BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class narrowly edges out the BMW X5 for buyers prioritizing cutting-edge performance and advanced powertrain options, particularly its efficient hybrid variants. However, the BMW X5 remains a formidable contender, offering superior value at its entry point and a consistently spacious trunk, making it a highly practical choice for many families.
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Price Comparison
Starting at39,990 – 47,200 BHD45,600 – 49,420 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine2,998 – 4,400 cc · 6 cyl2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 462 hp367 – 585 hp
Torque (Nm)450 – 650 Nm500 – 760 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.7 – 5.5 s4.2 – 5.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)243 km/h245 – 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.8 – 11.6 L/100km3.7 – 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity83 L80 – 93 L
Gears87 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolHybrid / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.9 m × 2.0 m × 1.7 m4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.9 / 3.0 m
Curb Weight (kg)—2,160 – 2,390 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)645 L480 – 690 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Active HeadrestsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemOdometerPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVentilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with its higher power output up to 585 hp and faster 0-100 km/h acceleration as low as 4.2 seconds, is the clear winner for those seeking a thrilling driving experience.

2

Best for Fuel Efficiency

Opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if fuel economy is a top priority, as its hybrid options can achieve an impressive 3.7 L/100km, significantly outperforming the X5's petrol-only offerings.

3

Best for Value Seekers

The BMW X5 offers a more accessible entry price starting at 39,990 BHD, making it the better choice for buyers looking for premium SUV features without the higher initial investment of the GLE-Class.

4

Best for Consistent Cargo Space

The BMW X5 provides a generous and consistent 645 liters of trunk capacity, making it ideal for families or individuals who frequently need reliable and ample storage space.

Pros & cons

BMW X5

Pros

  • Lower starting price (39,990 BHD)
  • Generous and consistent 645L trunk capacity
  • Strong petrol engine performance
  • Well-regarded driving dynamics

Cons

  • No hybrid option for enhanced fuel economy
  • Lower maximum power compared to GLE-Class
  • No 8-cylinder engine option
  • Slightly slower acceleration than top-trim GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Pros

  • Higher maximum power output (up to 585 hp)
  • Faster 0-100 km/h acceleration (as low as 4.2s)
  • Hybrid powertrain option for superior fuel efficiency (as low as 3.7 L/100km)
  • Available with 8-cylinder engine options
  • Up to 9-speed automatic transmission

Cons

  • Higher starting price (45,600 BHD)
  • Entry-level trunk capacity can be smaller (480L)
  • Potentially higher fuel consumption in non-hybrid, high-performance trims
  • Higher top-end price

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for performance, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class generally offers superior performance, with its top trims boasting up to 585 hp and achieving 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.2 seconds. While the BMW X5 is powerful, the GLE-Class provides more exhilarating options for performance enthusiasts. If raw power and speed are your priority, the GLE-Class is the better choice.

Is the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class more fuel-efficient?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is more fuel-efficient, especially when considering its hybrid variants which can achieve an impressive 3.7 L/100km. The BMW X5, being petrol-only, has a fuel economy range of 8.8 – 11.6 L/100km. For the best fuel savings, the GLE-Class with its hybrid option is recommended.

Which SUV offers better value, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The BMW X5 offers better value, with a starting price of 39,990 BHD, significantly lower than the GLE-Class's entry price of 45,600 BHD. While both are luxury SUVs, the X5 provides a more accessible entry point into the premium segment. If budget is a key concern, the BMW X5 presents a more attractive option.

What are the trunk capacities of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The BMW X5 offers a consistent 645 liters of trunk capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a variable trunk capacity ranging from 480 to 690 liters, depending on the configuration. For reliable, ample storage without configuration changes, the X5 might be more straightforward, though the GLE-Class can offer more max space.

Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offer more engine options than the BMW X5?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a wider range of engine options, including 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder petrol engines, as well as a hybrid powertrain. The BMW X5 is available exclusively with 6-cylinder petrol engines. For more diverse power and efficiency choices, the GLE-Class is the preferred option.