Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs BMW 320d

What's the difference?

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space.

Though it lags well behind the BMW X5 in terms of sales, by about half in fact, the GLE still aims to exude status and luxury, helped by a facelift in 2023.

In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus.

Despite the facelift, the category is moving on with big screens and more tech, where the GLE still has to rely on some traditional charm to win over wallets - especially in our big diesel ‘450d’ guise.

A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.

Over 44 years BMW has produced more than 15 million examples of the 3 Series. That's roughly one every minute and a half... for over four decades.

And the latest, seventh-generation version of what the famous German maker defines as the "heart and soul" of its brand has landed in Australia.

The new '3' is longer and wider. It's also claimed to be slicker aerodynamically, up to 55 kilos lighter, more fuel efficient, and faster.

And it'll need every advantage it can muster to take a chunk out of its arch rival, the all-conquering Mercedes-Benz C-Class.