[nikhil.nayak]

Originally Posted by Tutenkhamen

X530d and GLE450d don't exactly see eye to eye, at least on paper.

That is really interesting info. When I spoke to the BMW this morning about the X540i vs X530d, he said that the 30d offers more grunt. Must take the 40i for a test drive now.

I've been suspecting that the RR Sport might come into the mix at some point. Like the Cayenne, I wasn't sure if it would come in my budget. But yes, must definitely give it a look.


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[Mechb63]

Since other competitors are being considered, why not look at the Lexus RX 500h? On paper it seems to have it all combined with the reliability of Toyota, lower maintenance costs and from what I have seen until now, superior resale value.

[Sohail_91]

A few months ago, I was in a similar dilemma, torn between the BMW X5 30d M Sport and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d.

I took the X5 30d on a long test drive, but honestly, it didn’t deliver the level of power I was hoping for. Unfortunately, the GLE 450d wasn’t available for a test drive at the dealership. Instead, I drove the GLE 450, and I was impressed by its superior comfort, handling and spaciousness compared to the X5.

As Tutenkhamen mentioned above, the GLE 450d indeed boasts significantly better power figures compared to the X5 30d. However, when it comes to discounts, the X5 has the upper hand, especially if one is willing to pick up the vehicle from North India. One of the drawbacks with both BMW and Mercedes-Benz is their territory policy, which requires the car to be registered in the same state as the dealership, limiting flexibility.

Ultimately, I decided against both the X5 30d and GLE 450d and opted for the Range Rover Sport. Its luxury and ride quality are unmatched, and the dealership experience turned out to be excellent after an initial hiccup. A key factor in my decision was the dealership's willingness to release the car with a temporary registration, allowing me to register it in my hometown—a convenience not offered by BMW or Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Bangalore.
Regarding offers, JLR currently doesn’t have any discounts. I have only been offered complimentary floor mats, a 5% discount on accessories, and an insurance price match with online vendors. The delivery is scheduled for June 2025, as I’ve opted to delay it due to prior commitments before that time.

I highly recommend giving the Range Rover Sport a try. Make sure to take it on a long test drive to fully experience what it offers!

Link to my TD Experience (Audi Q7 Vs BMW X5 Vs Mercedes GLE | Which Luxury SUV?)

Link to my Initial Hiccup with JLR Dealership (The "New Luxury Car" Price Check Thread | Track Discounts, Offers & Deals on Audi, BMW, Mercedes etc)

Link to Discount Disparity between North & South India Dealers Post (The "New Luxury Car" Price Check Thread | Track Discounts, Offers & Deals on Audi, BMW, Mercedes etc)

[Starwar19]

Are there any year end discounts going on a RR Sport? The RR still seems almost half a crore expensive than the X5 and GLE.

[Sohail_91]

Originally Posted by Starwar19

Are there any year end discounts going on a RR Sport?

Currently, there is a waiting period of 4-5 months, so I doubt any year-end discounts will be offered.
However, with the recent launch of the HSE variant, if any dealer has ready stock (Cancelled Booking) of the SE variant, they might offer a slight discount.

Note: This is just my assumption, as I haven’t verified or received such an offer from any dealer.

[nikhil.nayak]

Originally Posted by Sohail_91

I highly recommend giving the Range Rover Sport a try. Make sure to take it on a long test drive to fully experience what it offers!

That's a really interesting recommendation. You preferred the RRS over the GLS?
At the prices shown for the RRS, I am tempted to look at the GLS as well.

The MB showroom does not have a GLE 450D for a test drive.
But they do have a GLS450D which has the same engine - will test drive it next week.
The problem with the GLS is that it might be just too large. Same goes for the X7.


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