Since the release of the BMW X7, the X6 is no longer the BMW SUV flagship, but many people believe that the X6 is still the very best BMW SUV out there. The current, third generation of the X6 is more menacing than ever and all available X6 models come with strong engines and great standard equipment.
The Mercedes Benz GLE is available in either SUV or Coupe form and the Coupe version is more or less a direct competitor to the X6. However, the X6 is a true standalone model which means that it is based on the BMW X5, but the differences between the X5 and the X6 are substantial.
On the other hand, the differences between the GLE and the GLE Coupe are minimal, so much so that you might not be able to tell them apart while looking at them from the front. Either way, the X6 is a more entertaining, more special, and more thrilling car to drive when compared to the GLE.
The GLE is a more family-oriented SUV that aims to satisfy customers who seek efficiency, space, safety, and quietness. The X6 is a more youthful choice and is aimed at those who prefer a thrilling ride over the relative subtleness the standard GLE offers.
2022 BMW X6 – BMW’s flagship sports SUV
The BMW X6 starts at $67,350 for the xDrive 40i model that offers a 3.0L V6 with 335hp and 330lb-ft of torque. The V8-powered M50i X6 starts at $86,650 and it offers a detuned version of the X6 M engine with 523hp and 553lb-ft of torque.
If you are willing to go all out, you can opt for the X6 M that offers the full-on BMW M-division 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with more than 600hp and 553lb-ft of torque for $109,595. The range-topping X6 M Competition costs $118,595 and it offers 617hp.
All BMW X6 models come with BMWs xDrive AWD system and an 8-speed torque converter automatic. The X6 can not be missed as it offers an abundance of road presence. It is a large, wide, and tall SUV that can scare all the hot hatchbacks away from the overtaking lane.
When you step inside the X6, you are greeted with the very best that BMW has to offer which means that the X6 offers class-leading interior build quality and attention to detail. It is not the most practical SUV out there, nor does it offer classic SUV visibility, but an X6 is bought for entirely different reasons.
2022 Mercedes GLE – The more sensible option
Starting at $56,150, the 2022 GLE350 is the entry point into mid-size Mercedes SUV ownership, but many deem the 350 to be a bit boring because it uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 255hp and 277lb-ft of torque and it does not come with the Mercedes 4MATIC AWD system from the factory.
With that being said, you should focus your attention on the $63,950 GLE450 that does come with the 4MATIC AWD system from the factory and a 3.0L V6 that pushes out 362hp and 369bl-ft of torque. The $74,150 GLE 53 4MATIC+ offers the same engine with some additional AMG bits for it offer 429hp and 384lb-ft of torque.
However, the only GLE model that is able to compete with the X6 is the V8 GLE 63 AMG S model that costs $117,000 and it offers similar power to the X6 M. The standard SUV GLE is a lot more practical, more sensible, and objectively a better SUV when compared to the X6.
It is also a better off-roader, it offers better visibility, it is more efficient and cheaper to maintain. However, the BMW X6 is bought by heart, not by mind.
Conclusion – The GLE is better, but the X6 wins
Almost all possible parameters besides power and performance give the upper edge to the GLE because the GLE is cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, more efficient, more spacious, more family-oriented, a better off-roader, and a better family car.
The GLE is a lot easier to drive, park and maneuver in tight spaces. Furthermore, the GLE is being offered with seven seats while the second row of seats in the X6 suffers from lackluster headspace. Almost all aspects point to the GLE, but the X6 wins because it feels more special, more one of a kind and it is a lot more entertaining to drive.
FAQ Section
Is the BMW X6 more reliable than the Mercedes GLE?
Judging by a few online sources, the X6 does hold a better-predicted reliability score when compared to the GLE even though the X6 is a lot more expensive to own. The X6 is actually one of the most expensive BMWs to own because it is so special and one of a kind.
For example, the X6 M uses 295 rear tires which is ridiculous for an SUV. For a spot of context, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the new McLaren Artura use 295 section tires. There are many aspects such as these to the X6 and that is why this coupe sports SUV costs so much money to maintain.
Why should I buy the BMW X6 over the Mercedes GLE?
You should buy the BMW X6 over the Mercedes GLE if you want a sporty, attractive-looking do-all type of car that can compete with both SUVs and sports cars. Large coupe SUVs are indeed an acquired taste, but those who love the styling tend to love everything else about them.
The X6 is a lot more special, more entertaining to drive and it offers higher quality interior materials. It is not as good of a family SUV as the GLE is, but the X6 is more than usable for family-hauling purposes.
Why should I buy the Mercedes GLE over the BMW X6?
The Mercedes GLE family SUV is objectively a better car when compared to the X6 because it offers more space, it is cheaper, more usable, offers better visibility, it is not as stiff and it costs less money to maintain. The GLE is the sensible, smart man option.
If you are a Mercedes enthusiast, chances are that you will not even consider the BMW X6, especially if you also don’t like coupe SUVs. That being said, there are a myriad of reasons why you should buy the GLE over the X6.