VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
450 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
1.9 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
2700 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.8 s
5.6 s
Engine
2998 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 230 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 1.9 l/100km while the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 977 000 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
230 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
450 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
4.8 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
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
1.9 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
69 l
85 l
CO2 Emissions
41 g/km
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4924 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1999-2157 mm
Height
1755 mm
1797 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2420 DIN / 2495 EU Kg
2350 DIN / 2425 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1720 l
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2700 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
780 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 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLE
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
GLE
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (1.9 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 270 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLE
More powerful engine (270 engine kW)
Lower starting price (R1 974 997)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or GLE?
The X5 uses 1.9 l/100km and the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 230 kW and 450 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 977 000 and the GLE from R1 974 997. The GLE is cheaper by R2 003 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 2700 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.