Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Back in March, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 2027 GLE-Class, a midsize SUV that has been so heavily revised that it almost qualifies as an all-new model. This week, BMW launched its answer to the GLE in the form of the 2027 X5, and like the GLE, there have been a lot of changes, but unlike the GLE, BMW has upgraded or altered so much that the new X5 is deemed worthy of being labeled a new generation. So which is worth your hard-earned cash? Which is more appealing? Let's talk about it.2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Vs. 2027 BMW X5: DesignMercedes-BenzView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a bolder look than before, with a new chrome-bordered grille housing an illuminated Three-pointed Star, new headlights with star motifs, restyled taillights with more stars, new wing mirrors, new wheel designs, and new paint options (Dark Petrol and Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic). Despite these changes, it's still a relatively traditional design that is clearly related to GLEs of the past, but with the BMW, things get a lot more radical. The entire vehicle has been restyled, with new body panels everywhere and a design inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. That means a mask-like front end with narrow, vertical kidney grilles, angular wheel arches, winglets for door handles, and a rear end with taillights that stretch across the tailgate, almost meeting in the middle. The X-shaped motifs in the headlights are also new, but they can be deactivated if you prefer simpler slashes like the iX3. 10 wheel designs and 11 paint colors are available, including five new exterior finishes: Space Silver metallic, Grey Pine metallic, Vancouver Green metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, and BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver metallic.BMWView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Merc is attractive but relatively unimaginative, while the Bimmer is far more of a boundary pusher, though that may alienate some. Overall, the Merc remains the subtler, more understated vehicle, while the Bimmer is venturing into a new realm that will set the tone for the next decade. Which is better? That's up to you, but if you like bragging about having the latest SUV in your driveway, the X5 is more attention-grabbing.2027 BMW X5 Vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE: InteriorBMWView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the X5 is again more unusual, while the GLE is more familiar. In the Mercedes, the MBUX Superscreen (three 12.3-inch displays) dominates the dashboard and is complemented by an Augmented Reality Head-up Display with 18 inches of display area. In the BMW, there's no screen behind the four-spoke steering wheel, with driver information that would normally appear in the cluster being shown on a narrow display spanning the entire bottom of the windshield. In the middle of the dash, there's a 17.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, though customers can also spec a 14.6-inch passenger display. Both the GLE and the X5 offer AI assistance, the former through the MBUX Virtual Assistant that features Microsoft, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT integration, and the latter through Amazon Alexa+ AI.Related: BMW's First iX7 Spy Shots Hint At A Massive 800-HP Luxury SUVWhile the Mercedes GLE's sheer amount of screen area is overwhelming on paper, it's well integrated, and the steering wheel sees the return of a tactile rocker switch. The BMW, on the other hand, feels unusual at first, but as we've learned in the iX3, the layout is remarkably easy to get comfortable with. However, the lack of proper physical controls on the steering wheel, not to mention the weird shape thereof, is a double-edged sword. Younger, tech-forward buyers are more likely to gel with the Bimmer, while Luddites will likely give the edge to the Merc. It's tough to call a winner; for overall ergonomics, the Bimmer's screen is easier to reach, and the Panoramic Vision system is easy to get along with, while the Merc's interior is arguably a better representation of luxury in the traditional sense, and both vehicles get a panoramic sunroof as standard. But because there are physical controls in the GLE, including for climate controls, it wins this round.2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Vs. 2027 BMW X5: PerformanceMercedes-BenzView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementFor 2027, there are multiple powertrains available for both the GLE and the X5. With the Mercedes, the range kicks off with the GLE 350, which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 255 hp, and then there's the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six delivering 375 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The new GLE 500e plug-in hybrid replaces the four-cylinder GLE 450 with a new 3.0-liter inline-six, and it makes a combined 429 hp, while the top of the range is filled by the GLE 580 with a new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. This makes a combined 530 hp and does 0-60 in as little as 4.4 seconds.Related: BMW Beats Audi and Mercedes in JD Power Initial Quality StudyFor the X5, BMW has revealed the specs of only two combustion-powered models. The rear-drive X5 40 and the AWD X5 40 xDrive both feature a revised B58 turbocharged straight-six, with the 3.0-liter engine getting a new turbo that brings output to 394 hp. BMW says these will get to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds (4.8 with a one-foot rollout), but the AWD version will surely be a little quicker. Opt for the plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, and the inline-six is paired with a single electric motor to provide a combined total of 483 hp. Here, 0-60 mph takes 4.6 seconds, but those seeking more performance will have to wait; a V8-powered M Performance model will follow, but Europe has already been shown a plug-in hybrid straight-six M Performance model with 603 hp and the ability to reach 62 mph in around 4.5 seconds. For now, and at least on paper, the GLE is the more rounded option with better peak figures, but the X5 will be available as an EV and with a hydrogen powertrain.2027 BMW X5 Vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE: PricingBMWView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementPricing for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is yet to be revealed, but the 2026 model starts at $62,250 (plus $1,350 for destination). If Mercedes can keep the 2027 model in that ballpark despite some 3,000 changes or revisions for the new model year, the GLE will be hard to ignore. The 2027 BMW X5 was revealed with pricing, and it starts at a considerably higher figure, with the rear-drive X5 40 carrying a base MSRP of $69,800 and the xDrive starting at $72,100 (plus $1,450 for destination and handling). That's considerably more than the cheapest GLE, but you get two more cylinders under the hood and 394 hp, not 255.2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Vs. 2027 BMW X5: VerdictMercedes-BenzView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe 2027 BMW X5 offers up to 65 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats folded, while the 2027 Mercedes GLE provides up to 72 cubic feet, making it more spacious and thus more useful. The GLE also provides a greater variety in the powertrain department, though BMW will catch up soon. The Merc's styling isn't particularly groundbreaking, but that means it's likely to be less controversial than the Bimmer's, and because the cabin has at least some physical controls, it's likely to be less frustrating to use, despite how fluid interactions with BMW's interfaces will be. It's also worth mentioning that the GLE is already available in slanted-roof 'coupe' form, while the fastback X6 has yet to be revealed (several lease offers for June suggest its debut is imminent). Overall, the heavily redesigned 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more compelling product, or at least it will be if pricing is good, but we can't fault those who choose the new X5. Often, decisions like these come down to brand loyalty and styling preferences, but to the agnostic, the GLE seems to be the ideal midsize premium SUV.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.