2026 BMW X5 VS. MERCEDES-BENZ GLE

Drivers looking for luxury, performance, and roominess in their next vehicle often choose a midsize SUV. Although several options are available, two popular models are the 2026 BMW X5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Both vehicles feature world-class German engineering, luxe amenities, modern technologies, and high-tech powertrain options. Which one of these luxury midsize SUVs is best for your daily drives to Frisco and weekend trips out to Little Elm? Explore the differences between the 2026 BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE in this comparison from the team at Sewell BMW of Plano.

2026 BMW X5 VS. MERCEDES-BENZ GLE PERFORMANCE SPECS

Both of these luxury SUVs offer potent performance for your daily commutes to and from Richardson. However, when comparing the standard power of the new BMW X5 vs. the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the former provides significantly more horsepower. This power advantage continues with the top engine options, as the 2026 X5 still delivers more horsepower than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Explore the available engine configurations for these SUVs below:

2026 BMW X5 ENGINE SPECS

3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder

• Standard engine on: X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i
• Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,200-6,250 rpm
• Torque: 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.2-5.3 seconds (xDrive40i is slightly quicker than sDrive40i)
• Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder with integrated electric motor

• Standard engine on: X5 xDrive50e
• Combined Horsepower: 483 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
• Combined Torque: 516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,700 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
• Maximum towing capacity: 5,952 pounds

4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine

• Standard engine on: X5 M60i
• Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
• Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
• Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8

• Standard engine on: X5 M Competition
• Horsepower: 617 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds
• Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE ENGINE SPECS

2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive engine

Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC®

• Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
• Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 6.9-second 0-60 mph time (Rear-Wheel Drive) / 7.0-second 0-60 mph time (All-Wheel Drive) 
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

3.0L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive engine

Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC®

• Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
• Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
• Acceleration: 5.3-second 0-60 mph time
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

2.0L inline-4 turbo with Plug-In Hybrid technology

• Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC®
• Combined Horsepower: 381 hp (combined)
• Combined Torque: 479 lb-ft (combined)
• Acceleration: 5.8 sec 0-60 mph 
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

4.0L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive

• Standard engine on: Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC®
• Horsepower: 510 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
• Torque: 538 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 4.3-second 0-60 mph time
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

AMG®-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with hybrid assist

• Standard engine on: Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC®+
• Horsepower: 429 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
• Acceleration: 4.9-second 0-60 mph time
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo with hybrid assist

• Standard engine on: Mercedes-AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC®+
• Horsepower: 603 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
• Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
• Acceleration: 3.7-second 0-60 mph time
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

2026 BMW X5 VS. MERCEDES-BENZ GLE: TRIM LEVELS

Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer a variety of engine and model options. Drivers who want the flexibility to switch between all-electric and gasoline power may opt for the BMW X5 sDrive50e or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® SUV. However, if elevated performance is your priority, you will want to explore the X5. Compare the current year BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE trim selections for yourself:

2026 BMW X5 TRIM LEVELS

• BMW X5 sDrive40i
• BMW X5 xDrive40i
• BMW X5 xDrive50e
• BMW X5 M60i
• BMW X5 M Competition

2026 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE TRIM LEVELS

• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 
• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC® 
• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC® 
• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® 
• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC® 
• 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC® 
• 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLE 53 4MATIC®+ 
• 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLE 63 S 4MATIC®+ 

TEST-DRIVE A 2026 BMW X5 

Are you ready to add a 2026 BMW X5 to your garage? Contact us today to reserve your consultation and test drive of a new BMW X5 at Sewell BMW of Plano. Our team will review the features of each trim level to ensure you find the best configuration for your lifestyle in Allen. Save time by getting pre-approved for financing and exploring our lease and financing offers online before visiting our store in Plano.