BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400
What's the difference?

BMW X7

$109,888 - $129,990

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLE400

$53,990 - $89,800

2020 price

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Summary

2023 BMW X7

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

By Tim Nicholson

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 8, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.0L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Bold design
Spacious, plush interior
Beefy diesel engine

Stunning interior
Superb space
Comprehensive safety kit

Dislikes

Pricey options
Some functions hard to find in screen
A challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces

Unpleasant ride
Four-cylinder diesel performance
Challenging styling

2023 BMW X7 Summary

Large family-friendly luxury SUVs tend to be handsome in design but somewhat restrained. Until now. BMW has introduced a major facelift for its flagship SUV, the six- or seven-seat X7. Emphasis on face.

The new X7 adopts the striking but controversial front-end from the new 7 Series sedan, but the big, bold SUV is hiding some rather significant changes under the skin. Aside from a beefier diesel that now comes with mild hybrid tech, there’s also a redesigned cabin, massively upgraded tech, more standard features, oh, and a price increase.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 Summary

This is the first real Mercedes-Benz GLE. It's the second version of the SUV, but the last one was really just a big update of the old ML, and it never really soared to the heights it could have as a result of that.

But this new version - the 2020 GLE - is exactly that. It's new.

The exterior is new. The engines are new. The underpinnings are new. The interior - yep, you guessed it - new.

The big question is, though, is the GLE a competitor now? Can it stand up against the BMW X5, Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90 and even the VW Touareg?

Let's find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW X7 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Verdict

When lined up against its direct rivals, the expensive X7 xDrive40d represents reasonable value for money.

It has a unique and bold look and a sumptuous, visually striking and well-appointed interior that has acres of space for family, friends, or for ferrying frequent flyers to the airport.

That wallop of performance from the big beefy diesel is the cherry on the top. This is how you do a mid-life update.

Verdict

All told, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020 model is an improvement in many ways over its predecessor. It's safer, more high-tech, considerably more luxurious and practical inside, and offers better value, too.

But, in 300d guise at least, it's let down by a slightly underdone engine, and suspension that just doesn't do a good enough job on rougher roads. It's close, but not close enough to be best in class.

Maybe that'll be a different case for the higher-grade versions with the most high-tech engines and the tricky optional suspension... we'll have to wait and see.

BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400
What's the difference?