[Np2014]

Is anyone else cross shopping a 2019 X5 50i versus a 2020 Gle 450? I know one is a twin turbo v8 versus an inline 6 but curious on feedback from others such as pros and cons. Thanks

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Np2014

Is anyone else cross shopping a 2019 X5 50i versus a 2020 Gle 450? I know one is a twin turbo v8 versus an inline 6 but curious on feedback from others such as pros and cons. Thanks

The new GLE 450 looks like a nice car and it will no doubt sell well. I personally like the style of the G05 better.

I don't like the four big air vents nor the grab bars on the center console, but others will probably love it.

[jimv03]

Originally Posted by Np2014

Is anyone else cross shopping a 2019 X5 50i versus a 2020 Gle 450? I know one is a twin turbo v8 versus an inline 6 but curious on feedback from others such as pros and cons. Thanks

I test drove a GLE 450 and it drives well. However, it felt much smaller on the inside than the G05 and I just think the G05 looks better inside and out. Also, equipped the same it appears the Mercedes is more expensive.

[bigrobb2]

Originally Posted by jimv03

I test drove a GLE 450 and it drives well. However, it felt much smaller on the inside than the G05 and I just think the G05 looks better inside and out. Also, equipped the same it appears the Mercedes is more expensive.

Are you talking the current Gen or the new 2020 version? The new GLE platform is bigger.

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by Np2014

Is anyone else cross shopping a 2019 X5 50i versus a 2020 Gle 450? I know one is a twin turbo v8 versus an inline 6 but curious on feedback from others such as pros and cons. Thanks

Very fine car but as others said those quad square vents in the middle and rear design that looks like chevy traverse are hard to ignore also their infotainment sucks(I had GLC for 3 years before X5)

[jimv03]

Originally Posted by bigrobb2

Are you talking the current Gen or the new 2020 version? The new GLE platform is bigger.

I am referring to the 2020 model. Yes it is longer and certainly has more room behind the drivers row but, it felt the same as previous models to me in the drivers seat. It just seems that the G05 has more space between the driver and front passenger than the new GLE 450.

[MystroX5]

The 2021 GLE53 AMG with 429hp is a bit closer to the 50i M-Sport but still won’t match it. The GLE53 is low in torque by 100ftlbs. The GLE450 is a direct competitor for the X5 40i. The GLE450 isn’t even in the same zip code as the 50i.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/2...CEC112E6E2ECF3

[Np2014]

When I test drove the 2020 Gle 450 I loved the interior finishes and mbux technology. I am just concerned the inline 6 won't be enough power I wish the Gle had a v8 option. Especially when you have 4 grown adults in the suv and are merging onto the highway from a slow speed or towing something heavy around. I also thought the demo which wasn't very equipped had a suspension which felt very floaty and soft even in the sport mode setting. Did anyone else cross shopping feel that way? The X5 50i felt more sporty and alive while the Gle more of a grand touring suv.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Np2014

When I test drove the 2020 Gle 450 I loved the interior finishes and mbux technology. I am just concerned the inline 6 won't be enough power I wish the Gle had a v8 option. Especially when you have 4 grown adults in the suv and are merging onto the highway from a slow speed or towing something heavy around. I also thought the demo which wasn't very equipped had a suspension which felt very floaty and soft even in the sport mode setting. Did anyone else cross shopping feel that way? The X5 50i felt more sporty and alive while the Gle more of a grand touring suv.

The GLE has always been on the soft side rather than sport by design. It seems to pull the Lexus RX crowd since the GLE can be optioned way down to keep the price competitive.

[OneBP210]

If speed is your thing why not just buy a Jeep SRT and save yourself 20k?
I don’t understand the need for the larger engine if you’re living in a city or even a suburb. Are you boy racing teenagers in Mustangs and Camaros or driving your kids to school?

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by OneBP210

If speed is your thing why not just buy a Jeep SRT and save yourself 20k?
I don’t understand the need for the larger engine if you’re living in a city or even a suburb. Are you boy racing teenagers in Mustangs and Camaros or driving your kids to school?

