VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
5.6 s
Engine
2998 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X6 delivers 280 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 9.3 l/100km while the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 976 476 for the X6 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
280 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
520 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 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
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
9.3 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
85 l
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4960 mm
4924 mm
Width
2004-2212 mm
1999-2157 mm
Height
1696 mm
1797 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
216 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
2350 DIN / 2425 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
580-1530 l
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
720 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
X6
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
GLE
Practicality
X6
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 974 997)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 280 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or GLE?
The X6 uses 9.3 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 X6 or GLE?
The X6 produces 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque while the GLE delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and GLE?
The X6 starts from R1 976 476 and the GLE from R1 974 997. The GLE is cheaper by R1 479 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or GLE?
The X6 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 X6 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.