Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs BMW XM

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.

BMW’s new XM is a tricky customer to pigeon-hole. Yes, it’s a huge, super-lux SUV and, yes, it’s all-wheel drive and features a station-wagon layout.

But it’s also a M-car and that infers super high performance. Weighing in one the wrong side of 2700kg, however, makes that a difficult task for any engineer.

This car also left us wondering if perhaps the glory days of M Division sports cars and coupes might behind it and SUVs like this one represent the road ahead.

But fear not: The CEO of M Division himself, assured us that the XM is a showcase for what an M badge can do, rather than a mission statement for the brand.

So, with that in mind, does this car have the wow factor that places it somewhere between peak oligarch and a motor-show concept car? Does it move the goal posts for big luxury SUVs? Does it even matter that it’s a plug-in hybrid?