I understand that comment but coming from Jeep.
That is like saying why don’t you get a Camaro SS than a 911. Build quality, technology, build materials, etc.... The advanced technology in the BMW is next level and makes the Jeep look like it’s rubbing two sticks together. Ucconect is a nice system but extremely basic by comparison. You can price shop a new Trackhawk the same price as a 40i if you want a dragon wagon. Personally I wouldn’t trust or want to drive a Trackhawk on a family vacation.

[OneBP210]

You realise that’s not a apples to apples comparison right? I agree on the Trackhawk comment but not an SRT. I know a few people who have previously or currently own them and have taken them cross country. At this point the SRT would be more reliable given the G05 is a new release and the SRT platform has been around for sometime. I’d opt for the 40i and a 911 for the weekends.

I’m not going to knock the Camaro either because for the price that’s one hell of a performance car.

[ted99]

The AMG GLE 43 will have a 48V system which allows the option of an active suspension that looks forward from a windshield sensor and raises or lowers a specific wheel in response to potholes/bumps. Reports are that it really works. I'll be giving it a try when my X5 40e lease tolls late next year. Something that helps with Houston's potholes, but doesn't go full float, will be high on my shopping list.

[Np2014]

The jeep has horribly small cargo space unfortunately. I need that space when I am hauling my dogs around in their crates to the dog park or vet appts etc. I currently have an older x5 4.8i so want an suv that's got a spacious cargo area with seats down flat and can be sporty/fun to drive. I have an M4 as my daily driver aside from winter months. I am just looking for the best of both worlds in my next suv spacious cargo area for my dogs crates and sporty fun for me.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by OneBP210

You realise that’s not a apples to apples comparison right? I agree on the Trackhawk comment but not an SRT. I know a few people who have previously or currently own them and have taken them cross country. At this point the SRT would be more reliable given the G05 is a new release and the SRT platform has been around for sometime. I’d opt for the 40i and a 911 for the weekends.

I’m not going to knock the Camaro either because for the price that’s one hell of a performance car.

I took my 50i M-Sport on a 2200 mile cross country family road trip with only 200 miles on the odometer last month. It was reliable and the by far the best riding luxury car I have taken on this trip. I drove 1100 miles in one day coming home. I wouldn’t think of trying that with any of my Grand Cherokee’s and my last was the highest optioned GC I could order. They would needed a back board and pry bar getting me out. Comfort and ride quality are not even on the same league,and they shouldn’t be. The SRT spring rate is stiff and chatters over concrete expansion joints. It would be significantly less comfortable than the GC air suspension. I like and own Jeep products but they don’t punch above their weight class. The upcoming Grand Wagoneer is suppose to try and hit the luxury SUV mark. We will see if FCA can pull it off.

[MotoWPK]

My wife and I are cross shopping the X5 40i against the GLE 450. Had driven the former for the first time a month ago, then had an opportunity to drive the GLE this past Friday, after which we drove the 40i again while our impressions of the GLE were fresh.

As far as power and response of the engine, I'd say they are very equivalent. More than adequate from smooth, quiet I6's. Transmission on the GLE is comparably responsive to the excellent ZF unit on the X5. Note that the GLE does not have a center, console mounted shifter, instead having a stalk on the right side of the steering column to select park, drive or reverse (a bit old school, one might say). It does, however, have shift paddles which will transition to manual shifting mode when pressed when in any drive mode (which is selected via buttons on the center console like the X5). Holding the right shift paddle for a few seconds will return the transmission to auto shifting.

Steering of both is very good, though a bit different in feel. The GLE is quite light at center, but weights up nicely as soon as you turn off center. By comparison, the X5 has more weighting at center. They both appear to be comparably accurate with regard to steering.

