BMW X5 40 xDrive for 2027 produces 394 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged inline-six, compared with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft from the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV’s turbocharged inline-four. Both use 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and offer all-wheel drive. BMW also offers an X5 plug-in hybrid with a preliminary estimated electric range of up to 44 miles. This page compares their powertrains, cargo space, technology, and ownership features to help Glendale shoppers evaluate both vehicles.
BMW X5 40 xDrive offers a 394-hp inline-six, BMW Panoramic iDrive, standard Driving Assistant Plus, and an available plug-in hybrid model. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV uses a 255-hp inline-four and offers more cargo volume both behind the second row and with the rear seats folded.
Both vehicles have 48-volt mild-hybrid systems and offer additional powertrain choices within their respective lineups. BMW X5 emphasizes its Panoramic Vision display and driver-oriented controls, while Mercedes-Benz GLE offers the MBUX Superscreen with three displays across the dashboard. The sections below compare specific equipment and measurements without treating either vehicle’s entire lineup as identical to its base model.
This table compares the 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive with the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. Specifications for their available plug-in hybrid models are discussed separately.
| Specification | 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged inline-six | 2.0L turbocharged inline-four |
| Horsepower | 394 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Maximum towing capacity | 7,710 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Cargo space behind second row | 27.3 cu ft | 33.3 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo space | 67.7 cu ft | 74.9 cu ft |
| Standard seating capacity | Five | Five |
| Mild-hybrid system | 48-volt starter-generator | 48-volt Integrated Starter-Generator |
| Available plug-in hybrid | BMW X5 50e xDrive | GLE 500e 4MATIC SUV |
| Basic new-vehicle warranty | Four years / 50,000 miles | Four years / 50,000 miles |
| 0–60 mph | 5.1 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
Note: Manufacturer specifications support the listed performance, towing, cargo, and drivetrain figures. Maximum towing capacity requires appropriate equipment, and acceleration results can vary with vehicle configuration and testing conditions.
BMW X5 40 xDrive uses a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six producing 394 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission works with standard xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW lists a preliminary 0–60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV uses a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Its 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission has nine speeds, and Mercedes-Benz lists a 0–60 mph time of 6.8 seconds.
Both powertrains use 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. In BMW X5, a starter-generator integrated with the eight-speed transmission supports engine starting, energy recuperation, and supplemental electrical assistance. The GLE uses an Integrated Starter-Generator to support similar functions within its own powertrain design.
Maximum towing capacity is closely matched: up to 7,710 lbs for BMW X5 40 xDrive and up to 7,700 lbs for the GLE 350 4MATIC SUV, when properly equipped. Actual towing limits depend on vehicle equipment, trailer specifications, and applicable manufacturer requirements.
For shoppers interested in a plug-in hybrid, BMW X5 50e xDrive combines a turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor for 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of combined torque. BMW estimates up to 44 miles of electric range based on preliminary testing using EPA test-procedure standards; final EPA certification may differ.
Mercedes-Benz lists a GLE 500e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid SUV with 429 hp and 502 lb-ft of combined torque. A directly comparable final U.S. electric-range figure is not included in the manufacturer information reviewed here.
BMW xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on the X5 40 xDrive and X5 50e xDrive. BMW has also announced a rear-wheel-drive X5 40 model for the U.S. lineup.
BMW xDrive all-wheel drive explained
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV provides 33.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row and up to 74.9 cu ft with the rear seats folded. BMW X5 40 xDrive provides 27.3 cu ft behind the second row and up to 67.7 cu ft with the seats folded.
These manufacturer-published measurements describe cargo volume, although the shape of each cargo area and the items being transported also matter when evaluating usable storage.
Both vehicles seat five passengers in the configurations compared here.
BMW X5 introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, which combines BMW Panoramic Vision across the lower portion of the windshield, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, and a BMW 3D Head-Up Display. This layout places driving information and commonly used controls within the driver’s field of view.
Standard BMW X5 equipment includes heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive suspension, and Soft Close doors. Available interior upgrades include the BMW Passenger Screen, a 14.6-inch display designed for front-passenger entertainment, as well as additional comfort and personalization features.
Mercedes-Benz GLE offers the MBUX Superscreen, with three 12.3-inch displays beneath a continuous glass panel. It combines the instrument cluster, central touchscreen, and front-passenger display in a single dashboard layout.
BMW X5’s available Luxury Package includes automatic doors, a BMW Passenger Screen, and BMW Individual interior applications. The available Technology Package includes a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System and additional technology features.
