VS
At a Glance
Power
210 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
650 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.1 s
5.6 s
Engine
2993 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 210 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 7.8 l/100km while the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 814 637 for the X5 and R1 974 997 for the GLE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
210 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
650 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
6.1 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
233 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
85 l
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4924 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1999-2157 mm
Height
1765 mm
1797 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2220 DIN / 2295 EU Kg
2350 DIN / 2425 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 7)
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
730 l
685 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLE
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
X5
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Lower starting price (R1 814 637)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 270 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
More powerful engine (270 engine kW)
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or GLE?
The X5 uses 7.8 l/100km and the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X5 or GLE?
The X5 produces 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the GLE delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The GLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and GLE?
The X5 starts from R1 814 637 and the GLE from R1 974 997. The X5 is cheaper by R160 360 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or GLE?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLE can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the GLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.