Ride comfort for both is excellent and I would say comparable (standard suspensions for both examples I drove). The X5 had modestly more body control, the most noticeable difference being less roll in turns than the GLE. Picking a preference in this regard is difficult as I plan on ordering an X5 with air + integral active steering or a GLE with air suspension (there is no rear steering option for the GLE). It's my understanding MB's 'airmatic' suspension reduces roll and provides more range of suspension firmness in different drive modes, so it may reduce any difference compared to the X5 to be negligible. Unfortunately, just as it's seemingly impossible to find an X5 in stock with air suspension to test drive, it's seems to also be impossible to find a GLE in stock with air suspension to test.

As far as the interior, I've long preferred the styling of BMW's, but have to say the GLE is very nice and with regard to comfort, functionality, luxury and quality, is equivalent. Yes, there are some things that I prefer the way BMW does over MB, but this is influenced by being used to the 'BMW way' (our '14 X5 is our 3rd BMW - have never owned a Benz).

My wife noticed more rear seat legroom in the GLE and, indeed, comparing manufacturer spec's it has 3.5" more than the X5. However, the GLE has almost 5 cubic feet less cargo volume behind the 2nd row than the X5 (~30 vs ~35). As they have the same (or nearly) wheelbase, it would appear Benz has place the 2nd row further back in the GLE, compared to the X5, trading off cargo volume for rear legroom. Cargo volume behind the front seats is essentially the same.

As for MBUX vs iDrive, both have two large screens, of course, though the GLE's center screen display appeared a bit sharper. The GLE also has buttons on the steering wheel, right under your thumbs, which you can swipe to select screen content while keeping your hands on the wheel. Clever and seemed to work quite well. The GLE also has a touch pad on the console providing similar functionality to the X5's iDrive wheel. Both also have touch screens and voice commands.

As for cost...configured the way I would probably order either, the GLE's MSRP comes out only about $1K higher than the X5 - a small difference at this price level. But...it's my understanding the difference between MSRP and invoice is smaller on the GLE; ~5% vs ~7% for the X5. Assuming a negotiated price around the middle between MSRP and invoice, the difference increases. The net cost difference further increases when including the ~$2K loyalty incentive and ~$1K BMWCCA discount available with X5, the GLE not having anything equivalent. In the end, the GLE would be ~$4K more.

[AndroidRobot]

What's blows my mind is how Mercedes limits their options with certain packages. Example, you can't get the AMG exterior package with the Burmester high end sound system. This makes no sense not to mention how ugly it is.

[MystroX5]

When the GLE350 comes out with the 255hp 4-banger, they will be everywhere as dealers will have them selling OTD just below $50k.

[Np2014]

Very dissapointing mercedes went with a 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder options on the new 2020 Gle versus BMW 2019 X5 with a 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder options.

Just from price shopping I can get a fairly loaded executive tier 2019 x5 50i for around maybe only 2k more than a well loaded 2020 gle 450 without the e-activity body control package

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by ted99

The AMG GLE 43 will have a 48V system which allows the option of an active suspension that looks forward from a windshield sensor and raises or lowers a specific wheel in response to potholes/bumps. Reports are that it really works. I'll be giving it a try when my X5 40e lease tolls late next year. Something that helps with Houston's potholes, but doesn't go full float, will be high on my shopping list.

I think you mean GLE 53, but I don't blame you since Merc is changing their nomenclature year after year. Isn't their new E-Active suspension an $8k+ option though? thats a lot of money just for a suspension, also I assume you'll be leasing, or at least hope, I know that Merc's suspensions usually have a high failure rate.

[jra0113]

Not gonna lie I'll be taking the wife to look at the AMG when the warranty on our 50i runs out. Bet the AMG looks better in real life than the photos just like the G05 does. I like switching things up, hence going from Escalade to G05 to possibly AMG.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by ted99

The AMG GLE 43 will have a 48V system which allows the option of an active suspension that looks forward from a windshield sensor and raises or lowers a specific wheel in response to potholes/bumps. Reports are that it really works. I'll be giving it a try when my X5 40e lease tolls late next year. Something that helps with Houston's potholes, but doesn't go full float, will be high on my shopping list.

The X7 does this and X5 has the same camera system so I'm guessing it may be able to get coded or will be added in the future.