BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Mercedes-Benz GLE (2026)
The classic luxury suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the BMW X5 if you want the biggest boot (645 L).
- Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the lowest starting price (₹77.00 Lakh).
- Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you want the most power (443 bhp).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
BMW X5 in short
The X5 is BMW's large luxury SUV for India, facelifted in 2023 and priced ₹96.90 lakh to ₹1.12 crore across four variants — six-cylinder petrol (40i) and diesel (30d), each in xLine and M Sport trims. Every variant is a 3.0L six with xDrive, and the 645-litre boot leads the class. Local assembly keeps it under the Mercedes-Benz GLE's ₹1.00 crore entry. The GLE and Audi Q7 are its rivals; the Q7 counters with seven seats.
Full X5 prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLC in short
The GLC is Mercedes-Benz India's best-selling SUV, and its formula is straightforward: petrol and diesel at the same ₹77.00 lakh price, 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard, and a 620-litre boot that beats most SUVs a class above. The AMG GLC 43 Coupé at ₹99.85 lakh adds a 421 PS performance flagship to the range. It fights the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the heart of the luxury SUV market.
Full GLC prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLE in short
The GLE is Mercedes' large luxury SUV for India, running from ₹1.00 crore for the 300d AMG Line to ₹1.52 crore for the 449 PS AMG GLE 53 Coupé. In between sit six-cylinder petrol (450) and diesel (450d) variants plus Night Edition trims, all with 4MATIC and a 630-litre boot. India-spec cars are five-seaters. It competes with the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 — the Q7 counters with seven seats, the GLE with its engine breadth.
Full GLE prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
X5 vs GLC vs GLE — which should I buy?
Pick the BMW X5 if you want the biggest boot (645 L). Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the lowest starting price (₹77.00 Lakh). Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you want the most power (443 bhp). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among X5, GLC, GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts lowest at ₹77.00 Lakh, against ₹96.90 Lakh for the X5 and ₹1.00 Crore for the GLE (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
BMW X5: not yet NCAP-tested; Mercedes-Benz GLC: not yet NCAP-tested; Mercedes-Benz GLE: not yet NCAP-tested.