Talk about the epitome of luxury vehicles and the best sellers among German brands, and you have the BMW and the Mercedes Benz. These two top dogs in the luxury auto segment are renowned for their precise engineering and supreme craftsmanship. The GLE and the X5 are the first and top luxury midsize offerings from these German brands. These two luxury SUVs have been around for over two decades. These two offer the best blend of luxury, practicality, technology, and refinement in the luxury midsize SUV class.
Of course, if you can afford it, you can decide to lease both the X5 and the GLE. But since that’s barely the case, besides, why lease both when they are much similar? So, which is better between leasing the 2022 BMW X5 and leasing the 2022 Mercedes Benz GLE?
What’s New
Now in its fourth generation and third-decade production, the BMW X5, the very first BMW’s SUV, is still living up to BMW’s ultimate driving machine motto—one of the most compelling lease options in the luxury midsize SUV segment. This luxury midsize SUV comes with minor changes for the 2022 model year, except for the arrival of the X5 Black Vermilion Limited edition. This limited version of the 2022 X5 xDrive40i sports an exquisite styling inside and out, as well as a host of high-end features such as Merino Black leather upholstery, leather-covered dashboard, a glass shift knob, a faux-suede headliner, and lots more.
BMW has added more standard and optional features to the 2022 X5, including an enhanced Bluetooth for 40i and 45e models, Sparkling Brown Metallic and Dravit Grey Metallic paint colors, and Glass controls. Other notable tweaks to the new X5 include removing wireless charging as a standard feature, removing the Convenience package for 40i models, and Premium and Executive packages. Also, the new X5 comes without the front and rear heated seats and two-axle air suspension been individual options. Finally, the new Climate Comfort package features front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and four-zone climate control.
For the 2022 Mercedes Benz GLE, Mercedes has been a little conservative. After it attempts to expand the GLE’s lineup by offering the performance-focused AMG GLE 53 and 63 S variants last year, Mercedes seem to have decided against that in the 2022 GLE lineup. The GLE 63 S, introduced just last year, has been dropped from the 2022 Mercedes GLE lineup. Mercedes has also confirmed that some of its models with V8 engines won’t be available for the 2022 model year. If our guess is correct, we might not be seeing the GLE580 in the 2022 GLE lineup. Other notable changes in this German’s longest-serving SUV include the addition of automatic high-beam headlamps as standard, as well as the new two-tone Espresso Brown-and-black or white-and-black leather upholstery schemes. The 2022 GLE will continue to offer available third-row seating, outstanding luxurious niceties, and the Mercedes’ advanced MBUX infotainment system.
Powertrain And Transmission
The 2022 BMW X5 is available with trio engine options. This luxury midsize SUV comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that churns out 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it comes as either rear-wheel drive (sDrive40i) or all-wheel drive (xDrive40i). The xDrive45e, an X5 hybrid version, combines the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the M50i model packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that pumps out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a more performance-oriented model—the X5 M. All 2022 X5 models feature a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard across all models except the base model, where the RWD sDrive40i is standard and AWD xDrive40i optional.
Like the BMW X5, the 2022 Mercedes GLE has many powertrain options. The GLE350 models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four that makes 255 hp and 273 lb-ft. The GLE offers a hybrid powertrain. The GLE450 models pack a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a novel 48-volt electrical system that combines to produce 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. In contrast, the GLE53 models come with a 429-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged inline-six. All 2022 GLE models feature a nine-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (4Matic) standard across most models except the base models and rear-wheel drive optional.
The BMW X5 offers more power than the Mercedes GLE. If you want more power and torque, leasing the 2022 BMW X5 is the right choice.
Handling And Performance
The X5 and the GLE have demonstrated class-leading ride quality and refined handling. These two luxury SUVs come with an adaptive suspension and an optional suspension that helps maintain a calm and refined ride quality even over sharp turns and rough terrains. However, while both SUVs demonstrated surefooted handling, the X5’s steering does not feel as quick or composed as the GLE. Neither does the brake respond quickly and firmly.
Fuel Economy
With diverse engine options across both luxurious SUV brands, the fuel efficiency will greatly be influenced by your choice model. Nevertheless, the BMW X5 is a more fuel-efficient option. The X5 with the base sDrive40i models return 21/26 mpg city/highway, while the xDrive40i model gets 21/25 mpg. The 2022 GLE350 earns an EPA estimated 19/27 mpg city/highway rating.
Interior And Comfort
Inside, BMW sports a well-built and stylish interior with myriads of state-of-the-art tech niceties. However, even with all the high-quality materials, high-tech features, large screens, and glass controls, the cabin of the X5 is nothing to be compared with that of the Mercedes GLE. Both also offer the same seating capacity with nearly the same passenger and cargo space.
For infotainment, the X5 boasts of the BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touch screen in the center of the dashboard. In contrast, the GLE comes with an MBUX infotainment system that sports a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which blends into a 12.3-inch touch screen. Notwithstanding, we still prefer the more intuitive MBUX infotainment system to the iDrive infotainment system.
Cost
While the difference in price tag may not be much, the 2022 Mercedes GLE is a pricier alternative.
All in all, both the X5 and GLE are impressive options for anyone looking to lease a luxury midsize SUV. To get the most rewarding lease rates when you lease either of these luxury machines, contact VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 https://viplease.com/.
