These days, there’s a wide variety of SUVs on the market for families of all sizes. However, if you’re looking for a genuine luxury SUV that also provides confident levels of performance and a well-equipped cabin, there are only a few models truly worthy of your consideration. The 2018 BMW X5 and 2018 BMW X6 are both exciting and worthwhile models, but in a number of critical areas, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE wins out. We’ve put together the comparison chart below to show you exactly what we mean! Find out more before coming into Mercedes-Benz of Chicago near Oak Park for a test drive.
| Features | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 SUV | 2018 BMW X5 sDrive35i Sport Activity Vehicle | 2018 BMW X6 sDrive35i Sport Activity Coupe |
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $52,200 | $56,950 | $62,700 |
| Performance | |||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 engine | 3.0L turbo I6 engine | 3.0L turbo I6 engine |
| Horsepower | 302 | 300 | 300 |
| Torque | 273 | 300 | 300 |
| Fuel Economy | |||
| EPA-Estimated City MPG | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| EPA-Estimated Highway MPG | 23 | 25 | 25 |
| Capacities | |||
| Max Towing Capacity | 6,600 pounds | 5,952 pounds | 6,000 pounds |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 80.3 cubic feet | 66 cubic feet | 59.7 cubic feet |
| Exterior Dimensions | |||
| Length | 189.7 inches | 192.4 inches | 193.8 inches |
| Width | 76.2 inches | 76.3 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 70.7 inches | 69.4 inches | 67 inches |
| Wheelbase | 114.8 inches | 115.5 inches | 115.5 inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,650 pounds | 4,680 pounds | 4,585 pounds |
| Interior Features | |||
| Split-Folding Rear Seats | 60/40 | 40/20/40 | 40/20/40 |
| Compass | Standard | Feature Not Offered | Feature Not Offered |
| Safety Features | |||
| First Aid Kit | Standard | Feature Not Offered | Feature Not Offered |
| Second Row Side Airbag | Standard | Feature Not Offered | Feature Not Offered |
| Emergency Telematics System | Mercedes-Benzmbrace®® Connect | BMW Assist eCall™ | BMW Assist eCall™ |
| Vehicle Theft Tracking | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Forward Collision Alert with Front Automatic Braking | Active Brake Assist | Optional | Optional |
| Driver Attention Monitor | ATTENTION ASSIST®® | Feature Not Offered | Feature Not Offered |
| Pre-Collision System | PRESAFE® | Feature Not Offered | Feature Not Offered |
While all three vehicles offer undeniable appeal, but the new GLE emerges as the best pick—beginning with its lower MSRP. Performance-wise, the 2018 GLE 350 offers more horsepower and a greater towing capacity than the BMW SUVs, as well as cargo room. In addition, only the GLE comes with 60/40-split-folding rear seats and a compass. The GLE also brags a vast array of safety features, such as forward collision warning (Active Brake Assist), a driver attention monitor (ATTENTION ASSIST®), and a pre-collision system (PRESAFE®).
From top to bottom, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE makes a strong case for itself in the always competitive segment of luxury SUVs. You can find out more about this model and take one for a test drive when you visit Mercedes-Benz of Chicago near Evanston; we’re located at 1520 W. North Avenue in Chicago, IL. Our showroom is open Monday through Saturday, and you can always contact us with questions.