Both vehicles offer driver-assistance, parking, and connected-vehicle technologies, with differences in standard equipment, available packages, and operating interfaces.
BMW confirms these features for the 2027 X5 40 xDrive. Driving Assistant Plus can assist with speed control, following distance, and lane centering under supported conditions. The driver must remain attentive and prepared to intervene.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers driver-assistance and parking systems through its MB.DRIVE technology portfolio. Features include adaptive distance control, steering assistance, lane-change assistance, and parking functions, depending on the selected equipment and available Digital Extras. The vehicle also offers a Surround View System and additional occupant-protection technologies.
An available Driving Assistance Professional Package for BMW X5 adds Highway and Commuting Assistant. Its Highway Assistant function can support hands-free driving on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph when operating conditions permit. The driver remains responsible for supervising the vehicle and must be ready to intervene.
Available Parking Assistant Plus provides additional parking support and 3D Surround View functionality.
For infotainment, Mercedes-Benz GLE uses fourth-generation MBUX with an AI-based voice assistant. BMW X5 uses BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which incorporates Amazon Alexa+ AI technology. Both vehicles support compatible smartphone integration and connected-vehicle functions.
BMW ConnectedDrive features and services
Both vehicles offer a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, subject to the applicable manufacturer warranty terms and exclusions.
BMW X5 40 xDrive includes adaptive suspension, Soft Close doors, heated front seats, BMW Panoramic Vision, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, and BMW 3D Head-Up Display as standard equipment. Buyers can review the available packages to determine whether additional comfort, driver-assistance, or entertainment functions suit their needs.
The GLE 350 4MATIC SUV includes its own standard comfort and technology equipment, with additional options available throughout the GLE lineup. Its published cargo capacities are 33.3 cu ft behind the second row and 74.9 cu ft maximum.
BMW X5 is assembled at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. The fifth-generation model begins its U.S. rollout with the X5 40 xDrive, followed by additional powertrain configurations.
Vehicle pricing is not included in this comparison. Contact BMW of Milwaukee North in Glendale to review current availability, vehicle-specific equipment, and applicable purchase or lease offers.
BMW X5 40 xDrive for 2027 combines a 394-hp turbocharged inline-six with xDrive all-wheel drive, a 5.1-second preliminary 0–60 mph time, and BMW Panoramic iDrive.
BMW’s announced U.S. rollout begins with the X5 40 xDrive in October 2026. The X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid is scheduled to follow in the first quarter of 2027, with BMW listing an ordering window beginning in October 2026.
Contact BMW of Milwaukee North in Glendale to check current or incoming X5 inventory, review available configurations, and confirm when a specific vehicle can be viewed or test-driven.
BMW X5 40 xDrive produces 394 hp, compared with 255 hp in the GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. BMW lists a preliminary 0–60 mph time of 5.1 seconds for the X5 40 xDrive, while Mercedes-Benz lists 6.8 seconds for the GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. Other models in both lineups have different power outputs.
The GLE 350 4MATIC SUV offers 33.3 cu ft behind the second row and up to 74.9 cu ft with the rear seats folded. BMW X5 40 xDrive offers 27.3 cu ft behind the second row and up to 67.7 cu ft maximum.
Yes. BMW X5 50e xDrive is a plug-in hybrid producing 483 combined hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. BMW estimates up to 44 miles of electric range based on preliminary testing using EPA test-procedure standards. BMW lists ordering beginning in October 2026, with the model scheduled to follow the initial X5 launch in the first quarter of 2027.
BMW X5 40 xDrive can tow up to 7,710 lbs, while the GLE 350 4MATIC SUV can tow up to 7,700 lbs. Both maximum ratings depend on proper equipment and compliance with the manufacturer’s towing requirements.
Yes. The 2027 BMW X5 is assembled at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.
Standard features include Driving Assistant Plus, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, BMW Panoramic Vision, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Speed Limit Assistant, and Distance Control with Steering Assistance, among others.
With the available Driving Assistance Professional Package, BMW X5 offers Highway Assistant for hands-free driving on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph when conditions permit. It is a supervised driver-assistance function, not autonomous driving. The driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene.
BMW lists the X5 40 xDrive at 197.2 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall.
Contact BMW of Milwaukee North in Glendale to confirm current or incoming 2027 BMW X5 availability. Browse current inventory online to review listed vehicles or arrange a test drive when a specific vehicle is available.
